Daily Archives: July 30, 2024

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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Four people linked to tavern killings remanded in custody

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Picture: The police cordon off the crime scene outside the tavern in Kanana Township, Orkney

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

Four accused who were arrested for allegedly killing 8 people and injuring 13 others at a tavern in Kanana Township, Orkney in the early hours of Saturday morning, were remanded in custody until 7 August 2024. 

The accused allegedly arrived at the tavern looking for Basotho nationals, then randomly fired shots and instantly killed seven people. They then allegedly took the CCTV system, cash from the till and snooker table. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said it is alleged that the accused further robbed patrons of their cell phones and fled the scene. 

Mokgwabone added that the accused were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of the Provincial Organised Crime, Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Murder & Robbery, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), as well as Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and Kanana Detectives. 

“Four suspects who are all Lesotho foreign nationals aged between 24 and 38, were arrested in Klerksdorp and Kanana Township respectively. During the arrests, the team seized a Toyota Hilux Double Cab bakkie and more than 82 ammunition of different calibres. 

“They are facing eight counts of murder, 13 of attempted murder and unlawful possession of ammunition. The matter against four accused whose names cannot be revealed due to ongoing investigations, will be back in court on 7 August 2024,” he said. 

Mokgwabone said they are also likely to face charges relating to contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest of the suspects.  

Meanwhile, the Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “We applauded the swift arrest of 8 suspects arrested in connection with the recent Kanana tavern murders that claimed 8 lives over the weekend.

“The culprits were arrested soon after the shooting incident by a multidisciplinary team of detectives. MRM said that such commendable actions will restore public confidence in policing and the criminal justice system.

“This is a welcomed relief as the shocking incidents of senseless violence had raised anxiety levels within the respective communities, which are still reeling with shock.” 

Kgwele said the recovery of firearms and 82 rounds of ammunition suggest that had they remained on the loose, more lives could have been lost. He appealed to the court to deny the accused bail to send a strong message that those involved in senseless violence that has robbed families of their loved ones have no place in society.

“Their successful prosecution and conviction will bolster police morale, encourage local action to defeat crime syndicates run by ruthless criminals that have no regard for the sanctity and value of human lives,” he said. 

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Life sentence for raping a niece 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A man (47) was sentenced to two life terms imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court (sitting in the Griequatown Circuit Court) for rape. This comes after the accused raped his niece (10). 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said in the early hours of the morning on 8 September 2015, the victim was walking home alone from where she watched TV not far from home. 

Senokoatsane said the accused grabbed her and took her close to where her grandparents stayed. He said after threatening her to remain quiet, he demanded that she stay behind when he approached her grandfather and asked him for a blanket. 

“The accused then took her into the veld where he raped her two times. After the accused fell asleep, she escaped to their home and immediately reported the incident to her mother. 

“The matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested. After the commencement of the trial, the grandfather of the complainant died. The loss suffered by the complainant was a loss to the family and the state as the grandfather was a crucial witness in the case,” said Senokoatsane.

Meanwhile, state prosecutor, Friedle Du Plessis, successfully argued that the statement that the grandfather made be admitted as hearsay evidence. Du Plessis also argued that the court should impose two life sentences as the accused preyed on the vulnerability of the child. 

“In sentencing, the accused was convicted on both counts of rape and sentenced to life imprisonment on both counts. 

“All cases of sexual violence encroach on the rights to dignity and privacy of the victims as enshrined in our constitution, hence the NPA will continue to aggressively prosecute these types of cases,” said Senokoatsane.

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Concerns over racism in schools 

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Picture: The Pretoria High School for Girls/Google

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Makhi Feni said they have noted with concern reported incidents of racism in two schools. Feni said although these may be isolated incidents, it is possible that the problem in the basic education sector is bigger than previously thought. 

He further said racism in all its forms is deplorable and they condemn it. Feni added that the schools in question should consider meaningful programmes that will foster social cohesion and South Africanness among the learners. 

“It is unfortunate that black learners always find themselves victims of these incidents. The learners did not choose to be black and ought to be respected in the spaces they find themselves in, especially in schools.

“Two instances of racism were reported in highly regarded high schools (Pretoria Girls High and Pinelands High School) this week. In the incident at Pinelands High, several pupils have been suspended following an incident where black learners were auctioned as if they were slaves,” he said.

Feni said the racist behaviour worried the committee because it affects, not only the learner, but also the parent and the perpetrator. He said South Africans need to condemn such barbaric and uncivilised acts. 

“Modern South Africa does not have spaces reserved for whites or blacks only. This was the case in the 1960s, but certainly not now. The question we all ought to ask genuinely is what emboldens a person, hardly a teenager, with no knowledge of where we come from as a country, to act in a manner that points to racism. 

“Surely, our children are not and should not be racist. We call on the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to determine the extent of the problem,” said Feni. 

He said they need to make schools safe spaces for all learners from all backgrounds. Feni said in addition, the incidents should be investigated and a determination made as to whether they were intentionally racist or a form of inadvertent oversight. 

“If it is an oversight, we ought to be circumspect when doing school projects and educators must provide guidance,” he said.

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Strategic measures in place to strengthen municipalities

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi has announced decisive measures to improve governance and financial management across all municipalities in the province. 

During the tabling of the Departmental Budget Speech for the 2024/2025 financial year at North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng, Molapisi said several key initiatives aimed at enhancing municipal administration, integrity and financial health.

He further said to strengthen municipal governance, the department issued a directive last year to all municipalities to fill all senior management and critical vacant posts.

“Out of the 22 municipalities in the province, only Madibeng and Lekwa-Teemane, are yet to appoint Municipal Managers. This process is receiving the highest priority to ensure effective municipal administration. 

“In pursuit of a clean administration, a training programme on Municipal Integrity Management Framework (MIMF) will be rolled out to councillors, officials and community members. The MIMF sets high standards of integrity and ethical behaviour, guiding municipalities in conducting their services,” said Molapisi.

He added that the initiative aims to restore public confidence in local government, ensuring no one is left behind. Molapisi indicated that municipalities have significantly contributed to Eskom’s financial challenges, currently owing the power utility R5.4 billion.

“To tackle this issue, the department, in partnership with the Provincial Treasury, has facilitated a programme on debt relief for municipalities. 

“This initiative has assisted municipalities in meeting their contractual obligations with Eskom. The municipalities involved in this program include Madibeng, Kgetlengrivier, Maquassi Hills, Ramotshere Moiloa, Ditsobotla, Naledi, Tswaing, Mamusa, Lekwa Teemane and Matlosana”, he said. 

Molapisi announced that the department has implemented a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism. He said they have also introduced revenue enhancement policy interventions to help municipalities improve revenue collection and meet their credit obligations.

“These interventions will be closely monitored to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. The department will continue to provide capacity support to municipalities, ensuring they prepare Annual Financial Statements (AFS) in accordance with the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA). 

“The department will also continue to empower committees such as the Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPAC) through various interventions, to strengthen and enhance their effectiveness,” said Molapisi.

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