Monthly Archives: May 2024

The PROVJOINTS in North West lauded for high level of safety during elections 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The IEC logo

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The Co-Chairperson of Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) in North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng said after months and weeks of detailed and integrated planning, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in North West, has just concluded and put a stamp of approval, appreciation and gratitude to the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS). 

Asaneng said this comes after the high level Safety and Security Plan that enabled the holding and delivery of free, fair and credible National and Provincial Elections (NPE) under difficult circumstances since the dawn of democratic state 30 years ago.

He said in planning for this year’s elections, the PROVJOINTS and the IEC had to take into account budgetary and cost containment constraints. 

Asaneng further said this was done without jeopardising and compromising the safety, security and credibility of not only the IEC, but also the safety and security of the elections and the many political parties and contestants, who registered to vote and took part in the elections, which were spread over three days of voting.

“The PROVJOINTS, which was entrusted with the mammoth task and responsibility of securing the entire process, was for the first time faced with an unprecedentedly high number of political parties. More than 30 and three different ballot papers. 

“This includes the first time use of Voter Management Devices (VMDs) by the IEC, in addition to managing the stability situation in the province. Despite the uncertainty and threats of disruptions of elections, the PROVJOINTS managed to deliver on its assurance to the IEC and all the people of North West that elections will be held in a safe, secure and conducive environment,” he said.

Asaneng added that it is now common cause that the elections in the province were without any major or significant security breaches. He said this is highly due to the command, management, commitment, dedication and support of all the joint departments, the IEC, the communities, and civil society in the province.

“The joint command of the PROVJOINTS led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force and State Security Agency and ably supported by the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster departments, State Owned Entities (SOEs), the District and Local Municipalities and Provincial Disaster Management Centre, would like to express its sincerest appreciation to all the men and women of different law enforcement agencies and different entities, who heeded the call of duty by working tirelessly and diligently to make sure that the 2024 epoch making elections were held in a safe and secure, peaceful and conducive environment,” said Asaneng. 

He said the dedication, discipline, cooperation and commitment displayed by all is testament to the spirit of patriotism and further enhanced the image of South Africa internationally, given the fact that the eyes of the world were on this year’s elections.

He said the PROVJOINTS would like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to all those who made sure that there is stability during the elections.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Glencore Rhovan Mine back in operation after four weeks’ halt  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The community members of Bakwena Baga Mogopa Tribal Authority/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The situation at Glencore Rhovan Mine in Bethanie is back to normal. This comes after operations were brought to a grinding halt for four weeks by irked community members, who complained about lack of employment. 

The mine workforce comprises 65% of the local community members. 

The situation prompted the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi to establish the technical team led by the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi, acting Head of Department (HOD) at DEDECT, Lebogang Diale and Head of Department (HOD) at the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Ben Bole to intervene in the impasse.

The Bakwena ba Mogopa Tribal Authority under the stewardship of Kgosi Motheo Mamogale, owns 26% stake of Rhovan operations. Mamogale said after three weeks of negotiation between the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), Rhovan Glencore Mine and community leaders, agreed on short, medium and long term solutions, with employment of fixed term workers being an immediate measure.

“Seventy workers will be employed immediately and another batch of 70, will be employed in July 2014, for a minimum of 6 months’ period in different projects, including the establishment of a solar power farm. 

“Through the SLP, the mine has amongst others built Bethanie Clinic, Barseba, Makolokwe and Bethanie Sports Facility, built ablution facilities at the local schools and has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Magalies Water and Rustenburg Local Municipality to supply bulk water to the locals,” he said.

Mamogale further said the mine is also skilling the local community members for employment and to be business ready. He added that, furthermore, the mine empowers locals through training and development interventions including bursaries, learnerships, scholarships, internships, business studies through GIBS.

Tlhapi said it is satisfying with what the negotiations have yielded. She said she believes that more will be done to bring stability, improving the relations between the mine and the community and creating more opportunities.

“We are delighted to announce that the community has agreed to opportunities presented to them by the mine as a short-term measure. We will resolve other issues raised, which included the businesses after creating legitimate structures in the areas.

“We intend to host community meetings in all Bakwena ba Mogopa villages to form structures that will champion the interest of the communities. The provincial government also intends to oversee the formation of the Board of Trustees as soon as possible, which will be accountable to the mine royalties of Bakwena Ba Mogopa and further create socio-economic opportunities for all,” said Tlhapi.

Meanwhile, the Chief Operation Officer, Adriaan Brugman said Rhovan is a Glencore open cast managed mine operation in Bethanie. Its mineral deposit comprises vanadiferous, titaniferous, magnetite gabbro, with vanadium occurring in the magnetite.

Brugman said Rhovan remains committed to empowering their host communities so that they thrive with good education, better health facilities and with business and employment opportunities.

“We have employed 649 workers and 65% are from the Bakwena Ba Mogopa villages and we have about 380 on fixed term contracts of which 86% are locals. All employment and business opportunities are advertised on our information portal to ensure fairness and transparency.

“We are creating other opportunities through the implementation of the Social and Labour plans. The current SLP is yet to be approved. This is worrisome because we want to implement projects and unlock more opportunities,” he said. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Shaleng Primary and Mothelesi Secondary School to be combined 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi addressing the residents of Shaleng during a meeting/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The community of Shaleng village, near Taung said they are happy after a consultative engagement with the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi on Wednesday, over the construction of the new state-of-the-art school. The community members engaged in a meeting with Motsumi to map the way forward over the construction of the new school.  

This comes after community members on Tuesday embarked on a poor service delivery protest demanding amongst others, a new school. One of the community leaders, Sinah Gaoagwe, said the department has promised to build a new school since 2019, but nothing has happened. 

“We had a meeting with Motsumi on Wednesday as agreed. We managed to elect the committee that will represent us. The committee is composed of three School Governing Body (SGB) members from the Shaleng Primary School, three SGB members from Mothelesi Secondary School, two ordinary community members and one from the Baga-Mothibi Tribal Authority. 

“Now, the committee will meet on a monthly basis and give us an update regarding any developments on this project. Motsumi approved the committee and she promised to send a commitment letter today,” she said.   

Meanwhile, Motsumi said the community members welcomed the swift move by the department to address the long-standing concerns of parents and educators at Shaleng Primary School and Mothelesi Secondary School. She further said these schools have faced challenges due to low enrolment with a combined student population falling below 500. 

“Recognizing the need for improved learning environments, the department has taken decisive action to optimize resources and deliver quality education. We are committed to providing conducive learning spaces for all our learners. 

“After careful consideration and discussions with the school communities comprising School Governing Body (SGBs), parents and teachers, we have agreed to combine Shaleng Primary and Mothelesi Secondary Schools into a single institution, which will make them a Combined School,” said Motsumi.

She added that this solution will ensure they can utilize resources effectively, while planning for a brand new school building. Motsumi emphasized that the Combined School will cater to both primary and secondary learners on the same premises.

“It’s important to clarify that even though the schools are being combined, each section will have its dedicated block of classrooms and ablution facilities. The department has already advertised the tender for construction at the school. 

“Construction is anticipated to begin in June 2024, with the goal of handing over the revamped facility to the community before the next academic year. This initiative demonstrates the department’s dedication to prioritizing the well-being of learners and ensuring equitable access to quality education across the province.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to six years for statutory rape 

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (23) was sentenced to 6 year imprisonment by the Calvinia Regional Court for statutory rape. Angelo De Vries was in an intimate relationship with a girl (15), and when she became pregnant, the matter was reported to the police. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said: “The Investigating Officer, D/WO David Matthys from the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, conducted the investigation that ensured no impunity is granted to the perpetrator of this Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) crime, especially as we are celebrating child protection month. 

“Vries was found guilty and sentenced to 6 years imprisonment, which was suspended for 5 years. Kock further said the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name is to be recorded in the National Sexual Offenders Register.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Broos announces final Bafana squad for World Cup clashes against Nigeria, Zimbabwe

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Bafana Bafana players to face Nigeria/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos has named the final 23-member squad to face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

The South African senior men’s national team face Nigeria’s Super Eagles away from home in Uyo on 7 June 2024 and then return to host Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on 11 June 2024.

Broos said he was happy that the South African Football Association (SAFA) will charter a flight for Bafana Bafana to Nigeria next week and then return home a few hours later before heading to Bloemfontein.

“It is very important that we are travelling by charter. You can spend two days travelling (on a commercial airline). You leave on Wednesday and arrive on Thursday night, it’s terrible.

“We did it two years ago against Ethiopia, we won here against Ethiopia, but we ran after the ball, we didn’t touch the ball and we won it. But we could have lost that game because the players were exhausted,” he said.

Broos further said they could not to repeat that again and SAFA did a very big effort to have that charter. He added that he is happy with it.

“So now we will fly to Lagos, from Lagos to Uyo, done. Ok, the flight will not be two or three hours, but it’s only Lagos and we are finished. This is what I wanted and again, I’m very happy that we could achieve it,” said Broos.

Bafana Bafana will return to Bloemfontein for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They last played in the city when they beat France 2-1 in the global FIFA tournament 14 years ago.

The gates at Free State Stadium will open at 15h00 and the tickets are priced at R50.00 for adults. Kids, scholars and students will pay R20.00 (school uniform and student cards required for over 12-year-olds). Tickets are available at TicketPro outlets, Spar, SuperSpar, Putco, Postnet etc.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ramokgopa: ‘No load-shedding scheduled’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said they have noted a social media post purporting to be a power alert – and advising of imminent load-shedding. Ramokgopa said the report is factually incorrect and an ill-guided political ploy to mislead the country. 

He further said following 62 days of no load-shedding, there is growing and overwhelming support for Eskom’s sustained and rigorous effort to self-correct, stabilise and strengthen the generation system. 

“This work is buoyed by an across-the-fleet improvement in energy availability and reduction in breakdowns, following a conscious decision in March 2023 to invest in heightened planned maintenance. 

“In addition to no load-shedding, this work has meant that, over the past eight weeks, Eskom has significantly reduced the amount of diesel used by the Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs),” said Ramokgopa. 

He added that Eskom’s performance has defied all the doomsday predictions and silenced many so-called “critics”. 

Ramokgopa said the ministry remains confident that the work they have been leading over the past 12 months, supported by the many competent Eskom employees and its leadership team, will continue in the coming months. 

“This will ultimately place the country on a firm foundation of energy security to support their inclusive economic growth and development agenda,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for raping his neighbour

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (26) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for raping his neighbour. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said on 30 December 2021 at around 9pm, the woman (21) went to sleep in her home in Homelite, Kimberley, but she woke up the next morning and discovered her neighbour, who was naked in her bed.

“The suspect was subsequently arrested. He was found guilty and sentenced in the Kimberley Regional Court to 10 years direct imprisonment for rape and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“Detective Warrant Officer Conrad de Jongh of the Galeshewe SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit conducted the investigation that led to the outstanding sentence of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) perpetrator,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

ANC firebrand, Itumeleng Maribe said the municipality will address service delivery challenges in Shaleng

NEWS Leave a comment

   

Picture: The GTLM councillor, Itumeleng Maribe

By OBAKENG MAJE

Millions of South Africans across the country successfully went out in their numbers to make their voices heard in the 7th democratic national and provincial elections by casting their votes. However, this was not the case in Shaleng village, near Taung, as only a handful individuals’ went to cast their votes. 

This comes after aggrieved residents boycotted elections and embarked on poor service delivery protests. Residents alleged that the sitting government has done nothing for them since 1994. 

One of the residents, Rogers Mongale said their 15km gravel road is inaccessible, especially during the rainy season. Mongale said the North West Department of Education also promised to build a state-of-art school in their area from 2019, but there is nothing to show for. 

“We are sick and tired of all the lies the government officials fed us. We need a tarred 15km road, a new school that the department promised to construct in 2019, including high mast lights. 

“There are other issues regarding the money being paid by Vodacom for installing their tower in our area. We understand that more than R250 000 was paid into the community’s bank account, but our tribal authority does not want to account,” he said. 

Mongale further said the Electoral Independent Commission (IEC) continues to pay for the usage of their local community hall, since 1994, however, they do not know where that money goes to. He added that, also, the contractor who was appointed to construct their gravel road, was paying R900 for each truck that was loading the soil from their area, but even today, they do not know what happened to that money.          

However, the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Infrastructure in the Greater Taung Local Municipality and ward councilor, Itumeleng Maribe said: “You will remember that, there are challenges in that area as some of the community members embarked on protest over poor service delivery. Some of the challenges they raised were inaccessible roads, which is genuine and a prerogative of the North West Public Works and Roads. 

“In quest to find a lasting solution on this matter, the District Director of North West Public Works and Roads, went to the area to address the community regarding this challenge. Unfortunately, he welcomed him. So, I was requested by the ANC as a trouble shooter to come and speak to the residents and address their issues.” 

Maribe said they understand that the community was irked and decided not to vote, however, they need to understand that it was their democratic right to go and vote for the political party of their choice. 

“Unfortunately, on my arrival, the situation was volatile. The municipality has taken a resolution to attend to the residents’ grievances. We have also allocated a budget for internal roads in Shaleng for the 2025/2026 financial year. 

“We have also instilled high mast lights as part of addressing service delivery. Other issues will be addressed by relevant departments and we will ensure that all challenges are dealt with going forward,” he said. 

Meanwhile, GCIS acting Director General, Nomonde Mnukwa said: “The government thanks the millions of South Africans who successfully went out in their numbers to make their voices heard in the seventh democratic national and provincial elections by casting their votes. This is a clear sign that South Africa has successfully concluded another milestone in its democratic journey with an election characterised by a high voter turnout which affirms that citizens were exercising their fundamental constitutional responsibility of voting. 

“This elections, characterised by a visibly high level of participation, coinciding as it does with the celebrations of 30 years of freedom and democracy, affirmed the fundamental constitutional responsibility of voting as a true symbol representing the voice of our nation.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Residents in Northern Cape lauded for professional conduct during elections 

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, who is also the Chairperson of the Provincial Joint Intelligence Structure, has expressed her heartfelt and sincere gratitude towards all stakeholders within the JCPS Cluster for their unwavering dedication and professional conduct during the policing of the 2024 General Elections in the province. 

Otola said maximum force deployments, as well as collective efforts by all stakeholders, played a pivotal role in ensuring a peaceful elections process. She further acknowledged the professional conduct of all law enforcement officers, who executed their duties with integrity and in an impartial manner.

“No serious incidents were reported and law enforcement agencies swiftly responded to all occurrences reported. We would like to praise the upstanding behaviour of the communities in the province. 

“Cooperation with law enforcement and IEC officials contributed towards a safe and stable environment. Law enforcement in conjunction with all JCPS Cluster stakeholders, will not relax efforts during the announcement of the results and proceeding celebrations,” said Otola.

She said crime prevention operations and disruptive actions will continue unabated to ensure the safety and security of all inhabitants in the province.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

EFF in North West cries foul as ANC takes the lead

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE 

As the results continue to trickle in from various voting stations, the 2024 General Elections were marred with challenges. This comes after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said it has opened a few cases against Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) over disparities that took place at some voting stations. 

According to the EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile, they are not happy with how the IEC officials were conducting themselves in the province. Babuile said there were issues that they reported to the IEC before the election processes that needed to be addressed. 

“We had issues on how the IEC presiding officers were conducting themselves and treating voters. However, that was not addressed and this resulted in voters being returned from various voting stations. 

“For example, a voter’s name will be on the voters roll, but because that certain voter has now been married and changed her surname, she will be turned away and regarded as ineligible to vote,” he said. 

Babuile further said there were other incidents that they have launched with the IEC. He added that some IEC officials allegedly allowed some voters who were not registered to vote. 

“These voters did not appear on the voters roll, including Section 4 register. This happened in areas such as Wolmaransstad, Matlosana, Kagisano-Molopo, and Moretele. In Ditsobotla, ANC members were campaigning during the elections. 

“However, the law is clear that no political party is allowed to campaign while elections are underway. We have also opened cases with the police after some ballot box seals were tampered with on Monday and Tuesday,” said Babuile. 

He said in Kagiso-Molopo, they allegedly caught the presiding officer, who was escorted to the results centre, alone at the voting station with ballot boxes. However, Babuile lauded those who came out in numbers in quest of making the ‘necessary changes’. 

“So, we believe that these elections were not free and fair according to what has transpired. IEC has allowed all these shenanigans to take place under their watch,” he said.

On the other hand, the Democratic Alliances (DA) Chairperson in North West, Winston Rabotapi said: “So far so good for the DA, even though there were some minor incidents that took place in various voting stations. 

“We have seen emotions running high between individuals in various incidents, but at least those issues were addressed. Some of the voters would go to various voting stations, while under the influence of alcohol.  

“So, we believe that these elections were free and fair.”

The ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping said they are extremely happy with the performance of the ruling party thus far. Maruping said in actual fact, they are happy that they have received more votes in Rustenburg and in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region. 

“Equally, there are incidents where we felt that the members of the opposition parties were provoking our members so that there is chaos in those voting stations. That was the only way they would dim the victory of the ANC, however, we remain calm. 

“There were incidents in Mamusa and Mahikeng, but we have reported those incidents. Some have already been resolved and we want to thank the residents of the North West for coming out in numbers and voting for the ANC,” he said. 

Maruping said they targeted a minimum of 85% win, but seems they might get more.

Meanwhile, the IEC chairperson in North West, Dr Tumelontle Thiba could not respond to the allegations levelled against the IEC as she said she was in a managerial meeting.  

taungdailynews@gmail.com