Monthly Archives: July 2024

North West University alumni honoured as Emerging Psychologist of the Year

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Picture: The North West University (NWU) alumnus, Marelie Botha/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The North West University (NWU) alumnus, Marelie Botha, was recently honoured as the Emerging Psychologist of the Year at the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa (SIOPSA) Presidential Merit Awards held at the Wanderers Club, Johannesburg.

SIOPSA is a member-based, Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) established to enhance the industrial and organisational psychology profession in South Africa. These awards are held annually in recognition and celebration of excellence in industrial and organisational psychology.

This accolade stands as a testament to Botha’s exceptional contributions to the field of industrial psychology. She said receiving the award was a tremendous honour and represents the collective hard work of those dedicated to driving change.

“Receiving the award is a testament to my efforts in advancing the field of industrial psychology. Professionally, it validates the contributions I strive to make within the industry. 

“Personally, it is a recognition of the perseverance and dedication required to overcome the numerous challenges in this field, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence,” said Botha. 

Botha’s journey has been characterised by perseverance, hard work, and a tireless commitment to advancing the field of industrial psychology. Throughout her career, she has been a champion of addressing key challenges faced by emerging industrial-organisational psychologists.

Her efforts, alongside like-minded individuals, led to the establishment of an interest group aimed at tackling issues such as unclear registration processes and limited internship opportunities. She said this collaborative initiative has fostered a more supportive environment for emerging professionals in the field.

Botha has carved a path of success through sheer determination. Her dedication to the industry is further reflected in her role as the chairperson of the Assessment Centre Study Group, chairperson and EXCO member at SIOPSA, and Project Manager of the SIOPSA Learning Academy.

“I was influenced by my family’s deep roots in psychology, with my grandfather and mother being renowned industrial psychologists, so my career path in this field was a natural progression.

“My dedication and hard work eventually led to the establishment of Inpsyght Consulting, a thriving business specialising in talent management solutions and workplace counselling,” she said.

Botha grew up in Vanderbijlpark and completed her undergraduate, honours, and master’s degrees at the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus. During her studies, she sought opportunities to job shadow and assist industrial psychologists in administrative tasks.

During her master’s studies, she worked as a psychometrist and began her journey as an industrial psychology intern. 

“The path to registration in our field is tough, so I took over my mom’s consultancy and turned it into a successful business specialising in talent management and workplace counselling. It was a challenging journey, working around 17-18 hours a day, but it all paid off in the end. 

“Building a robust professional network, staying up-to-date with industry advancements, seeking mentorship, and fostering a supportive environment are crucial for success. Additionally, maintaining resilience and adaptability is key, as the journey to becoming a registered industrial psychologist can be demanding but immensely rewarding,” said Botha. 

She counsels aspiring industrial psychologists to prioritise continual learning and evidence-based practices.

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A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for rape 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

A man (26) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the De Aar Regional Court for rape.  On 4 April 2022, at around 3:30am, the victim (16) was with her friend in Nonzwakazi, De Aar, when they were accosted by two unknown men. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the men chased away the victim’s friend. Shemane said they raped the victim before they fled the scene. 

“The rape case was registered and assigned to Captain Valery Booysen of De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for investigation. Evidence led to the arrest of the accused, who was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. 

“The court also declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm and the accused name to be entered in the National Register for Sex Offenders. The police are committed towards the prevention and investigation of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes to ensure that perpetrators feel the full wrath of the law,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Shemane said the Detectives across the province continue unabatedly to secure significant sentences in their quest to bring perpetrators to book.

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North West University encourages learners to take STEM subjects 

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Picture: Learners during Science Day at MM Sebitloane Special School

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

Grade 12 learners who received bursaries from the North West University (NWU) said they are grateful and this will ensure that they fulfil their dreams. This comes after the North West University (NWU) held the second vice-chancellor’s Science Day at MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung on 30 July 2024. 

The NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka, who is a scientist himself said, the event aimed to raise awareness and to inspire learners from schools in Taung and neighbouring villages to develop an interest in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, encouraging them to pursue careers in these areas.

Tyobeka further said they are targeting approximately 1 200 learners in Grades 10 to 12 from rural communities. He added that the Science Day was a collaborative effort between various internal and external stakeholders. 

“They include the NWU’s vice-chancellor’s office and Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), the North West Department of Education, and the Taung College of Agriculture, among others.

“For the learners of Taung, enrolling in STEM fields is not just an opportunity – it is a vital step towards shaping a brighter future for yourselves and your communities. STEM education opens doors to careers that are in high demand and offers the potential for innovation and problem-solving that can transform our world,” said Tyobeka. 

He said in a region such as Taung that is often characterised by limited resources, a strong foundation in STEM can empower young people to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness by finding solutions that are relevant to the actual needs of the area. Tyobeka said they are equipped with critical thinking skills, creativity and resilience, which are traits essential for thriving in today’s rapidly evolving job market. 

“If learners continue to embrace STEM education, they can become pioneers in fields such as renewable energy, healthcare, technology, agriculture and more, contributing to the development and sustainability of Taung and beyond. 

“Moreover, STEM careers often offer better job stability and higher remuneration, providing a pathway out of poverty and a means to support families and communities,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Pinagare High School Grade 12 learner, Reabetswe Thupayatlase said: “I have applied for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Regional and Urban Planning at the North West University (NWU) and I am so excited for the opportunity. The bursary means a lot to me because I did not apply for any financial assistance.”

Joseph Saku High School Grade 12 learner, Gomotsego Moholo shared the same sentiments.

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North West Department of Community safety and Transport Management received unqualified audit opinion 

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Picture: The Head of Department of North West Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Hans Kekana/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has welcomed the improved audit opinion for the 2023/24 financial year. In the previous financial year, the department had scored a qualified opinion. 

The Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana said subsequently, measures of compliance were put in place in order to achieve the unqualified opinion and working hand-in-hand with the Office of the Auditor General (AG). Kekana said the course to attaining the unqualified outcome was challenging. 

“However, it is a clear indication of the department’s devotion to achieving a clean audit. On behalf of the entire management team, we welcome the outcome of the audit report. 

“A lot of work has gone into making sure that the outcome matches our intentions and overall performance targets. It has been a challenging journey of transition, above all it shows that our commitment towards a clean audit is being realised slowly but surely,” he said. 

Kekana also expressed appreciation to officials for their tireless efforts to ensure increased compliance. He further said his gratitude goes to the internal audit team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and the entire management team for the overall improvement. 

“Auditing should not be viewed as a punitive process, but as a corrective measure to assist the government in moving forward and ensure that resources are used effectively, efficiently and economically,” he added. 

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A man heading to Malawi nabbed for possession of suspected stolen vehicle at Ramatlabama Port of Entry  

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Picture: The suspected stolen motor vehicle seized by police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (56) who was arrested for suspected stolen motor vehicle will briefly appear in Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 1 August 2024, for formal bail application. Dumisani Mnyandu was arrested on 25 July 2024, while attempting to cross the Ramatlabana Port of Entry into Botswana with a Hyundai Grand Creta vehicle.  

According to the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Mnyandu was arrested after the circulation system showed that the vehicle with KwaZulu-Natal registration numbers, was allegedly hijacked in Mbizana, Eastern Cape, on 14 July 2024. 

“The preliminary investigations revealed that Mnyandu was in transit to Malawi. Consequent to his arrest, Mnyandu made an initial court appearance on 26 July 2024, for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended police at the Port of Entry for their attentiveness and collaboration with Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) in the fight against transnational crimes.

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Prayer session to strengthen a fight against crime 

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Picture: Some of community members attending the praying session/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Following the commitment recently made by the North West Community Safety and Transport Management on strengthening the fight against crime, the department led the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prayer session at Dinokana village, near Zeerust.  

The Chief Director for the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, Mpho Maleme, called on victims not to withdraw their cases and explained the role of the department in ensuring that police services communities according to the law.

“We are responsible to ensure that you get the service that you deserve at police stations and upon our investigations, we are able to re-register your case should we find discrepancies from the police side upon their investigation. 

“The prayer session was organised under the District Development Model (DDM), where a number of government departments such as National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, South African Police Services, Home Affairs, Social Development and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), presented to communities on their services, particularly on dealing with cases of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F),’ she said.

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A serial rapist sentenced to life imprisonment

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

A man (43) was sentenced double life imprisonment by the North West High Court sitting in Klerksdorp for two counts of rape. Kabelo Anderson Tserema was also sentenced to 80 years for eight counts of rape. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said Tserema was also sentenced to 15 years on each of 12 counts of robbery, 5 years on each of eleven counts of kidnapping and six months on each four counts of assault. 

“The court ordered that all counts should run concurrently with the sentence of life imprisonment imposed on count one of life imprisonment.

“Tserema was charged on eleven dockets with a total of 45 various counts of crimes such as rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), kidnapping and pointing of firearm,” he said. 

Gunya further said ten of these cases were registered in Mogwase and one in Phokeng between May 2013 and February 2016. He added that following a lengthy investigation, Tserema was identified through forensic leads. 

“He was arrested on 11 February 2020 and has been in custody since then. The court heard that as part of committing the crimes, the accused would wait and attack women walking alone in the evening, then grab and drag them to the nearby bushes or graveyards.  

“Tserema would assault, rape and rob his victims, who ranged from 16 to 38, of their cash and cell phones. Most of the incidents occurred at Lerome and Welgeval villages, near Moruleng,” said Gunya.

In mitigating for hefty sentence, the state prosecutor, Advocate Nangamso Goloda said: “It is an egregious state of affairs that more than two decades after the advent of our constitution, which guarantees the rights to privacy, rights to bodily integrity and right to freedom of movement that there are people like Tserema, who make it their business to violate such rights against women in our society.

“The accused person needs to be removed from society for life to protect the women of this country.”

When delivering the judgment, Judge Pieterson said the accused killed the victims emotionally and physically. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and DDP Head in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, hailed the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Ernest Modise and Goloda and other role players including forensic investigators for their diligence that led to the conviction. They believe that justice was served to the victims and their families. 

Makhari and Kwena urged members of the community to always be vigilant.

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‘Swift action against alleged rapist a standard for policing GBV cases’ 

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron  

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron has lauded the South African Police Service’s Atlantis Visible Policing Unit and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for the swift action taken to apprehend an alleged rapist in the Atlantis area in the Western Cape. 

Cameron has highlighted that the swift action by members of the units led to the arrest of the perpetrator and have set the standard for action required from the SAPS, if it is to win the fight against the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country.

“The dedication displayed by Constable October and Constable Vigeland from Atlantis VISPOL, and Constable Julies from Cape Town FCS is truly remarkable. 

“Their swift action and determination represent the best that is needed to reclaim the credibility of SAPS and highlights what is needed in the fight against crime and criminality in the country,” he said. 

Cameron further said it is reported that a victim led the police to a remote farm, where she was held captive and repeatedly raped for approximately four months before she was able to escape. 

He added that the committee has emphasised that members of SAPS must take immediate action to investigate and arrest perpetrators of GBV cases and must treat the victims with compassion and empathy. 

“This is the standard we expect and the SAPS members have shown that this can be done. We call for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted for this heinous crime. 

“I have on behalf of the committee dispatched a letter to the National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to highlight our appreciation for the work of the three SAPS members and have highlighted the good standard that these officers have upheld,” said Cameron. 

He has also called for psycho-social assistance for the victim to assist them to deal with this ordeal.

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North West Public Works and Roads set out plans to improve performance of its districts 

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Picture: The Head of Department at North West Public Works and Roads, Moses Kgantsi 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The North West Department of Public Works and Roads said it will address challenges faced by districts with the view to improve on their performance in the coming quarters. This comes after the Head of Department, Moses Kgantsi held a session that was aimed at engaging on the operational plans and assessing performance of the districts. 

Kgantsi said today they held the first quarterly review for the department’s districts. He said employees are the department’s strategic implementing agents. 

“You are at the coalface of service delivery. So, getting your performance right means the image of the department will be enhanced. Having just received an improved audit outcome does not mean we have to relax, it should rather motivate us to strive to perform better in the coming audit cycle. 

“This review will further help to identify strengths, areas for improvement and strategic priorities that will enhance the presence of the department in the respective districts that communities expected services from, especially in relation to roads infrastructure and job creation,” said Kgantsi.  

He further said like all other departments, they have experienced budgetary cuts and this is bound to affect their performance in some way or another in the current financial year. Kgantsi added that this seems likely to continue over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). 

“This then calls for us to plan smarter, going forward and set annual performance plan targets that are achievable, realistic and match the available budget. 

“I challenged the districts to start reporting better on their achievements and producing portfolios of evidence in that regard as under-reporting may give the wrong impression that the department’s financial expenditure was high, while the performance was way low,” he said.

Kgantsi announced that district meetings will be held on a monthly basis going forward to enable them early detection mechanisms of their performance so that they can make the necessary immediate intervention, where needed, to achieve their goals and targets. 

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Parliament approves establishment of the Joint Rules structures for 7thParliament

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Picture: The Republic of South Africa parliament

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Parliament’s Joint Rules Committee has at its meeting today approved the establishment of the Joint Rules structures for the 7th Parliament. In terms of the current Joint Rules, the committee consists of the members of the Rules Committee of the National Assembly (NA) and the Rules Committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). 

The Joint Rules Committee is established in terms of Section 45 of the Constitution and Joint Rule 109. 

The National Assembly (NA) spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said the committee makes determinations on joint structures following the establishment of a new Parliament. Mothapo said it is required to determine the composition of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, the Parliamentary Group on International Relations, the Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament, the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, among others.

“Joint Rule 158 currently provides that the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests comprises members in substantially the same proportion in which they are represented in the NA and nine NCOP delegates. 

“Today, the JRC resolved that, for the duration of the 7th Parliament, the composition of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests will comprise 20 members – 11 members of the NA and nine permanent delegates from the NCOP,” he said.

Mothapo further said for this parliamentary term, the Parliamentary Group on International Relations will consist of nine NA members and four NCOP permanent delegates. He added that the JRC also resolved that the Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament, as per the provisions of Rule 147, would consist of nine NA members and five permanent delegates from the NCOP.

“Determining membership of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence is guided by Section 228(3)(a) of the Interim Constitution which provides that a Joint Standing Committee on Defence shall be established. 

“It consists of members of all political parties holding more than 10 seats in the National Assembly and willing to participate in the Committee,” said Mothapo. 

He said the formula used to determine membership is provided by Section 228(3)(c). Mothapo said it was resolved that the committee would consist of 17 members – 11 NA members and six NCOP permanent delegates.

“The Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence will consist of 11 members. According to the Intelligence Services Oversight Act, this Committee shall consist of up to 15 Members of Parliament appointed based on proportional representation. 

“The Act further provides that if the total number of seats on the Committee allocated to the political parties is fewer than 15, the unfilled seats shall not be allocated to any political party, but the Committee shall nevertheless be deemed as properly constituted,” he said. 

Mothapo said the Act further prescribes that no Member of Parliament shall be appointed as a member of the Committee before they receive a security clearance.

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