Monthly Archives: July 2024

SGB members urged to give necessary support

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Picture: SGB members and principals during interactive session in Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi urged School Governing Bodies (SGBs) across the province to give principals necessary support in quest to improve the results of learners. Motsumi held a successful interactive session with SGBs, principals, and education stakeholders at Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on Thursday.

She further said the event brings together school principals, SGBs, secretaries, Representatives Council of Learners (RCL) and various education stakeholders from across the province. Motsumi added that commitment is vital to ensure excellence, integrity and a strong dedication to learner success in the governance of schools.

“As the 2024-2026 SGB term of office begins, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all SGB members for accepting this significant responsibility. I’m thankful to the parents who took the role of being invested in their children’s school governance.

“It is important to clearly understand the task ahead. Your term of office is three years, a relatively short period in which you are expected to leave a lasting legacy. Clean governance is not just a goal, but it is a necessity,” she said.

Motsumi said they must strive to be transparent, ethical, and accountable in all our actions. She said the session focused on several critical areas, including the smooth transition and handover processes, stressing the importance of finalising the handover processes from the previous term to ensure a seamless transition into the new administration.

“We also outlined the legal framework within, which SGBs and school governance operate to promote accountability to stakeholders – parents, teachers and the broader community. We emphasised the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration and cohesion within schools to create environments where learners can thrive.

“We also addressed respect and vandalism in schools. It is about time we bring back respect and discipline to our schools. Learners should be taught respect and gone are the days where teachers are held at ransom by our learners,” said Motsumi.

She said vandalism will also be a thing of the past and as SGBs and school governance, they need to put their foot down in the socials they see creeping into their schools. Motsumi said stakeholders and RCL raised concerns focused on expediting school infrastructure, inclusion of RCLs in the school management, and prioritisation of learner transport.

“These kinds of engagement sessions will be held annually to enhance the quality of education in the province,” she said.

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NWU’ School of Philosophy criminologist, Dr Casper Lotter calls for improvement on country’s correctional service system

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Picture: Conflict Criminologist affiliated to the NWU’ School of Philosophy, Dr Casper Lotter/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

The North West University (NWU)urges the newly-appointed Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald to improve the country’s correctional service system. Conflict Criminologist affiliated to the NWU’ School of Philosophy, Dr Casper Lotter said it is indeed a wonderful time to be in criminology, when the possibility exists that a government in the developing world is more likely to listen to alternative voices than those in the developed world.

Lotter said this is the opportunity presented by South Africa’s new Government of National Unity (GNU) after the May 2024 elections.

He further said under the previous administration, unethical actions such as the BOSASA tender and supply chain scandal, the violent suppression of prison unrest (often exacerbating the serious underlying problems) and the Thabo Bester escape debacle (possibly with the help of corrupt wardens) were par for the course.

“Our new GNU has the potential to usher in a dispensation of transparency and renewed confidence in the authorities. With this in mind, I have compiled a short wish list for our new Minister of Correctional Services.

“I offer ten items for consideration and possible implementation. It is well known that South Africa has one of the highest and most unsustainable recidivism rates in the world at around 86-94%,” he said.

Lotter added that this is higher if compared to Japan’s 48%, China’s 6-8% (two countries that embrace integrative shaming rather than stigmatising shaming practices) and Finland’s 31%. He said the United States, yet another stigmatising shaming culture, has a recidivism rate of 77%.

“This means that about 9 out of every 10 offenders in South Africa reoffend. In my own PhD, I looked at this problem (also known as the penologist’s stone) and I concluded that the emasculating stigma against ex-offenders is the single most important factor in why offenders are unable to reintegrate into the communities from which they were removed before their incarceration.

“The Australian criminologist John Braithwaite famously described stigma as “counterproductive” and “criminogenic”, in the sense that it drives ex-offenders away from mainstream society and into the arms of welcoming criminal subcultures,” said Lotter.

He said the government’s “criminalization and marginalization practices” (in the words of the British criminologist Eugene McLaughlin), should therefore be urgently scrutinised. Lotter said the foothold that the prison-industrial complex (PIC) gained in South Africa during Zuma’s tenure is evidence of this.

“In addition, I have argued that the stigmatisation of ex-offenders, directly and the profit motive as it has come to be embedded in the PIC, indirectly are important, though certainly not exclusive, drivers of South Africa’s unsustainable rates of incarceration and recidivism.

“If our new Minister were to tackle just this one issue of the stigma that fuels reoffending and cements criminal careers, he would have made a huge impact on our unsustainable rates of recidivism and carved out an enduring legacy for himself. How is this to be done? By outlawing the stigmatisation of ex-offenders, including significant civil and criminal consequences for any proven act or practice of discrimination, marginalisation and/or stigmatisation,” he said.

Lotter said but more importantly, a massive public awareness campaign by the DCS on the dangers of stigma, in terms of crime prevention, should perhaps be highlighted in its budget planning. He said it is vital that the public be educated about the societal costs of stigma [in terms of recidivism rates] if they are serious about creating safer communities.

“No stone should be left unturned to bring the South African correctional system into the admirable position of Finland’s in terms of blunting the impact of stigma through integrative shaming measures.

“This is bound to have a positive impact on both socioeconomic and recidivism rates. It is worth noting that John Burton, one of the giants in the field of conflict management, has contributed significantly to the theory that meeting basic human needs (respect, dignity, employment opportunities, etc.) will prevent prolonged social conflict,” said Lotter.

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Committee on Public Service and Administration adopts budget vote reports

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration has today considered and adopted the budget vote reports of the Department of Public Service and Administration, the Public Service Commission and the National School of Government.

In adopting the reports, the committee mentioned that it had limited time to finalise the work that was generated by its 6th Parliament predecessor, which has placed it in something of a predicament. However, given the fact that the reports should be considered and deliberated at committee level before they can be debated in the House, the committee went through all of them and adopted them.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers said the administrative staff informed the committee that the department submits reports to the Office of the Speaker, and it is that office that refers them to the committee. 

“Regarding the legislation the committee inherited from the 6th parliament committee, such as the Public Service Commission Bill, the committee’s administrative staff said that this Bill has expired, and a new one will be referred to the committee.

“We welcome this explanation and the committee needs an induction programme on various aspects of its work, including the consideration of legislation and for committee members to meet the administrative staff. This meeting should be convened soon,” he said.

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A father sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for raping his daughter 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A father (40) was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Galeshewe Regional Court for raping his daughter (6). On 29 April 2017, the victim was visiting her grandparents in Promised Land in Kagisho Township, near Kimberley. 

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane, she went to sleep in her grandparents’ room. Shemane said, ghowever, the victim woke up during the night when the accused picked her up from the bed and placed her on the floor, and raped her.

“The victim was too afraid to report the incident and only told her mother on 3 May 2017, when she was experiencing pain. A rape case was opened and during the medical examination, the doctor confirmed that the child was raped.

“The accused fled and a warrant for his arrest was obtained. On 7 October 2019, the police received a tip-off regarding his whereabouts. The police traced and arrested him,” he said. 

Shemane further said bail was denied and the accused remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing. Shemane added that the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name is to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the sterling work of the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Boats Botha and prosecutor, for ensuring that the perpetrator of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) was brought to book. 

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The death of elderly man led to shutting down of Old Age Home 

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Picture: Two elderly men, Daniel Madumo and Jeremia Mmatli who allegedly killed another elder, Themba Motsepe, died in detention/Sowetan

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

The death of an elderly man led the North West Department of Social Development to shut down the unregistered Ipeleng Bagodi Old Age Home in Jericho, near Brits. The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, who visited the centre on Tuesday, has instructed the owners to shut it down. 

According to Dantjie, the centre was operating without a licence. She further said the centre failed to comply with minimum standards for residential facilities catering for older persons. She added that her department convened a meeting with the management of the centre, board members and the traditional leadership to inform them of her decision to close down the facility. 

“This is amid thorough consultation with individual families of the elderly people who are being accommodated at the facility. After reaching consensus with the affected individual families, the current residents of the home will be moved to other suitable facilities. 

“The decision to close the home comes after two elderly men, Daniel Madumo (92) and Jeremia Mmatli (75), allegedly killed another one, Themba Motsepe (80). The pair were arrested and later died in detention. We will visit all the affected families to inform them about our decision to close the facility,” said Dantjie.

Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie/Supplied

She said they will also present to them alternative old age homes, which are funded by the state so that they make a choice on their own. Dantjie said they cannot fold their arms when the NPO Act and Older Persons Act are violated. 

“We are the custodians of these acts. Our department will give the Centre Manager ample time to address compliance matters at the facility and to apply for an operating licence.

“We are adamant about compliance with the law and the incidents that took place at the facility, are an eye opener and have called for the department to embark on an expedition to check the registration status of each Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) across the province,” she said.  

Meanwhile, the community members, including traditional leadership, unanimously agreed with the decision to close the facility, while sorting out the outstanding issues to satisfy the prescribed requirements for operating an old age home.

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Successful Reopening of Schools for the Third Term in the North West

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi engaging with learners at GF Podile Primary School/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is pleased to announce the successful reopening of schools for the third term on 9 July 2024. Motsumi said the commencement of this term marks a significant milestone in the educational calendar, with a strong start evidenced by high teacher and learner attendance across the province.

“We express our satisfaction with the smooth start to the term. We are delighted to see our teachers and learners return with such enthusiasm and commitment. Despite minor setbacks, their dedication sets a positive tone for the term ahead. 

“It is a testament to the resilience and determination of our educational community. However, we acknowledge that two schools in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Seabo Secondary and Batlhaping Secondary, faced attendance challenges due to water supply issues in Pomfret,” she said. 

Motsumi further said the district municipality is actively addressing this challenge to ensure that learners can return to their studies without further delay. She added that other glitches experienced are learner transport- related in Bojanala and cable theft in schools. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education’s acting Superintendent-General, Maropene Seshibe, said they are dealing with those issues. 

Seshibe said: “We would like to emphasise the readiness of the department to tackle the term ahead. Our administrative teams have worked tirelessly to prepare for this term. We are committed to providing unwavering support to all our schools, ensuring that teaching and learning continue seamlessly. 

“Our focus remains on creating an environment where every learner can thrive”, The department extends its gratitude to all educators, learners, parents, and stakeholders for their cooperation and support.” 

He said together, they are dedicated to advancing the quality of education and overcoming any obstacles that arise.

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The DA in the North West announces its portfolio spokespersons

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) Freddy Sonakile, who will also be the party’s Spokesperson on the Provincial Public Accounts Committee (PPAC), as well as Community Safety and Transport Management and Public Works said they are ready to serve and hold the government accountable.

Sonakile said his party has appointed portfolio spokespersons following a Rules Committee meeting. 

“Jóhni Steenkamp has been appointed the Chief Whip of the DA Caucus. Steenkamp served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 2014–2019, where she served as the Environment Spokesperson for the DA. In 2021, she was elected as ward 7 councillor in JB Marks Local Municipality. 

“She also served as a caucus leader until she was sworn-in as a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in June 2024.

STEENKAMP will be serving as the DA Spokesperson on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, as well as on Agriculture and Rural Development.

“Hendriette van Huyssteen will be the DA Spokesperson on Health and Social Development, as well as the Oversight of the North West Provincial Legislature. She is an admitted attorney who has been a ward 7 councillor Naledi Local Municipality since 2021,” he said.

Sonakile further said CJ Steyl has served in various administrative positions within the DA North West, Free State, and National Assembly. He added that Steyl was the North West Provincial Campaigns and Media Director, before he was sworn in as MPL of the North West Provincial Legislature in June 2024.  

“He will be serving as the DA Spokesperson on Education, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, as well as Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs. Wolfgang Wallhorn has been a ward 39 councillor in Matlosana since 2016. 

“He is an Environmental Manager by profession. Wallhorn will be the DA Spokesperson on the Office of the Premier, Finance as well as the Petitions Committee,” said Sonakile. 

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R300 million stolen from Department of Public Works and Infrastructure

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Picture: Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dr Dean Macpherson/Google

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The newly-appointed Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dr Dean Macpherson said R300 million has been stolen at the department in the past 10 years. Macpherson said he decided to take the public into his confidence in the interests of transparency.

He further said this staggering revelations is related to cyber- crime. Macpherson added that this cyber-crime related matter has been unearthed and more investigations continue.

“In the latest episode, that took place in May 2024, the cyber attackers stole further R24 million. This prompted afull forensic investigation by the Hawks, South African Police Service, Security Agency and experts in the ICT and cyber security.

“This revelation emerged as we conducted detailed assessments on the work of the department and through the incoming briefings from department branches. It has become clear that the department has been a soft target and playground for cyber criminals for over a 10 year period,” he said.

Macpherson said this should have been picked up a lot earlier. He said he felt it important to let South Africa know what has happened and what they are doing about it.

“I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period theft. It is clear that we need better financial controls, which I have said to the department are a matter of urgency.

‘So, we pledge to crack down on these syndicates ad those in cahoots with them internally or externally. We want to put a stop to this immediately because we cannot allow our department to be subjected to unchecked looting. This is money that could have been spent on infrastructure drive to improve the lives of South Africans.

Macpherson said the investigation will be expanded and deepened to find the masterminds and the beneficiaries of this grand theft and he said he want to see them in prison.

‘Four officials have been suspended and 30 laptops seized by the investigators. The four DPWI officials suspended include three senior management officials and one middle management official. The department was forced to shut down all its payment system causing significant delays in the payment of its creditors.  

“In May, the department announced that​ it has ordered a full forensic probe into what it called vulnerabilities in the department’s information and technology systems. The department identified the cyber-security vulnerabilities with the assistance of its banking partners, including ABSA Bank and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB),” he said.

Macpherson said the investigation, which involve cyber and ICT security experts covers the causes of the breach and vulnerabilities, vulnerability and susceptibility to cyber-crime of the ICT infrastructure within the department. He said this includes lack of staff capacity and weak ICT systems.

“I welcome the precautionary suspension of four individuals, including senior managers and the seizure of over 30 laptops for further examination by the investigative teams. This will allow the investigations to proceed smoothly.

“We are appealing to the team probing this security breach to conclude their investigation with speed. We do not want prolonged investigations with no results and consequences. There is simply no place for corruption in this department,” said Macpherson.

He also welcomed the initial swift investigation launched by my predecessor and now Deputy Minister, Sihle Zikalala. Macpherson said the department has suffered a massive financial loss and those responsible for protecting it from cyber criminals must be held to account.

“We need answers as to what happened under their watch. We also ask the investigators to trace and follow the money and ensure that it is brought back to the coffers of government.

“I have committed myself to work tirelessly to ensure the reinforcement of the cyber security systems within the department so that similar incidents are prevented in the future,” he said.

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‘Beware of counterfeit money and its implications’

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Picture: The SARB and police engage with the public on counterfeit money awareness campaign/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

The South African Reserve Bank conducted a work session with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the ZF Mgcawu District on Tuesday. The Northern Cape Department of Transport Safety and Liaison was also part of the proceeding.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said all stakeholders, including Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs), received education in identification of currency authenticity, as far as counterfeit notes and dye stained bank notes are concerned.

“They also received a workshop on the newly-upgraded bank notes and fourth decimal coin series. The SARB gave an insight on currency value, how to identify it, especially with the upgraded bank notes, as well as how to maintain the value and exchange thereof in case of damage or inauthenticity.

“They also made a presentation raising awareness on counterfeit notes and how to assess the bank notes, by inspecting the enhanced security features to determine the integrity of the bank notes,” she said.

Meanwhile, the SARB Currency Integrity Investigator, Gerald Mariemuthoo taught the public about stained bank notes and the implications that come with being in the possession of such bank notes.

“The awareness continued to Kalahari Mall, where one-on-one engagements were done with the public, store owners, workers, and an approximate target of 100 people were reached. The police also made public awareness on ATM/ bank scams, cyber fraud, and other property related crimes that are continuing to cause imbalances on the crime pattern analysis from area to area,” he said.

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Corruption and money laundering case against former speaker of parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula postponed  

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Picture: The former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A corruption and money laundering case against the former Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has been postponed to 16 October 2014, by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for pre-trial conference at the Pretoria High Court. The Investigating Directorate (ID) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the state has served Nqakula with an indictment in order to prepare for the high court proceedings. 

Mamothame further said Nqakula is facing 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering. He added that these charges relate to her tenure between 2016 and 2019 when she was the Minister of Defence, wherein she allegedly received and solicited approximately R4,5 million from a service provider to the department, of which R2,1million was received in cash. 

“She is currently out on R50 000 bail and is expected to appear at the Pretoria High Court in October,” said Mamothame.

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