Monthly Archives: June 2024

Police visit schools to address learners on social ills during Child Protection Month

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Picture: The police engaging with learners in Kimberly/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The Kimberley SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit and the Douglas SAPS Social Crime Prevention visited Bongani and Bucklands Primary schools on 30 May 2024, as part of Child Protection Month.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the campaign formed part of the police recognizing Child Protection Month under the theme: “Protecting South African Children, 30 years on”.

“The team addressed more than 250 learners regarding general bullying, cyber bullying, sexual offences, teenage pregnancy, dangerous weapons, substance abuse, and school discipline. 

“The scholars were reminded of their right to be protected, treated with dignity, not to be human-trafficked, to be able to go to school, to be cared for, and not to be treated cruelly,” he said.

Kock further said the children were told to protect and respect their bodies and that of others and also reminded that, if you see something, say something. He added that if they want to report a crime, they can call 08600 10111. 

“You can also call the Child line for help on 0800 0555 55. Caring communities protect children,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu said in celebrating the country’s 30 years of freedom and democracy, they had launched the Child Protection Week campaign at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, in Kimberly on 19 May 2024.

Zulu said the National Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).

“The campaign is led by the Department of Social Development in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations, rendering child protection services. 

“The government calls on all South Africans to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse. It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children,” she said.

Zulu said children in South Africa live in a society with a constitution that has the highest regard for their rights and for the equality and dignity of everyone. She said protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution.

“The department has a pilot 24-hour call centre dedicated to provide support and counselling to victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The toll-free number to call is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling.

“Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone. You can also get help at Childline South Africa on 116 or Child Welfare South Africa on 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110 / e-mail: info@childwelfaresa.org.za,” said Zulu.

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Ikhutseng Primary School in deplorable condition   

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Picture: Ikhutseng Primary School in Vaaltyn village in deplorable condition 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The residents of Vaaltyn village, near Taung said, they welcome the North West Department of Education’s plans to construct a new state-of-art school in their area. A week ago, the residents embarked on a poor service delivery protest amongst others, demanding the new school. 

One of the residents, Edwin Motshidi, alleged that the Ikhutseng Primary School is in deplorable condition and it might be hazardous to the learners. Motshidi said, however, they are grateful that the department addresses their educational and social needs at last. 

“Schools play a crucial role in meeting the unique needs of the local community, especially in far-flung areas like Vaaltyn. They are more than just centres for learning because they are important for promoting social cohesion and preserving community identity. 

“Since the department promised to build the school many years ago. It was disheartening to be told about rationalization due to the low number of learners after so many years of waiting,” he said. 

Another resident, Keboneilwe Mampe (63) shared the same sentiments. Mampe said the Ikhutseng Primary School was built by a community using mud bricks. Mampe further said they have waited for a proper school for many years. 

“We are finally happy that at least the department will build a new school. We continued to be ignored by the government, simply because we are in deep rural areas. Honestly, our government was supposed to put more focus in rural areas due to unique challenges experienced here. 

“We often have overcrowding with limited resources. Also, geographical isolation can make it challenging to provide quality educational opportunities as many qualified educators do not want to come and teach here. So, the government must know that schools in rural areas are vital in nurturing education and fostering community. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “The department has made a commitment to build a new school in Vaaltyn. The school building is planned for the 2024/25 financial year. We can also highlight that budget allocation is not yet known as plans are unfolding. 

“What we can confirm is that the school will comprise 12 classrooms, admin, NSNP kitchen and grade R classrooms. The department is aware of the state of the buildings, hence it planned to build a new school.”

Molokwane said the department intended to build a new school as renovations to Ikhutseng Primary School will not be a solution. He said they are waiting for the budget adjustment at the end of September 2024.

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Mokapelo wa motsamaisi wa ditlhopo kwa IEC o tshwerwe mono Taung  

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Monna wa dingwaga di le 28, o solofetswe go tlhagelela ka borepana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung fa Seetebosigo a tlhola matsatsi a le 27, mono ngwaga. Seno se tla morago ga ma gatwe a gore, Keorapetse John Teele, a itatlhele kwa seteisheneg sa go vouta kwa sekolong se se golwane sa St Paul’s ka Laboraro a sa memiwa. 

Go begwa fa Teele a ne dirisa dikgoka go kopana le mokapelo wa gagwe (36), morago ga gore ba nne le thefosano ya mafoko mo mosong wa letsatsi leo. Go begwa fa mokapelo wa ga Teele, ene ele motsamaise mogolo wa Independent Electoral Commission (IEC presiding officer) ka motlha wa tiragalo e. 

Go ya ka bo marata-helele, go begwa fa Teele yo o fitlhetseng fa gone go balwa divouto, a ne a tshwerwe sebetsa sengwe, mme maikaelelo a gagwe ene ele go ntsha mokapelo wa gagwe dikgobalo. 

Fela, sepodisi se ile sa tsereganya ka nako, mme sa laela Teele gore a ba tswele ka dikgoro, gonne go sa letlelelwa batho ba eseng badiri ba IEC, kgotsa baemedi ba makoko a sepolotiki (party agents).      

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Ke nnete sepodisi se butse kgetsi kgatlhanong le Teele, mme o tla tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ka 27 Seetebosigo 2024.”

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North West Department of Health to probe ‘irregular’ cancellation of mobile clinic in Vaaltyn 

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Picture: The mobile clinic/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The residents of Vaaltyn village in Taung have applauded the North West Department of Health for coming up with innovative models in addressing their healthcare needs. This comes after the department brought a mobile healthcare clinic to the area on a weekly basis. 

A week ago, the irked residents embarked on a poor service delivery protest, amongst others, demanding a mobile clinic. 

One of the community leaders, Keabetswe Modisaotsile said it has been a while since the mobile clinic visited their area. Modisaotsile further said a mobile clinic plays a pivotal role and reduces health disparities, especially among disenfranchised community members. 

“We are now happy that vulnerable individuals in our area, including our elders with chronic illness, will have easy access to health facilities. For some people, mobile health clinics are the only means to lifesaving medical treatment. 

“For many years, we had access to the mobile clinic only on a monthly basis. This has affected many livelihoods because most residents seeking medical attention have to either go to Reivilo or Mokgareng village,” she said.

Modisaotsile added that affordable healthcare may not be possible without mobile clinic services in their area. She said it is worrisome to see vulnerable people with low-income, continue to face disproportionately negative health outcomes. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health’s District Director in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Abednego Mvula said: “We have learned with shock that the mobile point at Vaaltyn village is not rendering services to the community. The opening and closing of health facilities is strictly the authority of the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha and not officials.

“The district has immediately reinstated the services at Vaaltyn. These services will be rendered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The district has launched an investigation to determine the remedial course of action to be taken against any official for wrongdoing.”

Mvula said the community is further advised to always report inadequacies in service delivery to the district for immediate intervention. He said the department profusely apologise for the lack of services in the area and will uphold a high quality service delivery at this mobile point.

“Regular monitoring and evaluation will be done to establish whether a fixed clinic is required to be prioritised for the Vaaltyn community,” said Mvula. 

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Murder and attempted murder accused, Tshwaro Mangwegape back in court 

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Picture: The former Meat Brothers Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder and attempted murder case against the former Meat Brothers Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), is expected to resume today at Taung Magistrate’s Court. Mangwegape, who is out on R5000 bail, is accused of shooting and killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33). 

On 17 December 2023, Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited the establishment that was full to capacity. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.

Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully, but Mangwegape allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them. Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.

Mangwegape’s case was postponed, while the state is still waiting for ballistic test results.

Meanwhile, the ANCYL spokesperson in North West, Molebang Mohlomi said in a statement that, they condemn violence meted against patrons at the Meat Brothers. Mohlomi said it is alleged that security guards and bouncers unleashed live ammunition towards unarmed civilians, who were trying to gain access to the establishment.

“This barbaric behaviour bothers public safety. This shows how business owners lack respect for their clients. A clinical approach to review licences of public places must be applied to ensure those who are bestowed with the responsibility to protect patrons are PSIRA compliant. 

“We have sent our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. Equally so, we call upon law enforcement agencies to speedily resolve this brutish crime,” he said.

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NWU Alumnus and dance coach shines bright

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Picture: Prince Motaung has earned national colours in dance

By PHENYO MOKGOTHU

The North West University (NWU) alumnus and coach of the dance team at Mahikeng Campus, Prince Motaung, recently earned national Protea colours. Motaung will also manage and coach the dance team, Omphile Makhobosi and Palesa Mphela, who will represent South Africa at the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) World Championship’s Under-21 Latin competition on 16 November 2024 in Salaspils, Latvia.

A former dancer himself, Prince boasts an impressive collection of over 200 trophies, more than 150 medals, and various certificates from his six-year dancing career. His notable achievements include winning second place in his section at the 2019 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Annual Dance Tournament, securing first position in the overall opening act out of 22 universities, and achieving third place in the overall tournament, which included both formation and team match categories.

Reflecting on his recent accolade, Prince says receiving national colours is one of the most significant moments in his dancing career. 

“Not only does this validate how good we are in the sport, but it also acknowledges our hard work. It has not been easy being one of the youngest coaches in ballroom and Latin dance, however, this milestone has opened so many doors for my and my team’s dancing career,” he said. 

Motaung’s achievements highlight his dedication and talent in the dance sport arena, serving as an inspiration for both current and future dancers. 

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NPA in Northern Cape demolishes house used as haven by criminals   

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Picture: A house allegedly used as haven by criminals/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Northern Cape said it has recently launched a progressive arm that aims to bring the organisation closer to communities through engagements outside the parameters of the courts. 

The Prosecution Manager in the Northern Cape Division, Advocate Mpho Tau said the Community Prosecution(CP) initiative’s objective is to collaborate with various stakeholders to resolve and prevent crime at grassroots levels. 

Tau said through the CP programmes, the NPA has been able to host dialogues, outreach events, activations, radio talk shows, television shows and other face-to-face programs with different sectors of the communities. 

“During one of these community outreaches in Galeshewe Township, in Kimberley, the community informed us that, there was an abandoned house notoriously known as the Colour Block, which was in a dilapidated state on Hulana Street, Galeshewe, near the City of Kimberley. 

“The information received was that many of the wanted criminals would evade arrest and hide at the Colour Block, while continuing to terrorise the community. As part of remedying the situation, we engaged with the owners of the house on how to best assist them with this structure that had become a dangerous haven for criminals,” he said. 

He further said the family taking into consideration the safety of their community agreed to have the dilapidated structure demolished, not taking away any right they have to the ERF. Tau added that the NPA through the CP further engaged with the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in Kimberley regarding the use of the demolishing machinery. 

“On 30 May 2024, the house was demolished. NPA continues to serve the communities by ensuring justice for the victims of crime by prosecuting without fear, favour, and prejudice,” he said.

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The dissemination of false information through social media platforms lands a man in jail

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (38) who posted on his social media page alleging that some people were planning to assassinate the president of Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit to De Aar on Human Rights Day celebrations, was sentenced to five years imprisonment. Elrico Kaizer Kasper was sentenced by the De Aar Regional Court for cyber fraud.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said: “A disruptive operation consisting of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team and Crime Intelligence, was operationalised and the team located the said accused.

“Kasper was then taken in for questioning and he admitted to having posted such, citing the frustration of unemployment. He made numerous court appearances until his sentencing.”

Senokoatsane said the NPA welcomed the sentencing of the accused and hoped this sentence will work as a deterrent to other perpetrators of cybercrimes. He said it is important that people should be aware that the dissemination of false information through social media platforms will lead to people being prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Steven Mabuela, congratulated the team including the prosecution team for the sterling work done.

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CAF, SAFA to host national club licensing workshop

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Picture: The SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the South African Football Association (SAFA), will in the coming week host a Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP) workshop. The seminar will take place in Johannesburg from 4-6 June 2024.

Clubs from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the Hollywoodbets Super League will attend the workshop, which will mainly focus on the in-depth training sessions for users of the platform.

The general objectives of the workshop are training of the users for the CLOP, present the CAF Club Licensing regulatory framework (edition 2022) for men and women and explanation of mandatory criteria for the domestic and continental competitions.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, will open the workshop and it will also be attended by the SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao, her PSL counterpart Mato Madlala and the CAF Head of Professional Football, Muhammad Sidat.

“I am looking forward to welcoming all participants to this important and informative club licensing workshop. In this modern world we live in, it is important for all clubs to keep up with the modern trends,’’ said Jordaan.

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Voters prove that our democracy is strong and robust

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By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

We have just held a successful general election. Last week, over 16 million citizens cast their votes at more than 23,000 voting stations across the country. This was the most competitive election we have held since attaining democracy in 1994, with a record number of political parties on the ballot and independent candidates standing for the first time.

This election has been declared free and fair. It took place peacefully and without serious incidents of intimidation or violence. This is a credit to the Independent Electoral Commission, to the political parties and their leadership, and above all to the South African people.

By discharging this important civic duty, South Africans have done more than exercise their right to vote. They have shown that they continue to hold our democratic order and our Constitution in high regard.

This successful poll shows that our democracy is strong, that it is robust and that it endures.

This constitutional order is anchored in the rule of law, supported by institutions for advancing democracy, such as the Independent Electoral Commission, and upheld by an independent judiciary.

Since 1994 we have strived together to build a country that is democratic, prosperous and free, and this remains the defining mission of our nation. With us now having entered a new phase in our democratic journey, political parties will have to strive in earnest to find common ground as we work to rebuild our country.

Although every political party carries a mandate based on the commitments they made to the electorate, all parties share an over-arching mandate to build a country that is inclusive, united and prosperous.

This moment in our country calls for responsible leadership and constructive engagement. There can be no place for threats of violence or instability.

South Africans must stand firm against any attempts to undermine the constitutional order we have worked so hard to build, and for which so many struggled and sacrificed.

Whatever challenges we may face as political events unfold, they should be dealt with in a spirit of cooperation and in accordance with the prescripts of our Constitution and the rule of law.

Despite the mammoth logistical undertaking, and despite a number of challenges it faced, the Independent Electoral Commission once more acquitted itself with excellence, professionalism and integrity.

According to the results of the Election Satisfaction Survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the majority of voters surveyed expressed confidence in the IEC. Furthermore, the majority were also generally satisfied with the voting procedures, felt safe to cast their ballots in secrecy, and were confident that the election was free and fair.

Having achieved yet another milestone on our democratic journey, we should all take pride in our own contribution towards giving meaning to the values and principles of our constitutional democracy.

As we work as political parties to find each other across the divide in the coming weeks and months, let us demonstrate both in our actions and our utterances that we hold the Constitution and the rule of law to be paramount.

Let us remember that whatever authority, whatever power, we are entrusted with must be exercised to advance the interests of the South African people.

Now more than ever, we need to put our differences aside and work together for the common good.

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Picture: The RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa