Monthly Archives: June 2024

North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi urges his EXCO to familarise itself with PFMA

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi   

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi urged his Members of Executive Council (MECs) to familarise themselves with Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (PFMA; Act No. 1 of 1999), which is the primary public finance management law in South Africa. 

Mokgosi said it delineates standards expenditure, accounting, and reporting for public entities and this will assist them to make informed decisions. He further said the PFMA is a piece of framework legislation and its implementation is governed by regulations and directives produced by the National Treasury. 

“We need to adhere to this to make informed decisions. This will ensure a seamless take over and functioning of the provincial government. In order to do so, I want them to note that all these reports come from individual departments. 

“Please, read them and understand all the acts. Our government is highly regulated and our instructions should be informed by legislation. All documents provide performance reports for all provincial departments, including immediate tasks that need their attention,” said Mokgosi. 

He added that amongst the reports, there are 30-year Plan Review Report, Draft Reports for 2023/24, Annual Financial Reports (AFRs), Auditor-General Reports, and Progress Reports. 

Mokgosi said they also have an Outstanding Reports of Public Service Commission (PSC), Outstanding Reports from SIU, the Hawks and Public Protector. 

“They should read them because I am going to have one-on-one engagement with them regarding implementation processes. I would also like to make a special request that our office provide me with an oath that I have signed. 

“I want to put it on a notice board in my office. This will remind me every time when I sign or utter words to remember what I have signed for. So, I hope all MECs will do that,” he said.  

Mokgosi also urged his MECs to work diligently and with sincere gratitude. He said this marks the beginning of a new chapter as they usher the new EXCO of the 7th administration.

“This is a culmination of a broader consultative process with various stakeholders and in particular the governing party and its alliance partners. 

“During these consultative meetings, we have all agreed that provisional services in our different municipalities and with our provincial government will be prioritized and expedited to address the high level of unemployment and poverty in our communities,” he said. 

Mokgosi said the people of this province want a government that can work for them and find lasting solutions to various socio-economic challenges confronting them on a daily basis. He said this clarion call is further given impetus by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remark during his inauguration. 

“We should be a centered government, which focuses on a growing exclusive economy that will create job opportunities for all, in particular the marginalised and disenfranchised,” said Mokgosi.

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Two suspects nabbed for dealing in drugs 

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Picture: Drugs confiscated during raid/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

Two suspects aged 24 were arrested for dealing in drugs in Springbok. On 22 June 2024 at around 2:15 pm, the police allegedly received a tip-off regarding two suspects dealing in drugs. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the police followed up on information and searched the premises at 7de Laan in Carolusberg, near Springbok, where they confiscated dagga, Mandrax and Tik.

Kock said the Springbok Public Order Police and Visible Policing units, pounced on two unsuspecting drug dealers and seized drugs worth approximately R113 000.

“The police also confiscated an undisclosed amount of cash, alleged to be proceeds of the drug dealing. The two suspects are expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of dealing in drugs. 

“The police request that you participate in the RATE OUR SERVICE QR online survey and assist the police in improving our service to the public,” he said. 

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ANC alliance partners in North West downcast over processes used to appointment EXCO   

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) in the North West said it welcomes the newly-appointed Executive Council (EXCO) that was introduced by the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi on Friday last week. COSATU alleged that the ANC in North West, went ahead to appoint and pronounce the EXCO without consulting its alliance partners. 

COSATU provincial spokesperson, Kopano Konopi as the alliance, were called into a meeting in Hartbeespoort Dam on 18 June 2024, to be told about the criteria which is going to be used to appoint the EXCO. Konopi further said no names were presented to them that match the criteria.

“We were also told to meet at the ANC Headquarters in Johannesburg on 20 June 2024 at 12:00 to finalise the names, which match the criteria. We were shocked and surprised when the meeting was cancelled 20 minutes before it could commence. 

“This happened while we were waiting outside for us to be called in. As COSATU, we view this conduct of the ANC leadership as disrespectful and abusive of the relation we have in the province,” he said.

Konopi added that COSATU calls on the ANC to convene an urgent political council to explain this kind of behaviour. He said they want to remind the ANC that they have been part of the consultation when it comes to political appointments since 2021, and the most recent one is when they participated in the appointment of the North West Premier.

South African Communist Party (SACP) provincial chairperson, Smuts Moatshe shared the same sentiments. Moatshe said even though they welcome the newly-appointed EXCO, they were not happy with how the process unfolded. 

“We worked well with the party and agreed on who should ascend to the North West premiership position. What was a concerning factor being that, we could not complete the process of those who will be appointed as MECs. 

“However, we welcome the names of those who were tasked with responsibilities to lead various portfolios. This really shows that the ANC is capable. We wish them well and the message of the residents is clear,” he said. 

Moatshe said the residents in the province are not happy regarding the ‘snail pace’ of service delivery. He said they hope the provincial government will adhere to this clarion call. 

“We have been working tirelessly with the current crop and came up with various strategies to address challenges faced by our people. We want the ANC to be wary even though we have won the province with an outright majority. 

“This does not necessarily mean what happened in other provinces such as Gauteng and Northern Cape, might not happen to us in the future. We would have loved to see some individuals not being moved from their positions due to continuity,” said Matshe.

However, ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping refuted the allegations. Maruping said there was a proper consultation with its alliance partners before appointing new MECs. 

“We welcome the newly-appointed EXCO and the fact of the matter is that all our alliance partners were consulted, including COSATU. Actually, consultations started long before the elections when we were compiling the list. 

“After the elections, we continued with numerous consultations with all alliances. We have engaged them through the process to help the ruling party to arrive at its final determination,” he said. 

Maruping said their last meeting was two days before the announcement of the newly-appointed EXCO, where they dealt with the criteria to be used. He said after that meeting, the ANC had a caucus amongst itself and used the same criteria to select those who fit the gages.

“Consultation does not necessarily mean, we must even get into the names. What is important is that criteria will include gender parity, experience and continuity, which reflects on the core.

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The alleged police informer was arrested for corruption! 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A man (49) who was arrested for corruption and attempt of corruption to defeat the ends of justice, briefly appeared in Kuruman Magistrate’s Court. Otsile Shadrack Gaegoroge was arrested on 24 June 2024, as an additional suspect in the ongoing fraud and corruption case. 

In 2021, the former captain attached to DPCI Serious Organised Crime Investigation, allegedly submitted and recommended an informer’s reward claim of R100 000. The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said the police’s claim committee approved a payment of R80 000 to the benefit of the said police informer. 

“It is further alleged that the accused failed to hand the full amount of R80 000 to the informer, but rather paid the informer an amount of R5000 and paid another R5000 to a police Sergeant, who is stationed at Kuruman Police Station. He then kept the rest of the money amounting to R70 000 for himself. 

“The police Sergeant (42) is an accomplice and has been charged alongside the main accused. Gaegoroge who was initially a Section 204 witness, the prosecuting team charged him with corruption and defeating the course of justice or attempting to do so after noting changes on his initial statement,” she said.

Mnisi further said a probe by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team revealed that the informer’s reward claim was fraudulent. She added that the so-called “informer” allegedly recruited by the Sergeant was also charged for defeating the ends of justice connected to the main charge.

“Gaegoroge, who is the fourth accused on this matter was released on R1000 bail and the case is postponed to 15 and 16 August 2024 for a decision,” said Mnisi.

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Eight undocumented suspects nabbed during Operation Phakisa 

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Picture: The Northern Cape police conduct stop and search in various areas/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Eight undocumented persons Were arrested for Contravention of the Immigration Act. The suspects were nabbed during the multi-disciplinary operation known as Operation Phakisa that was executed in Port Nolloth, Kleinsee, Groenrivier, Alexander Bay and Hondeklipbay between 20 and 23 June 2024. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the operations focused on illegal activities in relation to marine related crimes by monitoring and ensuring strict compliance of the prescribed ranching, fishing and harvesting regulations, as well as addressing the proliferation of drugs, firearms and prevention of undocumented immigrants.

Kock said the operations were executed by teams from different departments and relevant stakeholders, including South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Unit, SAN Parks, the Department of Mineral and Resources and the Department of Agriculture Environmental Affairs Rural Development and Land Reform. 

“Actions and activities executed during the commencement of the operations include, compliance inspections, vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, raids at identified houses for illegal drugs, firearms and other commodities smuggling.

“Four vehicle check points (VCPs) were conducted on the Port Nolloth/ Kleinzee and Port Nolloth/Alexander Bay roads during which vehicles and persons were stopped and searched. Numerous operational successes were achieved, including fishing permits that were inspected at harbours, camping sites and launching pads,” he said. 

Kock said they were visited by the multi-disciplinary law enforcement officials for which fines to the value of R6000 were issued for the Contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act and also confiscated illicit cigarettes worth approximately R41 000.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola reiterated that the police in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, will continue unabated to ensure that the sea environment and marine resources is protected and remains safe and secure.

Otola said the police will continue to ensure that they combat all illegal and unregulated activities along the coastal areas in the province.

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The police are looking for a missing soldier

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Picture: The missing Luntu Basil Hatta/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

The police in Postmasburg request assistance in locating a missing soldier. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Luntu Basil Hatta (53) was last seen on 2 June 2024 in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Base in Lohatlha, near Postmasburg at around 5am. 

“He was apparently wearing blue jeans and a black jacket. Anyone with information can call D/Capt Hans Brendall on 082 495 0796. The investigation continues,” he said. 

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi aims to improve learners’ performance 

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi had a consultative engagement acting Superintendent-General, Deputy Director-Generals and the four District Directors in Rustenburg. This comes after her re-appointment to the department. 

Motsumi further said she had a special meeting to discuss amongst others, strengthening the administration and management roles of Deputy Director-Generals and District Directors – monitoring implementation of the targets in the Annual Performance Plan (APP) and related expenditure. 

She added that they also discussed how to strengthen support to schools to enhance learner performance.  

“I will be having a meet and greet session across the department with the sole objective of improving the results. I will also conduct accountability sessions wherein departmental managers will be held accountable based on their performance. 

“This accountability session is meant to highlight the challenges faced by the management responsible for each unit within the department and to bring on the amicable solutions. As the department, we believe that this meeting will improve the performance of all learners from Grade R-12, when the year comes to an end,” said Motsumi. 

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More than 768 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

More than 768 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for crimes such as for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, possession of drugs, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, theft out of / from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of 768 suspects, 314 were wanted and arrested during detective suspect raiding operations. Mokgwabone said in addition, 44 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing.

“The arrests were effected during execution of various actions that included stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, to mention a few. During the operations, goods such as drugs, 40 ammunition, three firearms, liquor and seven cell phones.

“As part of the operations, two suspects were arrested in Delareyville and Lichtenburg for dealing in drugs on 21 June 2024. The pair was found in possession of mandrax and crystal meth separately. The estimated street value of drugs is R7000. The police in the province working together with other role players continued with high density operations between 19 and 24 June 2024, to prevent and combat crime,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all role players for their continued efforts in the fight against crime to ensure safer communities.

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eBhayi FC and Nav Galaxy crowned Engen Knockout Challenge Eastern Cape Champions

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Picture: eBhayi FC and Nav Galaxy crowned Engen Knockout Challenge Eastern Cape Champions/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

The Eastern Cape has new champions of the Engen Knockout Challenge. This comes after eBhayi FC and Nav Galaxy FC were crowned the 2024 Engen Knockout Challenge Eastern Cape champions on 23 June 2024 at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU).

The return of the tournament to the talent-rich Eastern Cape province lived up the high expectations, with all 24 participating teams producing quality youth football at the two-day tournament in Gebhera.

The crowning of eBhayi FC in the boys and Nav Galaxy FC in the girl’s division means the province will be represented by new teams at this year’s Engen Champ of Champs, with eBhayi dethroning Chippa United in the boys’ section, while Nav Galaxy take the crown from former champions, City Lads FC.

eBhayi FC was clinical enroute to the final as they finished top of the group following a 3-1 win over Sophia Young Stars in their opening match, which was followed by a 4-1 drubbing of Maria Louw High to finish top of their group.

The quarterfinals saw eBhayi cruising over Ndakeni Young Stars with a 3-0 win before edging United Brothers 2-1 in the Semi-Finals in what was a closely contested encounter.

The newly crowned champions wrapped things up in style in the final with a 2-0 win that saw them dethrone Chippa United to be crowned the new champions of the Eastern Cape.

Nav Galaxy had quite a tough start to their campaign when they had to dig deep for a 1-0 win over Golden Stars in their opening match before their 2-0 win over Phoenix Birds Ladies FC in their second group match.

Against Bay Stars Ladies, Galaxy had picked up great momentum, resulting in a comfortable 3-0 win which sent them to the semi-finals where they cruised past Kilimanjaro Stars with a comfortable 5-0 win.

Galaxy then faced the 2023 champions, City Lads FC who they impressively held to a 0-0 draw before being crowned champions after a dramatic 4-3 penalty victory.

The Engen Knockout Challenge continues next weekend, with Durban set to host the KwaZulu-Natal leg of the competition between 29 – 30 June in what promises to be another exciting and action-filled weekend of youth football entertainment by Engen.

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Government of national unity must put people’s interests first

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa 

By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

The formation of the second Government of National Unity (GNU) is a momentous development in South Africa’s democracy. Every effort must be made to ensure that the GNU remains true to its founding spirit of collaboration in good faith to drive a programme that improves the lives of all South Africa’s people. 

South Africans made clear with their votes in last month’s elections that they want their elected representatives to put aside narrow interests and work together to build the country. To do so, the GNU cannot be preoccupied with jockeying for positions, tussles over appointments or squabbles within and between parties.

The success of the GNU will be measured by the extent to which we are prepared to focus not on who will govern, but on how we will govern, together. The first GNU was established in 1994 to promote nation building and inclusivity from a racially divided past during a period of political transition. 

Among its main tasks was to ensure the passage of a new democratic Constitution. Giving effect to the principles of that Constitution and the Bill of Right must be the overriding focus of this GNU. 

This will be done by pursuing a common programme to eradicate poverty and build a more equal society, to create jobs, and to make the government truly work for the people. The GNU Statement of Intent provides a solid base for genuine cooperation between parties across the political spectrum who have signed up of their own accord. 

The Statement of Intent commits the signatories to a set of foundational principles that include respect for constitutionalism; accountability, transparency and community participation in government, evidence-based policy and decision-making, professionalisation of the public service, integrity and good governance. The parties to the GNU have agreed on priorities for the incoming administration. At the top of the list of priorities is the achievement of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to create jobs.  

It will be critical that the GNU stays the course on the structural reform that is underway to improve the business operating environment and establish South Africa as an investment destination of choice. These reforms are necessary to resolve longstanding challenges in key industries and create more jobs and opportunities. We will need to build on the progress that has already been made, while accelerating the pace of reform. 

The fact that there is broad consensus among the parties on the priorities of the incoming administration gives us encouragement that the GNU will indeed take the country forward. Emanating from the priorities outlined in the Statement of Intent, the parties will further refine the GNU’s programme, including through the proposed National Dialogue process. 

We remain committed to consensus-building and to the representation of a broad range of interests and viewpoints within government. At the same time, we are all keenly aware that South Africans expect action, implementation and results. 

In a robust defence of the first Government of National Unity in 1994, President Nelson Mandela described it as an enduring national consensus “that is neither an imposition of one party over others, nor a honeymoon premised on the fickle whims of a fleeting romance”. The same is true today. 

As parties finalise the modalities of the GNU guided by the Statement of Intent, the days and weeks that lie ahead will be crucial. 

The country’s hopes are pinned on the success of the GNU. Our stated commitment to work together constructively and for South Africa’s benefit has generated a great deal of goodwill that we should not squander.  

South Africans are watching. We should not waste our energies on those who stand in the way of our country’s progress or lose momentum over differences that can be resolved. 

We need to demonstrate in both word and deed that our programme is clear, coherent and sustainable, that our collaboration is genuine, and that the interests of the people will always come first. 

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