Monthly Archives: July 2024

ANC welcomes the appointment of Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The incoming Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya

By REGINALD KANYANE

The African National Congress (ANC) said it welcomes the president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint the Deputy Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa effective 1 September 2024.

ANC acting national spokesperson, Zuko Godlimpi said Maya’s qualifications and judicial record, leadership qualities, experience as a judge in various courts, past leadership of the Supreme Court of Appeal, and current role as Deputy Chief Justice make her well-suited to lead the judiciary in South Africa.

“Through upholding the principles of judicial independence and integrity, the Deputy Chief Justice has played a crucial role in maintaining the credibility and trust in the judiciary.

“This has been vital for the rule of law and the

functioning of democracy in South Africa, ensuring that the judiciary remains a robust check on the other branches of government,” he said.

Godlimpi further said by the end of her tenure in the Supreme Court, Maya had delivered over 200 reported judgments. He added that Maya wrote the first recorded Supreme Court of Appeal judgement in isiXhosa on the dispute about the language policy of the University of South Africa.

“(AfriForum v Chairperson of the Council of the University of South Africa). The Chief Justice is the Head of the Judiciary in both administrative and ideational terms.

“This means that Maya is now charged with the task of overseeing the entire judicial apparatus and leading South Africa’s apex court, the Constitutional Court, in progressively evolving our country’s legal jurisprudence,” said Godlimpi.

He said Maya exemplifies the belief that access should hold both jurisprudential and practical significance, her principles are built on a dedication to serving the people. Godlimpi said Maya will be the first woman in South Africa to be appointed Chief Justice, affirming the ANC’s commitment to gender equality and advancing women’s leadership across all sectors and societal leadership structures.

“We wish her a great tenure and offer her our unyielding support and commitment,” said Godlimpi.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the president has in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, appointed Maya as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. He said Maya’s appointment follows Ramaphosa’s consultation, in accordance with constitutional prescripts, with the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

NWU ready for the 2024 Varsity Football tournament

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Head coach of the NWU men’s football team, Nkululeko Malgas

By PHENYO MOKGOTHU 

As the 2024 Varsity Football tournament approaches, the North West University (NWU) is gearing up for a strong performance in both the men’s and women’s competitions. In their eighth week of preparation, the men’s team is showing promising signs of readiness under the guidance of coach Nkululeko Malgas.

The women’s team, led by head coach Alfa Dolopi and team captain Hlalefang “Castro” Moledi, is also set to compete.

Reflecting on the men’s preparation, Coach Malgas says the team’s hard work is paying off and they performed well during a practice game against the National First Division’s Orbit FC in Rustenburg.

“However, there is still work to be done to reach peak performance. I am grateful to assistant coach Lindani Nkabinde for helping me integrate into the team’s culture and recommending talented players from the regional league. This collaboration has been crucial in shaping the current squad,” he adds.

Malgas says he is confident that the players are mentally ready for the tournament.

“The men’s team will play their first game at home against the University of the Free State, a match they are eager to win. The support from the local community has been a significant motivator, with high expectations from fans who fill the stadium in Mahikeng. 

“One player to watch is Lucky, who has great potential and may attract scouts’ attention.”

The women’s team is also confident in their readiness for the tournament. Coach Dolopi says the team is mentally and physically prepared and aims to build on their performance at the recent University Sports South Africa tournament.

“We have been focusing on improving tactics, addressing weaknesses and enhancing overall performance. The players have shown dedication in their training, which has been key to their readiness for the upcoming tournament,” she adds.

Team captain Moledi says she is excited, and that they worked hard to be ready for the Varsity Cup.

“We want to make a significant impact in the tournament, and we know we carry the hopes and support of the university community. Our journey reflects not only our physical and mental preparation, but also our unwavering dedication to the sport and to each other.”

As both the men’s and women’s teams head into the tournament, they are prepared to give their best and showcase their skills. The 2024 Varsity Football tournament promises to be a competitive and exciting event, with the NWU poised to make a strong showing. The players and coaching staff are ready to achieve remarkable results and create memorable moments for the university.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Karate team excels in USSA tournament

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Karate team excels in USSA tournament

By LOVENESS HULWANE 

The North West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently hosted the national University Sports South Africa (USSA) Karate tournament at the Tsebonokeng Hall. The competition featured Clicker, Kata, and Kumite (fighting) categories, and the NWU team ranked sixth in Overall Team Performance among the 12 participating universities.

Individual achievements included Thomas Tsokolibane who showcased his exceptional skills and achieved first place in Kata, Lungani Shasha who topped the charts by winning first place in the men’s 55 kg Kumite, and Thando Memberi who fought valiantly to secure second place in the women’s Kumite.

Furthermore, Angie Phakathi excelled by securing joint third place in the 55 kg Kumite category, and Matlatsi Pheneus also earned a joint third place in the male’s Kata category.

According to the NWU team, the results of the competition highlight their robust performance in both semi-contact and full-contact categories.

Karate manager Joseph Mentor Matlhong says the event not only demonstrated the exceptional skills of their karate club members, but also reinforced the NWU’s commitment to excellence in sports and student development. “These achievements are a testament of the hard work and dedication of the students and everyone involved.”

He adds that the karate club offers many benefits to students, staff and the community, including physical fitness, self-discipline, self-defence skills and stress relief.

“Furthermore, participation in competitions adds further advantages, such as competitive experience, recognition and opportunities to network. Since students from across the NWU’s campuses participate, it also strengthens our university representation and fosters a sense of pride and unity among participants,” he adds.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Baagi ba latofatsa molekgotlha ka go thapa ka losika 

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Badiri ba tsweletse ka go aga ntlo ya tshoganyetso

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baagi ba kwa Cokonyane, gaufi le Taung, ba latofatsa molekgotlha wa bone, Daisy Ipeleng ka go thapa la losika. Baagi ba, ba re Ipeleng o thapile batho ntle le go bitsa kopano. 

Seno se tla morago ga gore go nne le porogerama ya go aga matlo a tshoganyetso a le 16 kwa motseng o. Mongwe wa baagi, Obakeng Motlhale are, go thapilwe batho ka mokgwa o o sa siamang mo porogerameng e. Motlhale gape are, bontsi jwa batho ba ba agelwang matlo ga se ba ba a tlhokang. 

“Re tlwaetse fa go thapiwa batho, go iwa kwa kgotlheng mme go dirisiwe mokgwa wa huduwa. Gape, re tlwaetse go thapiwa batho ba le babedi mo karolong nngwe le nngwe ya motse. Jaanong, gona le matlo a a nang le dingwaga di feta 20 a a seng mo seemong se se siameng, mme beng ba one ba tlodilwe. 

“Beng ba matlo ao, ba lobaka ba ikwadiseditse matlo a di RDP. Fela ga go nko e tswa lemina, mme re makadiwa ke gore gona le batho ba ba ikwadiseditseng matlo ao malobanyana fa, mme ba agetswe,” Motlhale wa tlhalosa. 

Kemedi ya baagi, Itumeleng Matlhoahela are ba utlwile selelo sa baagi, mme ke nnete ga gwa thapiwa ka mokgwa wa tlwaelo. Matlhoahela are gape baagi bangwe bana le boipelaetso jwa gore gona le matlo mangwe a sa tsenngwang mo porogerama e, e tswa beng ba one ba a tlhoka. 

“Baagi ba kopa gore re agele batho botlhe ba ba tlhokang matlo, mme ke nnete gona le baagi ba ba tlhokang matlo a. Ka maswabi ga ba tsenngwa mo porogerama e. Gape, gona le selelo sa gore go thapiwa ka losika mo porogerama e, mme ke dingwe tsa dintlha tse re di rometseng kwa go molekgotlha gore a di rarabolole,” Matlhoahela wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, Ipeleng are: “Bonnete ke gore fa go thapelwa porogerama ya matlo a tshoganyetso, ga go bidiwe kopano. Mong wa konteraka one a itletse ka batho ba gagwe, mme ka botho jwame, keile ka mo kopa gore a thape batho mo gae. 

“Jaanong, re ile ra thapa bangwe ba batho ba baneng ba emisitswe mo porogerameng e e neng e puagantswe ya kgaolo ya ditlhare. Ke ile ka isa maina a batho botlhe ba ba neng ka ikwadiseditse go agelwa matlo a tshoganyetso. Fela tshwetso ga ese ya rona, gore shupa gore ke mang a tshwanetswe ke go agelwa.” 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Water challenges force residents drink from quarry   

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Residents in Mothanthanyaneng village draw water from a quarry

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The residents of Mothanthanyaneng village, near Taung, call on the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to converge at a meeting to devise a strategy on how best to provide permanent water solutions to them. These residents said they are now forced to draw water from a quarry. 

One of the irked residents, Olebogeng Sehako accused their ward councillor, Tefo Moraladi of ignoring their plea. Sehako alleged that what Moraladi does best is to buy alcohol for the community. 

“We either get water from a quarry, where animals also drink or from a neighbouring village, Granspan. The provincial government has implemented a strategy to identify water and sanitation challenges across the province since 2021, but nothing is happening. 

“We call for necessary plans for immediate interventions. We were told that all communities with critical water shortages will be prioritised. However, that is not the case,” he said. 

Another resident, Ranolang Moleme (58) shared the same sentiments. Moleme alleged that they do not even know who their ward councillor is because no community meetings are convened on a monthly basis. 

“There are no developments in our area. What we always get are empty promises. The government fails to deliver basic services such as provision of water, accessible roads and others. We urge our government to take us seriously. 

“Why should we walk long distances to access clean and drinkable water? It has been a while since we urged our government to ensure there is provision of water, but all our pleas fall in deaf ears,” he said. 

Meanwhile, even though ward councillor in Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Tefo Moraladi admitted that there are some challenges in the area, he refuted allegations that what he does best is only to buy alcohol.  

“We understand that there is a concern regarding lack of service delivery in some areas. However, it all depends on what the communities have prioritised during the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). As the municipality, we have a mandate to ensure that we instil high mast lights, build community halls and internal roads. 

“The construction of clinics and provision of water are the responsibilities of other departments. If there is a need, we liaise with them and ensure that they fulfil their mandate.  So, I am in the process of ensuring that all communities receive service delivery,” he said. 

Moraladi further said the municipality heavily relies on conditional grants, so they cannot cover everything at once. He added that every financial year, they make sure that all areas get services. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Sekolo sa Redirile se abelwa diaparo tsa sekolo 

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Greater Taung PEOPLE Living With HIV and AIDS Organisation ba neelana ka diaparo tsa sekolo

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Sekolo se segolwane sa Redirile kwa motseng wa Mokassa, gaufi le Taung, se tlhalositse fa se itumeletse go amogela diaparo tsa sekolo tse ba di neetsweng ke mokgatlho o eseng wa puso wa Greater Taung People Living With HIV and AIDS. Mokgatlho o, one o neela baithuti bangwe ba ba dikobo di magetleng diaparo tsa sekolo. 

Motsamaisi wa diporojeke (Project Manager) go tswa kwa mokgatlhong wa Greater Taung People Living With HIV and AIDS, Dimakatso Molusi are, ba abetswe diaparo tseo ke lebenkeleng la Ackermans go tswa kwa Bloemhof. Molusi are ba neetse sekolo marukgwe, dihempe tse ditshweu tsa sekolo, ga mmogo le dikausu. 

“Fa re amogetse kabo go tswa go ditheo tse di farologaneng, re buisana le dikolo dingwe le go sheba baithuti ba ba tlhokang diaparo tseo, mme re ba neele tsone. Re dira seo go ralala Taung, mme re rotloetsa baagi ka bontsi go ka tsaya karolo. 

“O tla gopola gore ngwana sejo wa tlhakanelwa, ebile ntime o mphele ngwana. Jaanong, fa re neela baithuti ba ba rona tlhokomelo, re tla bona moputso o siameng. Ke baeteledipele ba kamoso, jaanong ke ne ke tla itumela thata go bona ditheo tse di farologaneng le tsone di tsaya karolo mo tiragalong e,” Molusi wa tlhalosa. 

Molusi are go le gantsi, baithuti bao ba feleletsa ba ikobonya, mme seo se kgoreletse dithuto tsa bone. Molusi are baithuti bao, ba tshwanela ke go dira ka natla go ka fetola seemo sa kwa malapeng a bone. 

“Moswi Dr Nelson Mandela o ile a tlhalosa gore thuto ke lesedi, mme ngwana mongwe le mongwe o tlhoka tlhokomelo e tseneletseng, gonne seo ke tshwanelo ya gagwe. Jaanong, go tsaya motse otlhe go ka godisa ngwana.  

“Go tshwanetse gore baithuti fa ba le mo phaphosi-borutelo, ba ipone ba lekalekana. Re tlile go tswelela fela jalo le go netefatsa gore ga gona ngwana ope o salelang kwa morago,” Molusi wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Elias Malindi are: “Re itumeletse thata go bona setheo sa Greater Taung People Living with HIV and AIDS, se neela kabelano e. Re le lefapha re motlotlo, ebile re ipela ka bone. 

“Ka gale re dula re rotloetsa tirisano-mmogo ma gareng ga ditheo tse di farologaneng le lefapha, gonne seo se godisa botsalano jwa rona.” 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Bagodi ba keteka letsatsi la Mandela kwa Lokgabeng 

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Bagodi kwa Lokgabeng Disability Centre ba amogela ditirelo

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Setheo sa Lokgabeng Disability Centre kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng gaufi le Taung, se kaile fa se itumeletse go neelwa ditirelo tse difarologaneng ke Lefapha la Boitekanelo mono Bokone Bophirima. Badiri ba lefapha go tswa kwa North West Department of Health (Taung Sub-District), ba ne ba etetse setheo se ka maikaelelo a go keteka letsatsi la ga moswi Dr Nelson Mandela. 

Motsamaisi kwa Lokgabeng Disability Centre, Agnes Mokgobo are ditirelo tse di farologaneng, di tlile go thusa thata bagodi ba ba ba tlhokometseng gore ba nne le boitekanelo jo bo edileng. Mokgobo are badiri ba lefapha, ba ne ba tlhatlhoba bagolo malwetsi a farologaneng le go ba neela dijo le tse di aparwang. 

“Ke itumetse thata fa lefapha le bone go le mosola go tla go keteka letsatsi la Mandela le rona. Ba re neetse dijo tse difarologaneng, mme re itumetse thata gonne ba re neetse le diaparo tsa mo teng tsa bagolo jaaka di nappies. 

“Reitumetse thata gonne bangwe ba dikereke le bone ba tlhola ba tlisa diaparo. Jaanong, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o nang le gone jaaka diaparo, dikobo le dijo gore neela tsone. Ditheo di tshwana le Kopano Butchery, Cosmetic Shop le dikereke tse di farologaneng, ba tlhola ba re gopola,” Mokgobo wa tlhalosa. 

Mokgobo are kopano ke matla, gonne e godisa setheo se. Are bangwe ba bagodi ga bana malapa a ba tswang kwa go one, jaanaong ba tlhokomelwa ka dithuso tse di farologananeng. 

Kgabagare, motsamaisi wa nakwana wa Lefapha la Boitekanelo mono Taung, Modiegi Benade are kgwedi e jaaka e itsiwe, ke kgwedi ya go keteka botshelo jwa mogaka, moswi Dr Nelson Mandela. Benade are ba ile ba etela Lokgabeng Disability Centre go tla go ba bontsha lerato. 

“Jaaka lefapha, re dula re etela setheo se le go rebola ditirelo tse di farologaneng. Setheo se, se dirisana gape le kliniki ya selegae ya Mokgareng. Ba isa batlhokomelwa ba bone koo go ka bona dithuso tse di farologaneng tsa pholo. Bontsi jwa bone ke bagodi, mme bana le go itemogela malwetsi a farologaneng jaaka kgatelelo ya madi, botlhoko jwa shwekere, ga mmogo le malwetsi a mangwe.   

“Maikaelelo a rona ke gore re tlhole ga mmogo le bone go tla go keteka letsatsi le la Mandela. Beke e fetileng, kliniki ya rona e tsamaisiwang (mobile clinic), ene ele teng fa go tla go tlhatlhoba bagodi ba rona,” Benade wa tlhalosa. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ramaphosa appoints Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The incoming Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, appointed current Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa with effect from 1 September 2024. 

Maya’s appointment follows Ramaphosa’s consultation, in accordance with constitutional prescripts, with the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly. In a letter addressed to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on 22 February 2024, Ramaphosa informed the Judicial Service Commission of his intention to appoint Deputy Chief Justice Maya as the Chief Justice of the Republic upon the expiry of the term of office of Zondo on 31 August 2024. 

The President spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa invited the Judicial Service Commission to provide its views on the suitability of Maya to hold the office of Chief Justice. Magwenya further said discharging its consultative mandate set out in Section 174(3) of the Constitution, the Commission interviewed Maya on 21 May 2024, to ascertain her suitability to be appointed as Chief Justice of the Republic. 

“The Commission subsequently assured the President of Maya’s suitability to lead the judiciary in the country based on the interview, Maya’s qualifications and judicial record. 

“This includes her leadership qualities, her experience as a judge in various courts, her past leadership of the Supreme Court of Appeal and her role as Deputy Chief Justice in the period leading to her nomination by the President,” he said. 

Magwenya added that the Commissioners also advised that Maya’s appointment would be a significant milestone for the country as she would be the first woman in South Africa to be appointed Chief Justice. He said Ramaphosa appreciated the confidence expressed by the Judicial Service Commission and leaders of political parties in the suitability of the incoming Chief Justice, who can draw inspiration and support from the confidence expressed in her. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Teachers expelled over cheating scandal at Reivilo High School have five days to appeal 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Reivilo High School in Taung 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West Department of Education said two teachers from Reivilo High School in Taung who were implicated in a cheating scandal, were fired on Friday. It is alleged that six Grade 12 learners were found to have cheated during the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations and colluded with some teachers, who demanded R3000 in return. 

This led to the North West Department of Education to withhold their results. Some of the affected learners who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, cited that even though they cheated during the final examinations, these teachers aided them. 

“The question paper was leaked by certain teachers and we had to fork out 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 examination once the sanction period has expired,” she said.

She further said this has affected her livelihoods because she does not know what the future holds for her anymore. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said the national department in conjunction with the provincial department conducted an extensive investigation of all learners and teachers, who were alleged to be implicated in the irregular practice.

“Yes, the department is aware of this matter. There are two teachers who were dismissed after the disciplinary process. The outcome of the disciplinary process found the two educators guilty. 

“At the end they were eventually dismissed from the department. However, they have five days to make an appeal against their dismissal to the MEC,” he said.

Malindi said the decision against affected learners once the department has concluded the disciplinary process against all those implicated on the matter. He said the national department will provide direction and guidance on the situation of the learners.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

24 foreign nationals arrested for illegal mining 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of foreign nationals arrested for illegal mining/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

As part of intensifying the fight against illegal mining, 24 suspects aged between 19 and 47, briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 24 July 2024, on charges of contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002, and illegal mining.  Of the 24 accused persons, 12 were remanded in custody until 25 July and 13 August 2024, for legal aid, plea and interpreter. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said moreover, 11 accused were found guilty and fined R2000 respectively. Funani said the suspects were arrested by Vala Umgodi deployment that included various South African Police Service (SAPS) Units and members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) at Skeerpoort Farm illegal mining site near Hartbeespoortdam on 22 July 2024.

“The preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are from Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe foreign nationals. The police seized illegal mining equipment that included the phenduka machine, generators, hammers, jack hammers, water pumps and many others,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the Vala Umgodi multi-disciplinary team members for the successful operation that led to the arrests and confiscation of illegal mining equipment.

taungdailynews@gmail.com