Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari painting a wall at Ga-Motla Clinic in Moretele/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has today made his contribution to the Nelson Mandela ideals of servant leadership by leading a team of stakeholders to revamp Ga-Motla Clinic in Moretele.
Those who attended the event included the Moretele Local Municipality councillors, Executive Managers of the Department, community leaders, nurses, and Community Health Workers (CHWs).
While addressing participants before activities could start, Lehari gave a background of his relationship with the community of Ga-Motla and the importance of ploughing back to the community he comes from.
“I grew up in this community and this clinic has been here serving our people for years. We need to improve on it and that is why I am here today. We are going to revamp its paint work, fix fencing, clean it inside out, help sort out filing and anything that needs my attention.
“I also encourage participants to be of service to the community because it is what Ntate Nelson Mandela was all about. Nelson Mandela International Day is the day that is recognized not only here in our country, but all over the world,” he said.
Lehari further said it is the day that even the United Nation recognizes and has it on their calendar. He added that in saying so, he invited everyone to mark the Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in their own communities.
“This call recognizes that everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better. This is the day for all of us to take part in an activity that will inspire change and improve the material conditions of our people”, said Lehari.
The Grade 12 learners from Reivilo High School in Taung, who were allegedly found guilty of engaging in irregular practices to obtain an unfair advantage during the writing of the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, said it is devastating to be in limbo, while waiting for a decision from the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
It is alleged that accounting learners cheated and the North West Department of Education withheld their results. However, one of the affected learners who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, alleged that even though they cheated during the final examinations, teachers were also involved.
“The question paper was leaked by certain teachers and we had to fork R3000 per learner. So, I’m still sitting at home without knowing my fate. It is true that our results were withheld and the department said, we will only be eligible to write the accounting question paper in November 2025.
“We are prohibited from writing the subject for two years. They said we will only be allowed to write the November 2024 examination, once the sanction period has expired,” she said.
She said this has affected her livelihoods because she does not know what the future holds for her anymore. According to the learner, nothing has been done to those teachers who were implicated in cheating, but only learners were forced to bear the brunt.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “Remember, this particular issue lies with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) now. They are the ones in charge and investigating it. So, that means as the MEC affected, I must find ways to write to the DBE and request a final report on the matter. Indeed, this issue deals with the future of Grade 12 learners, who were affected including teachers who were implicated.
“So, we must find closure as a matter of urgency, more especially as we prepare for the National Senior Certificate examinations for 2024 academic year. We need to make sure that this matter reaches its finality.”
Picture: Renowned broadcaster and former SABC news anchor, Dr Ezekiel Masego Matjila/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West University (Mafikeng campus) has today bestowed an honorary doctorate to the renowned broadcaster and former SABC newsreader, Masego Ezekiel Matjila. The NWU said in a statement that Matjila has demonstrated significant dedication in promoting the Setswana language at the SABC.
“He started his career more than 30 years ago as an on-air radio personality for Radio Setswana, which later became Motsweding FM after merging with Radio Mmabatho. During this time, he also managed the archives for Radio Setswana, the Afrikaans Service, Radio Ndebele (Ikwekwezi FM), and Radio Swazi (Ligwalagwala FM).
“His exceptional broadcasting skills and language proficiency, led to his appointment as a Setswana sports commentator for SABC Topsport (SABC Sports). He was later seconded to the News department, where he worked as a Sesotho, Sepedi and Setswana prime-time news presenter from 1993 until his retirement in 2021.”
The university further said Matjila also served as a bulletin editor and executive producer. It added that he advocated for more multi-lingual youth programmes on SABC2, noting that Setswana, Sepedi, and Sesotho-speaking youth were underrepresented.
“Matjila’s efforts at the SABC earned him numerous awards, including Best News Writer (SABC, 2008) and Commentator of the Year: AFCON 1996.
“His contributions to South African society, particularly in promoting the Sesotho, Sepedi, and Setswana languages in broadcasting, are noteworthy. The honorary doctorate from the NWU recognises these significant contributions.”
Matjila said: “I am so humbled to receive this kind of accolade. I am so happy and I wish I could jump in joyous celebration.”
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi congratulated Matjila for his impeccable work in promoting Setswana in broadcast media and in particular news. Mokgosi said Bra Eazy as Matjila is affectionately known in the news and communications fraternity, grew up at Mogotlhwaneng village, near Moretele and joined SABC in the early 80’s as an on air presenter for the erstwhile Radio Setswana.
“After the country’s democratic breakthrough, the latter was merged with then Radio Mmabatho culminating in the formation of Motsweding Fm broadcasting from the provincial capital of the North West Province, Mahikeng.
“During this period, Dr Matjila transitioned to a Television News Anchor on SABC 2, where he also served as an Executive Producer and Editor for the Setswana, Sesotho and Sepedi bulletins until his retirement in 2021,” he said.
Mokgosi said Matjila is credited for his proficiency in Setswana, where he also used folklore and allegory in many of the news stories he broadcast. He said Matjila’s claims in promotion for the Setswana language in the mainstream media was meticulous.
“As the province, we congratulate Dr Matjila on this important accolade. He played an instrumental role in keeping us abreast of the developments in the country and abroad through a language that we can understand.
“With a career spanning over three decades, we maintain that Dr Matjila served the country with distinction. Part of the nation building project after 1994 was equitable representation of all languages and cultures in our public broadcaster,” said Mokgosi.
He said broadcasters like Matjila, were torch bearers in seeing to the success of this project and for that, they thank him. Mokgosi said Dr Matjila is expected to be one of his guests of honour at the official opening of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in the next few days.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi painting a classroom at Stadt Primary School in Mahikeng/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has joined the global village in celebrating Nelson Mandela Day. In honour of this significant day, Motsumi spent her 67 minutes of community service at her alma mater, Stadt Primary School, where various stakeholders, including Old Mutual, North West University, National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), Boxer Supermarket, Sparkling Waters, and Rosewood Hotel, extended a hand to donate services to the school.
She said as part of the celebration of former President Nelson Mandela’s birthday, they rolled their sleeves and painted the Grade R Block. Motsumi’s actions were mirrored by other stakeholders present, demonstrating a collective commitment to community service.
“We would like to commend the public-private partners for their generosity and dedication to building the South Africa that Nelson Mandela envisioned. The contributions made today are a testament to the power of community and partnership.
“These generous donations and acts of service not only enhance the lives of our learners, but also build the foundation of a better future for all. Together, we are fostering the South Africa that Nelson Mandela hoped for, one of unity, education, and opportunity,” she said.
Motsumi further said her department pleads for continued partnerships with stakeholders to profile the history of Stadt Primary School and ensure its legacy endures. She added that with an enrolment of 1050 learners, the school stands as a beacon of education and history.
“The day’s contributions included donations of sanitary towels, 100 pairs of shoes, food parcels to identified families, stationery, reading books to promote literacy and enrich the school library, as well as facilitated the painting of three Grade R classrooms,” said Motsumi.
Meanwhile, among the notable stakeholders, a community leader and former learner at the school, Dr Lekgenyane, adopted a learner at the school and committed to rendering psychosocial support to all learners continuously. Stadt Primary School, the first school in the Barolong area and former Batswanaland and it was built in 1878 and serves as a heritage site.
Picture: Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka/Google
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka said the principles of South Africa’s constitutional democracy, established in 1994, adding that the rule of law, transparency, and accountability are the bedrock of the nation’s democratic framework.
Gcaleka said this during her lecture at the North West University (Mahikeng campus) on 11 July 2024. She further said the role of the Public Protector is to uphold and strengthen South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
“Community engagement is essential for ensuring that the government remains accountable and responsive to the needs of its citizens. The Public Protector’s Office is a vital avenue for citizens to express concerns and grievances regarding public services.
“The responsibilities of the Public Protector’s Office extend beyond oversight and it plays an important role in fostering a culture of transparency and responsiveness in public administration,” said Gcaleka.
She also discussed the importance of effective complaints management frameworks. Gcaleka outlined how these frameworks are designed to ensure accessibility and fairness in handling public grievances.
“We are making it easier for citizens to lodge complaints and ensure that their complaints are handled efficiently and justly, so that the Public Protector’s Office can more effectively address issues of maladministration and corruption.
“Our overview of the constitutional and legislative mandates, includes investigating instances of maladministration, enforcing executive ethics, combating corruption, protecting whistle-blowers and regulating access to information,” said Gcaleka.
She added that these functions are crucial for maintaining the integrity of public institutions and for protecting the rights of citizens. Gcaleka said their role is to ensure that public power is exercised in a manner that is consistent with the constitution.
“The role of citizen responsibility and political engagement, especially in the context of coalition governance is imperative. Informed voting and participation in political discourse are essential for ensuring that government officials are held accountable.
“Additionally, we need to be wary against undue influence in coalition agreements. There is a need for vigilance and transparency in these processes. We must be vigilant to ensure that coalition agreements do not undermine the principles of democracy,” she said.
Gcaleka concluded her lecture with a call to action. She urged citizens to strengthen civil society, promote inclusive governance, and safeguard democratic principles.
“We are committed to upholding the values enshrined in South Africa’s constitution. This commitment is essential for building a more just and equitable society, where the rights and freedoms of all citizens are protected,” said Gcaleka.
Picture: Some of equipment seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The fight against the eradication of illegal mining compels the police through Operation Vala Umgodi to utilise all measures to fight the scourge. This comes after the multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team arrested 20 suspects during the weekly operations that commenced on 13 July 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police in the Frances Baard District, while patrolling the Conville and the Greenpoint mining dumps, arrested six persons for illicit mining and contravention of the Immigration Act. He said the police also traced and arrested one wanted suspect for house-breaking and theft.
“In Bontakoe Informal Settlement, Twee Pad and Koiingnas mining areas in the Namakwa District, the police executed cordon and search operations and detained 13 persons for illicit mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.
“The team confiscated numerous mining implements, including a vehicle utilised in the commission of crime. The suspects were detained in order to be processed and verified by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services officials before being formally charged and presented to court for deportation,” said Sam.
He further said the police are pleading with the public to respect and conform to the prevailing mining laws and regulations, as it is illegal to be in possession of any unprocessed precious mineral, including diamond bearing gravel without the required statutory authorization.
Picture: one if the schools containing asbestos/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Some of the parents urge the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, to address asbestos challenges in various schools across the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. They alleged that most of the school buildings are made up of asbestos and that pose health risks to learners and teachers at large.
School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson at Vaaloewer Combined School in Bloemhof, Johannes Joseph said their school building contains asbestos and they have requested the department to address that matter, but their plea fell in deaf ears.
“We urge the department to ensure that buildings that contain asbestos are demolished. This exposes hundreds pupils and teachers to serious health risks. If these asbestos structures become dilapidated, fibres are released into the air and if inhaled, they can cause deadly respiratory diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma,” he said.
Another parent said they experienced the same challenges at Charon Primary School in Schweizer Reneke.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they are in a process of replacing school buildings with asbestos across the province with appropriate building materials.
“I must indicate that during my last financial year speech, I was very clear in terms of getting rid of the asbestos in schools. Those schools have been identified and we have received a report on a monthly basis.
“We have taken this particular project to IDP for implementation on behalf of us. We have received a positive report and remember, there are processes that we should go through before we can determine whether the school materials are made of asbestos or not,” she said.
Motsumi further said she can confirm that the results are out and there are those affected schools that have been identified. She added that as a department, they have taken upon themselves because the health and safety of the learners is their priority.
“We have provided affected schools with mobile classrooms in the meantime, while we make means that we renovate those affected schools. Some of those schools will be demolished and then the department will ensure that it uses the right materials for their own health.
“So, there is progress registered and during my budget speech, we will capitalise on that. We will also give feedback to our communities and explain how far we are in terms of all schools that have been identified,” said Motsumi.
Picture: Prof Bismark Tyobeka with Prof Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO of the NRF/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The principal and vice-chancellor of the North West University (NWU), Prof Bismark Tyobeka, welcomed a delegation from the National Research Fund (NRF), led by the Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Prof Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, during a meeting held on Monday.
The aim of the meeting was to foster collaboration, share strategic insights, and to explore opportunities for joint initiatives between the NRF and the NWU. Among the attendees at the meeting were Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, who took the lead in directing the proceedings.
The engagement concluded with a visit – led by Mphahlele – to the NWU’s research facilities at the faculties of Engineering, Health Sciences and Natural and Agricultural Sciences. He unpacked the recently launched institutional strategy of the NWU for 2024, which focuses on key priorities such as impact, growth, partnerships and internationalisation.
Speaking on the research and innovation landscape of the university, Mphahlele said the demand for competent researchers is rising.
“The university hopes to strike a balance between quality and quantity by generating postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows who will compete both nationally and internationally.
“The way you train your students determines who will be the leaders of tomorrow, and we want to provide the best training possible for NWU researchers,” he said.
In advancing the global ranking of the university, Mphahlele urged that the quality of the publications that are published with international collaborators must improve. Furthermore, he said the parties’ joint interest of strategic collaboration is to advance the performance of science systems, even beyond the NWU.
He added that throughout the meeting, the focus remained on building a collaborative relationship to support increased research outputs and the generation of knowledge at the NWU and in the country.
Tyobeka said: “I want to thank you for this opportunity. As the NWU, we hope to have this engagement on an annual basis as it is beneficial to come back and reflect on how discussions of this nature have improved our research and innovation.
“The information presented by the NRF will aid the NWU in its future strategies.”
Meanwhile, Nelwamondo also expressed his gratitude for the meeting and said the NRF will actively identify areas where it can support the university.
Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
A man (35) was arrested for being in possession of Crystal Meth (Tik) with an estimated street value of R15 000 in Wilger Street in Prieska on Tuesday. The suspect was arrested by the crime prevention unit at around 9pm.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the Prieska Crime Prevention unit will continue to clamp down on drug trafficking in their station area.
“In a separate accident, the members of the same unit searched an alleged drug house in Mclean Street, Prieska and found Crystal Meth hidden inside the fridge with an estimated street value of R34 000. They subsequently arrested a man (25),” he said.
“Both suspects are expected to appear in the Prieska Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of illegal possession of drugs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape police encourage the community to participate in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” QR online survey and assist the police in improving their service to the public.
Former acting Municipal Manager of Karoo Hoogland Municipality, Louis Northnagel (62) was found guilty of contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). This comes after Northnagel paid himself a performance bonus, while at the municipality, without the necessary approvals.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant ColTebogo Thebe said the Kimberley Commercial Crimes Court found Northnagel guilty of theft and contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act.
“Arina Botha (52), the wife of the deceased Chief Financial Officer (CFO), was found guilty for money laundering. The CFO was charged alongside Northnagel, but passed on during the trial.
“The deputy CFO, Jacobus Van Schalkwyk (62), was found not guilty on all charges against him. The matter is postponed to 1 October 2024, for sentencing proceedings,” he said.
The Guardian 