The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is pleased to announce the successful completion of the winter camps for matriculants held without any incidents. Motsumi said this year, a total of 113 camps were organised across the province, benefiting 26,335 learners.
Motsumi further said the camps aimed to provide targeted support to learners in their critical areas of learning. She added that the winter camps commenced at the start of the winter holiday recess and have now concluded just in time for the opening of schools for the third quarter on 9 July 2024.
“I would like to commend the smooth execution of the camps and highlight their significance in enhancing learner academic performance. These winter camps are instrumental in helping learners tackle their problematic areas of learning.
“By offering intensive, focused study sessions and personalised support, we are able to equip our matriculants with the necessary tools to excel in their final examinations. The department remains committed to providing quality education and necessary interventions to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to succeed,” said Motsumi.
The winter camps are just one of many initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes in the province.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessel Morweng visited the mining shaft, where four South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers were found dead. Four SANDF soldiers, who were on duty as part of Operation Vala Umgodi – an operation that deals with illegal mining activities, were found dead in Orkney on Saturday.
Morweng said: “We are appreciative of the work done so far in fighting these illegal mining activities. The law enforcement personnel have apprehended 87 suspects, who have been successfully prosecuted with each sentenced to 9 years imprisonment.”
According to the SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini, these soldiers were deployed on a 24-hour shift at Shaft 3 (a dormant mining shaft) in Orkney, near the disused Harry Oppenheimer Stadium, which has been a hot spot for illegal mining. Dlamini said the deceased members were found inside a container structure, which was used as a guard house for those on 24-hours duty on 6 July 2024.
“They were found upon opening the doors of the container, when the next shift was taking over the following day. The police were called in and upon inspection of the scene, all four had died with their rifles on them and their personal items still with them. The district surgeon was called to the scene and examined the bodies and confirmed no injuries.
“A team from the Pretoria FSL Chemistry Unit, also attended the scene and preliminary findings are that the death of the soldiers could have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from a possible fire made by them during the cold night inside the container,” he said.
Dlamini further said the bodies of the deceased were ferried to the Klerksdorp State mortuary for further investigation and post-mortem. He added that the names of the deceased will be announced once the families have been informed.
“All processes and formalities have been completed followed with the announcement of the funeral arrangements. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Bantu Holomisa and Deputy Minister of Military Veterans, Richard Mkhungo, together with the acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya sent their condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire defence family,” SAID Dlamini.
He said an inquest has been opened by the police following the deaths.
Netball South Africa (NSA) held the men’s Fast5 trials over the weekend (6-7 July) at Laerskool Constantiapark in Pretoria. Netball South Africa (NSA) President Cecilia Molokwane announced the 20-man preliminary Fast5 squad, following a highly competitive trial process, with further cuts to be made in September 2024, narrowing it down to 10 players.
The athletes showcased remarkable skill, speed, and teamwork during the trials. Considering their impressive performance, NSA Director of Selection, Ivy Khumalo expressed strong confidence in their ability to represent South Africa exceptionally on the international stage.
“After observing the players during the trials, we, as selectors, were amazed by the exceptional talent and unwavering dedication displayed.
“The chosen team represents a perfect balance of seasoned expertise and youthful energy, and we are confident that they possess the necessary skills to excel in the dynamic realm of Fast5 netball. After finishing in third place last year, the team is determined to achieve even better results this year,” she said.
In a remarkable outcome, South African sharp-shooter Shane Labuschagne clinched the prestigious Sky Fans’ Player of the Series award, having been the fan favourite with the most votes.
Christchurch is set to host the third successive FAST5 Netball World Series (FAST5 NWS) on 9-10 November 2024 at the Wolfbrook Arena, following two years of top-class spectacles.
The women’s team will be announced in due course.
PRELIMINARY SQUAD:
Riaaz Lavendal, William Lethoka, Kabelo Mohalane, Shane Labuschagne, Eugene Sinxesi, Sabelo Sibuyi, Sibongakonke Vava, Fred Damons, Sithembiso Zikhali, Itumeleng Mohanoe, Zakhele Msimango, Roderick Fredericks, Njabulo Nekhavhambe, Sicelo Gamede, Edward Manyathela, Juan Van den Heever, Vukile Zulu, Lutendo Maiwashe, Gavin Peters, Peter Nico.
Picture: Audi A4 vehicle allegedly being used in commission of crime seized
By REGINALD KANYANE
Three suspects aged 24, 27 and 34, are expected to appear in absentia in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 8 July 2024, for aggravated robbery. The suspects were arrested by police in Reivilo on Thursday after they attempted to rob a shop owner.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the victim was walking to his uncle’s shop when accosted by the suspects, who were driving a white Audi A4 with Northern Cape registration. Funani said one of the five occupants allegedly pointed him with a firearm and robbed him of a black plastic he was carrying.
“The victim allegedly screamed and called his uncle, who came out with his pistol and fired shots at the vehicle. The victim allegedly managed to take a cover, then took out his firearm and fired shots. One of the suspects died on the scene, while two others managed to flee on foot.
“The police were called and one of the suspects, who allegedly suffered injuries during shooting, was arrested on the scene and transported to the local hospital for medical attention. Following a search conducted around Reivilo, two suspects who managed to flee on foot and were also injured during shooting incident, were found and arrested,” she said.
Funani further said they were also taken to the hospital, where they are under police guard. She added that a search is underway for the fifth suspect.
“Investigations into the matter continue,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for a swift reaction that led to the arrests of the suspects.
Picture: A firearm confiscated by police during raid/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (44) from Maphoitsile village, near Taung was arrested for allegedly being in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The suspect was arrested by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Vryburg Public Order Police (POP), K9 Unit, as well as Taung and Schweizer-Reneke Crime Prevention Unit during an intelligence-driven operation conducted at New Stands in Maphoitsile.
The North West police spokesperson Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspect was found in possession of a 9mm pistol with a magazine and 11 ammunition.
“The suspect was arrested after failing to account for the possession. He is expected to appear in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday, on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati police for their dedication, which led to the arrest and confiscation of a firearm that is used to commit serious and violent crimes. Kwena also thanked the members of the community for working together with the police in fighting crime.
Picture: Some of firearms confiscated by police during arrest/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A man (37) was arrested for being in possession of unlawful firearms. The suspect was arrested during an intelligence-driven operation conducted in Letlhabile, near Brits by a multidisciplinary team consisting of the Brits Crime Intelligence, Letlhabile Police as well as Hartbeespoort Dam Crime Prevention and K9 Unit on Friday.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “The suspect was arrested at a shopping complex in Zone 15 in Letlhabile. The arrest was effected after the police received a tip-off and operationalised it. It is alleged that the suspect was trying to sell illegal firearms.
“During the arrest, the suspect was found in possession of two 9mm pistols with obliterated serial numbers and loaded with 24 ammunition. Further investigation at the suspect’s residence, resulted in the discovery of two more firearms and a small box containing 13 ammunition.”
Funani further said the police also found a courier company bag containing various cell phone recharge vouchers and a laptop. She added that the suspect is expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.
“He will also face a charge of possession of suspected stolen goods,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the Bojanala Sub-District 1 team for their dedication, which led to the arrest and confiscation of firearms that are used to commit serious and violent crimes. Kwena thanked the members of the community for working together with the police in fighting crime.
Picture: The missing Collen Modiriemang Seipone/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The police in Taung request the community’s assistance in locating Collen Modiriemang Seipone (35), who is residing at Kolong village in Taung. It is alleged that Seipone was last seen by his mother on 25 June 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the search was conducted around the township and surrounding areas of Taung without any success. Funani further said at the time of his disappearance, Seipone was wearing blue pants and black and white tekkies.
“He is dark in complexion, 1.6 height, with a slender body and short hair. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Tebogo Mochwa on 082 469 0332, alternatively call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she added.
Four South African National Force (SANDF) soldiers allegedly found dead in Orkney on Saturday. It is alleged that four SANDF soldiers, were on duty as part of Operation Vala Umgodi – an operation that deals with illegal mining activities.
According to the SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini said these soldiers were deployed on a 24-hour shift at Shaft 3 (a dormant mining shaft) in Orkney, near the disused Harry Oppenheimer Stadium, which has been a hot spot for illegal mining. Dlamini said the deceased members were found inside a container structure, which was used as a guard house for those on 24-hours duty on 6 July 2024.
“They were found upon opening the doors of the container, when the next shift was taking over the following day. The police were called in and upon inspection of the scene, all four had died with their rifles on them and their personal items still with them. The district surgeon was called to the scene and examined the bodies and confirmed no injuries.
“A team from the Pretoria FSL Chemistry Unit, also attended the scene and preliminary findings are that the death of the soldiers could have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from a possible fire made by them during the cold night inside the container,” he said.
Dlamini further said the bodies of the deceased were ferried to the Klerksdorp State mortuary for further investigation and post-mortem. He added that the names of the deceased will be announced once the families have been informed.
“All processes and formalities have been completed followed with the announcement of the funeral arrangements. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Bantu Holomisa and Deputy Minister of Military Veterans, Richard Mkhungo, together with the acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and
the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya sent their condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire defence family,” SAID Dlamini.
He said an inquest has been opened by the police following the deaths.
The Engen Knockout Challenge plays a key role in developing the psychological edge for youth footballers in their early stages of development. These were the sentiments of former Mamelodi Sundowns star, Surprise Moriri after his side’s good start to their Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng title defence at the Marks Park Stadium in Johannesburg on 5 July.
Johannesburg is currently hosting the final stretch of the Engen Knockout Challenge, where the winners in both the U-20 Girls and U-18 Boys division of the tournament, will earn a place at the Engen Champ of Champs in September 2024.
Moriri, who shone bright in the colours of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, hailed the tournaments’ unique ability of affording youngsters an opportunity to harness their psychological edge through its competitive nature and exposure to different styles of play.
“I know this is about development, but it is equally important that we instil a winning mentality and development. These tournaments are quite useful in not only developing physical attributes but, psychologically it is also challenging and that is what they need in their early stages of development.
“Sundowns, who are one of the tournament favourites, stamped their authority in the tournament with two wins over Wits University and Meadowlands Academy that saw them top their group. We have a good start to the game, winning both of them. It is still a bit too early to but I know things will get interesting in the next few days,” he said.
Moriri further said so far, the boys are applying themselves very well. He added that they are defending champions, so they are hoping to defend their title.
Meanwhile, former champions, Kaizer Chiefs got their title chase to a great start in the opening match of the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Jomo Cosmos that was followed by a 3-1 win over Randburg AFC to go top of their group as they aim to reclaim their 2023 title. In the girls’ division, University of Johannesburg cruised past Panorama Football club with a comfortable 4-0 win ahead of their 3-0 win over Springs Home Sweepers.
Engen Knockout Challenge action continues over the weekend with more exciting youth football expected at the Marks Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
The Young Communist League of South Africa in North West said it is perturbed by the Republic of South Africa president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s new cabinet, which includes only one ANC Member of Parliament (MP) from North West. This comes after Ramaphosa appointed Kenny Morolong as the Deputy Minister in the Presidency.
The YCL provincial spokesperson, Edward Ditshwele said in fact, if it were not for the Democratic Alliance (DA) submitting another Deputy Minister in the form of Sello Seitlholo, Morolong would be the only National Executive member from the province. Ditshwele said North West remains one of the best-performing ANC provinces in terms of election results.
“It is therefore baffling to see provinces whose electoral performance declined so drastically to the extent that the ANC-led alliance is below 50%, receiving more representation than our province. However, before we are accused of regionalism, we remind everyone that one of the basic principles of democracy is representation.
“This means that people vote not only for their preferred leaders or parties, but also so that leaders from their constituencies can go to parliament and ultimately cabinet to voice out the challenges and lived experiences of voters from the province. North West has given the ANC Members of Parliament (MPs) with the necessary education and experience in government that deserve seats in the cabinet,” he said.
Ditshwele further said the consequence of this tendency of under or no representation in the cabinet is that the national government continues to use a formula for the distribution of revenue that enforces economic disparities between provinces, urbanization and underdevelopment of small provinces.
He added that according to the National Treasury, the distribution of the equitable share between provinces is done based on a redistributive formula that takes into account the
demographic and economic profiles of the provinces.
“This means for example, our province is given a smaller budget compared to Gauteng and this hampers our province’s development. Hence many people from the North West migrate to Gauteng searching for economic opportunities and a better standard of living.
“Instead of investing in moderately developed provinces, the national government should give more funds to the mostly rural provinces such as North West, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga etc. This argument however, does not ignore the fact the North West province is plagued by perpetual divisions in the governing party, horrific maladministration, especially at local government and an economy primarily based on agriculture and mining which does not beneficiate in the province,” said Ditshwele.
He said even with the above considered, where excellence prevails, its impact is hampered by the lack of sufficient funds from the national government. Ditshwele said in conclusion, the ANC needs to accept the reality that according to electoral outcomes, it is a largely rural party and any sensible political party prioritizes its core voter base.
“Ramaphosa and the national leadership of the ANC must know that we are human beings, who deserve representation. The representation should not be for the sake of individual accumulation so that representatives drive in blue lights, wear expensive clothes and drink expensive alcohol, but it should be to advance the lives of the working class and the poor.
“As Amilcar Cabral puts it, always bear in mind that the people are not fighting for ideas, for the things in anyone’s head. They are fighting to win material benefits, to live better and in peace, to see their lives go forward, to guarantee the future of their children,” said Ditshwele.
The Guardian 