Daily Archives: July 2, 2024

Mokgosi: “We have done much to respond to the plight of the youth since 1994”

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the Month of June reminds them of the heroism of the young men and women. Mokgosi, who addressed the Provincial Youth Day celebration in Derby on Saturday said, it is important to pay tribute to the gallant fighters of the June 16 generation, whose struggles and sacrifices placed the country on a firm path towards freedom, which they obtained in 1994.

He further said they declare without any fear of contradiction that South Africa belongs to all who live in it (black and white), united in diversity. Mokgosi added that the province is proud of its galaxy of June 16 freedom fighters like Onkgopotse Tiro, Thandi Modise, Kaone Lobelo, Zakes Molotsi, Molahlehi Tau, Kagiso Ramatlhoko and many others, whose fearlessness inspired the people of the province to join and participate in the struggle for national liberation.

“Their tenacity laid an important foundation for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous country. It is fortitude which paved the way for the long-standing resolve of our forebears, who in the Freedom Charter proclaimed that the doors of learning and culture shall be opened to all.

“This among others means, education shall be free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children. I am honoured to join today’s important occasion, which marks the start of the countdown to the historic half century (50th Anniversary) of the June 16 Uprising,” he said.

Mokgosi said a few days ago, the country celebrated the 69th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, which was adopted on 26 June 1955 as a blueprint for the democratic dispensation of 1994 and the nation building project they have pursued since. He said they also remember the lives of innocent people who were shot and killed in the year 2008 in the informal settlement of Skierlik.

“This tragedy sent shockwaves across the globe and put a dent in our continued quest for a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous country. Our gathering here today is a testimony that the foundations of our democratic society are stronger and will not be shaken by those seeking to divide our people. The revolutionary spirit of Onkgopotse Tiro shall forever stand guard to defend the gains of our freedom and inspire us to fight more and harder for the full attainment of economic liberation for our young people in the villages and townships.

“We have done much to respond to the plight of the youth since 1994. But it is not enough as the youth carry the burden of the failures of our socio-economic project. The youth and mostly black and African women more than any section of the population (53% in North West) are poor, they are not in education, in employment nor any,” said Mokgosi.

He said they are missing out on opportunities available to them. Mokgosi said they need to do more and it is a moral duty of their struggle to do good by young people, to give them a stake in the society and give their citizenship meaning.

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Magalies Water Appoints Acting Chief Executive Officer

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Board of Directors at Magalies Water has appointed Ofentse Nthutang as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from 1 July 2024. Magalies Water spokesperson, David Magae said this follows the recent departure of the water utility’s CEO.

“The acting appointment will be in place until recruitment processes pursuant to the filling of the CEO vacancy have been completed. An announcement of a substantive Chief Executive Officer, will be made after cabinet approves the name of the recommended candidate to the Minister of Water and Sanitation,” he said.

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North West Department of Human Settlement to address backlog on Military Veterans Housing Project

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Picture: The Project Steering Committee members during the side visit to one of the houses currently under construction at Bapong/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) said it will continue to address challenges previously experienced in the Military Veterans Housing Programme. The department had a feedback session with the steering committee of the Military Veteran’s Project, which aimed at addressing the backlog in the construction of the houses for Military Veterans.

The Deputy Director responsible for Housing Development, Orapeleng Tabile said the programme is one of the initiatives that the department in collaboration with National Department of Military Veterans, National Department of Human Settlements and Municipalities is rolling out through the identification of beneficiaries from the database and allocation of sites, where the houses will be constructed.

Tabile acknowledged the backlog and pointed out that the department has already built six houses in Mabele-a-Podi and Bapong villages respectively. He said the department has also built houses in Ganyesa and Lethabong in Rustenburg.

“These houses will be completed and handed over to beneficiaries before the end of the year. The contractor is currently on site and promised to deliver on time. The officials of the department will continue to monitor and give reports back about progress made.

“Despite challenges faced by the department, we intend to construct 86 Military Veterans’ houses in the province for the current financial year. The department will comply with policy governing the Military Veterans Housing Programme in terms of projects rolled out,” he said.

The National Department of Human Settlements representative, Jacky Mamabolo advised the provincial department to ensure that they have more projects so that they can deal with the backlog.

“The department must ensure that they extend the scope of work to existing contractors rather than appointing new contractors to avoid delay and under-performance. Appointment of new contractors takes a long time because it is a process and this causes unnecessary delay,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries identified was Mosiiwa Sekhutle (61), who worked for the former Bophuthatswana Defence (BDF) for a period of ten years and later joined the South African Defence Force (SANDF) for three years.

“I am happy because I have been living in my family home and I cannot wait to have a place of my own. This is a legacy for my children,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Daniel Mandlane shared the same sentiments. Mandlane also worked for former BDF and SANDF. 

“I am married with three children and was born and bred in Bapong village. I would like to thank the government for building a house for me and my family. I never thought I would see this day, I am really thankful,” he said.

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Bafana ready to face Eswatini in crunch final COSAFA group match

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Picture: Bafana Bafana during Cosafa Cup

By REGINALD KANYANE

Bafana Bafana go into their final Group A match against Eswatini knowing that they need a victory to make life easier for themselves and ensure safe passage into the next round of the COSAFA Cup. The two neighbouring countries face off at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday afternoon, 2 July 2024 and kick off is at 3pm.

A semi-final place will be on the line and coach Helman Mkhalele conceded that his charges have to rise to the challenge after successive draws against Mozambique (1-1) and Botswana (0-0).

“We have to make sure we bounce back tomorrow and win our game because if we don’t get a win, any results other than a win could send us home. We might not know what will be happening in the other group game between Mozambique and Botswana.

“We will make a few changes to the team that drew against Botswana on Saturday. It is still in our hands and it is crucial that we do the business against Eswatini by making sure that we score more goals. We aalso need to ensure that we do not concede because the goal difference could become a factor,” he said.

Mkhalele further said it is important that they keep a clean sheet and score as many goals as possible. He added that Thabang Sibanyoni was not given very much support upfront in the previous outing and he will ensure that this changes against Eswatini.

“For us to be able to score those many goals, I believe that we will need to make sure that, we beef up our striking force and more, especially give Sibanyoni the support that he needs upfront as he has won almost each and every high ball played to him.

‘Now, we need someone who will anticipate those high balls and use them effectively,” said Makhalele.

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More than 580 suspects arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 580 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for robbery aggravating, murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, driving under the influence of alcohol and many others. Myburgh further said in addition, 22 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. 

“Out of 325 suspects, 166 were wanted and nabbed during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. In one of the incidents reported on 29 June 2024, Ethiopian tuck shop owner (64), in Maboloka village, near Letlhabile, was robbed of cash and cigarettes by three suspects. 

“The police managed to trace a suspect and arrested him shortly after the incident was reported. The accused (24), briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of business robbery,” she said.

She added that as part of the actions executed during the operations, 128 premises, 1910 persons and 1100 vehicles were searched. Myburgh said the operation also led to the confiscation of alcohol, 3 firearms, fuel, cellular phones, a variety of drugs and 2 vehicles.

“The police in the province, working together with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to put suspects behind bars through Operation Shanela,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the members and other law enforcement agencies for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to ensure the well-being of the communities through crime prevention and combating operations. 

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