Picture: The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong
23 August 2024
By REGINALD KANYANE
The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong said he has noted with excitement news of SADC Media Awards received by the GCIS and Channel Africa journalists.
Morolong congratulated both Fikile Marakalla and Tshimologo Moshatama, who have scooped second prize in photo and radio categories respectively. Marakalla was the second prize winner in the Photo Category with her pictures that were published in SA News and Diplomatic informer.
Marakalla’s winning entry highlighted the strong fraternal, historical as well as social relations between South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania during the State visit of her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan. Moshatama from Channel Africa Radio was the second prize winner in the Radio Category with his entry on the importance of shared water resources in the SADC regional integration and development and the contribution of the Kingdom of Lesotho in the management of shared water resources.
The SADC Media Awards are aimed at promoting excellence in the fields of Print Journalism, Radio Journalism, Television Journalism and Photojournalism.
“We are excited at the recognition that our staff and colleagues received from their peers in the SADC media fraternity. These awards serve to animate the hard work input by all our staff in ensuring enhanced access to information by the public.
“This, in a manner that enables the public objectively to participate in the task of social transformation. We encourage all our staff to continue working hard, sharing information with the public. We assure that both staff and management of his and Minister Ntshavheni’s questioning yet unflinching support,” he said.
Picture: The police during awareness campaign in Ganspan
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The Warrenton SAPS Social Crime Prevention conducted an awareness campaign at the Kealeboga Primary School in Ganspan to address concerns that affect the youth such as bullying , peer pressure, sexual exploitation, and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
The secretary of the Community Police Forum (CPF), opened the program with prayer and Captain Mogomotsi Lekwene welcomed and introduced the guests to the teachers and learners. A representative from the Department of Social Development explained the purpose of the day.
Keynote speakers included the Francis Baard District Junior Commissioner Support Head, Warrenton Junior Station MIC, and Warrenton Junior Detective Commander.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the CPF, Women’s Network, Frances Baard District Social Crime Prevention, and Department of Social Development, handed over sanitary towels and stationary packs to the learners, while the Provincial SAPS Band entertained the guests and learners.
“The school principal thanked all government departments, who contributed to assisting the children and reiterated that the gifts will make a significant difference towards the well-being of the children,” he said.
A doctor was sentenced to two years imprisonment by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, but wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension.
Dr Fabian Royston Tun was facing eight counts of failure to submit Personal Income Tax Returns (PIT) and 42 counts of failure to submit value-added tax returns (VAT201). The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the prosecution case is that, Tun was operating as a medical practitioner and trading as a Sole Trader in Dr FR Tun’s Practice, registered with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for both Personal Income Tax and Value Added Tax purposes.
Senokoatsane further said the state alleged that during 2015 to 2022, the accused received income amounting to over R17 million. He added that the accused, whilst practising as Dr Tun, failed to submit the personal income tax returns for the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 tax years as required by the prescribed tax laws.
“Even though the accused did not submit his tax returns during the said tax periods, the accused received taxable income and such taxable income was not declared to the Commissioner of SARS. The accused also failed to submit Value Added Tax returns to the South African Revenue Service for the tax periods from August 2016 to June 2023.
“The accused was arrested after comprehensive investigations led by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (DPCI), as well as the Tax Unit, from the NPA, led by advocate Martin Molokwane, as well as advocate Tebogo Moheta, who guided the investigations and prosecuted this matter in court,” said Senokoatsane.
He said in realising the amount of evidence against his case, Tun, who was legally represented, pleaded guilty to all charges preferred against him and he was then convicted as such. Senokoatsane said the doctor was sentenced to two years imprisonment for counts 1 until 8 (Failure to submit Personal Income Tax returns), which was wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension.
“Tun was fined R10 000 or sentenced to four months imprisonment per count on 9-50 (Failure to submit Value Added Tax returns) of which R 5000 or 2 months imprisonment per count is suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of the same offences during a period of suspension.
“The accused has submitted all his outstanding Personal Income Tax Returns and Value Added Tax returns. The impact is that Tun now has a criminal record and SARS will be able to determine his tax liabilities,” he said.
Senokoatsane said NPA welcomed this imperative conviction, which evidently will send a clear message to the citizens that they should refrain from not submitting their personal and business Tax Returns, as they will be arrested, convicted, and sentenced accordingly.
Pic: Two suspects arrested by police in Northern Cape for Business Robbery in Hartswater/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A man (36) was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for armed robbery. On 12 August 2022, the accused, Sekhonola Seatile and his accomplice, entered a shop in Long Street, Kimberley, where they threatened the shop keeper at gunpoint and robbed him of cash, cigarettes and cellphones.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said they then locked the complainant inside his shop and fled the scene. Pilane said the Detective Sergeant Eunice Ngono and Constable Mpumelelo Maruping from the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit, were tasked to investigate the incident and through their meticulous investigation, they traced and arrested the suspect in the Free State province.
“Bail was successfully opposed and denied. The accused was found guilty as charged and sentenced to an effective 14 years direct imprisonment and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“The Management of SAPS welcomes the sentence secured and commended the detectives for their relentless efforts in bringing perpetrators to justice,” she said.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West said it has embarked on a membership renewal and recruitment drive in its branches and regions across the province. The party said it finds pleasure in seeing majority of its members renewing their membership and residents of the province following suit in joining the EFF.
The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema said they wish to make it known that the EFF remains a relevant “radical, leftist, anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist movement with an internationalist outlook”, and is alive to the plight in its subscription to the Marxist-Leninist and Fanonian schools of thought.
“We are pleased at the role the EFF continues to play as a vanguard of the communities and worker’s struggles. We call on all the branches and regions to remain firmly on the ground, mobilize and organize for the EFF.
“As such, renewal and recruitment of membership continues across the province, and we shall never pay lip service to such a noble task. We further encourage branches and regions to follow the guidelines and exercise maximum discipline in preparation of the National People’s Assembly,” he said.
Moema further said they remain very confident in the leadership of the EFF under the sterling stewardship of the Commander-in-Chief and President Julius Sello Malema.
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has concluded a robust, engaging and fruitful three-day induction workshop with the education sector. The chairperson of the committee, Joy Maimela said the purpose of the workshop was to provide members with a comprehensive overview of the sector, including the structure of the Department of Basic Education (DBE), their vision and strategic goals.
Maimela further said the workshop also included a detailed explanation of the functions of the DBE and the distinct and concurrent roles of provincial education departments and education district offices.
“The committee therefore requested input from all provincial education departments. This was for Members to understand the space that they will have to do oversight in. Stakeholders participating in the programme included the South African Human Rights Commission, qualifications verifications body Umalusi, and the departments of Transport (DOT), Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).
“The theme of challenges with scholar transport, lack of infrastructure maintenance and inadequate sanitation, such as pit latrines, kept arising over the three days. Although it was intended to be an introduction to the sector, the committee also had probing questions on areas of concern and wanted comprehensive plans on turning it around,” she said.
Maimela added that the DOT agreed that the process of procurement for scholar transport is problematic. She said the committee heard that someone would, for example, tender with a Mercedes Benz vehicle, but later transport learners with a sub-standard transport.
“It is clear the committee is especially passionate about these matters. How do we explain to a mother that your child was picked up for school and never made it home? Mothers are frustrated because they are burying their children.
“The DOT presentation did not put the committee’s mind at ease. We are responsible for 12.7 million learners, and we cannot play with that. We requested the department to return with a comprehensive plan on how to address the scourge of deaths of our learners on the road,” she said.
Maimela said they have been losing far too many learners due to vehicle accidents. She said the committee also had a stern message for the DWS.
“The committee heard there were about 200 pit latrines still in schools, but funding should still be allocated for this. How do we explain to a mother, your child will not come home because she fell in a pit latrine?
“We want this eradicated and it is non-negotiable. This must be a priority. The DPWI must act against implementing agents, who are not fulfilling their contracts nor completing projects on time. You are responsible for infrastructure maintenance at our schools,” said Maimela.
She said the department needs to ensure that the norms and standards are in place and adhered to. Maimela said the workshop was an overall success, as the committee wanted to understand the basic education sector better and to be empowered.
“So, when we start holding the executive to account and do our oversight work, we do it from an informed position. South Africans want universal quality education, but clearly it cannot just be the responsibility of one department,” concluded Maimela.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng during the official launch of the 14th Trans Kalahari Corridor Joint Law Enforcement Operation (TKCJLEO) in Rustenburg/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has officially launched the 14th Trans Kalahari Corridor Joint Law Enforcement Operation (TKCJLEO) in Rustenburg. Morweng said a week long operation, has brought together delegates from Botswana and Namibia to join their counterparts in South Africa with the intent of improving transportation barriers and safety along the N4 corridor.
He further highlighted the great work of the tripartite countries, since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2003, to ease trade and identify development opportunities.
“It was against this spirit of collective purpose that South Africa, Botswana and Namibia signed this pact in 2003. More than 21 years, we are proudly and justifiably grateful for the enduring relationship we forged.
“The enduring relationship between these three Member States,
saw the signing of the 11 Point Plan by Ministers of Labour, Police and Home Affairs in June 2022. This plan seeks to ensure the smooth passage of freight deliveries,” said Morweng.
He added that this was accentuated by the establishment of the National Logistics Crisis Committee, which is multi-stakeholder and inclusive partnership to resolve clogging at the borders. Morweng said on behalf of the North West Province, they reaffirm commitment to the treaty of the TKC Member States in the creation of a conducive corridor.
“Our economic growth will be greatly enhanced, if we can align our strategies with the TKC objectives. The aim is to contribute and promote trade facilitation within the TKC Members States by improving transport efficiency.
“We need to ensure that there are harmonised policies and procedures within the region, simplify cross-border transactions and customs operation, reduce costs of doing business in the freight and logistics environment, as well as to standardise Road Transport Management System (RIMS) and share information across the three countries,” he said.
Morweng has also extended gratitude to all stakeholders, who are part of the South African leg of the TKCJLEO and the presence of members delegated from Swaziland.
A man (33) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Potchefstroom Regional Court for kidnapping and rape. On 27 July 2020, the accused, Daniel Mathuse, who is the uncle to the victim (9), tried to lure her away from where she was playing with her brother, but she refused.
Mathuse then took her by force and later raped her near the dam in Extension 6 in Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West Sivenathi Gunya said, people went to search for the child and found her with the accused. Gunya said this comes after it was reported that her uncle forcefully removed her from where she was playing.
“The child reported to the witness what happened and Mathuse was subsequently arrested. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges in court, but later, after the evidence of the victim was led and the DNA report became available, he made a formal admission in terms of Section 220 of Criminal Procedure Act,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Hester Pretorious, argued that the court should give a deterrence sentence to the accused, as he violated the rights of the young girl. She further argued that Mathuse was supposed to protect his niece, instead he sexually assaulted her and took away her dignity and her confidence.
“There is a scourge of violence against women and children in the country and the court must protect the victims. So, we urge the court not to deviate from the imposed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” added Pretorious.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, the police and other role players, who ensured that justice was served to the victim. She said the DPP hopes this sentence will serve as a deterrent to other relatives that violate the rights of children in their households, instead of protecting them.
“We encourage relatives to play the parenting role and urge the community to report any acts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to the relevant authorities,” said Makhari.
As part of addressing illegal mining, 32 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during the integrated Vala Umgodi Operation in Mooinooi and Mogwase. The suspects briefly appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 21 August 2024, for contravention of Section 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested between 20 and 21 August 2024. He said of the 32 accused, 12 were found guilty and fined R1 500 or sentenced to three months imprisonment respectively.
“The other 18 accused will remain in custody until 2 September 2024. Meanwhile, the last two accused were released after it was established that they are documented. The accused, who are foreign nationals from Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, include nine women.
“The operation also led to the confiscation of various illegal mining equipment, which were found abandoned. They include three water pumps, water pipes, extension cord and three excavators,” said Mokgwabone.
Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi with the Members of the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has introduced his Economic and Investment Advisory Council. Mokgosi said the council is free to robustly review any economic policy/plan, whose implementation will not translate to any improvement to the situation.
He further said their plea is that, where changes are required, it should be limited to sharpening the implementation tools and not rehashing existing plans. Mokgosi added that they have adopted a complex balancing act approach of fusing change and continuity to limit the time spent on planning.
“Therefore, any proposals we make should appreciate the enormity of the challenge we face – the 54% unemployment rate. The composition of this council is intended to facilitate cooperation and collaboration across economic sectors. Government alone will not achieve much.
“We are limited by the constraints of our fiscal size in comparison to other provinces. I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of the government and the people of the North West to thank each and everyone who has accepted the invitation to serve in the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council,” he said.
Mokgosi said it takes a great courage and determination for one to make himself/herself available to serve in an economic advisory structure of a province, which has the largest unemployment rate in the country and even higher amongst the youth. He said the latest Quarterly Labour Survey Force by Statistic South Africa, paints a grim picture about the standard of living in the province with the expanded unemployment rate sitting at 54%.
“More than 30 000 people in the province, have joined the ranks of the unemployed. This inaugural meeting of the council impresses upon us to talk less and get into action. We are facing a provincial emergency of disastrous proportions, which challenges us to expedite intervention measures aimed at finding solutions to our ailing economy and the poverty afflicting our provincial population.
“The provincial government has prepared the groundwork for this council by revising the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, reviewing the functionality of our state-owned entities, and developing a provincial mega infrastructure projects implementation plan,” said Mokgosi.
He said they are quite aware that as experts in their respective fields, they may find some shortcomings with some of these initiatives. Mokgosi said they respect their professional and technical independence.
“We will value your advice. Over 60% of our provincial budget is consumed internally through funding government administrative costs and salaries. However, we have a great potential as a province to revive our economy, industries and create jobs.
“There are signs of recovery, but not at the pace and scale required to make an impact. If we introduce correct policies and plans, the agricultural industry is expected to attract investments to the tune of over R10 billion, followed by the construction sector at R6.6,” he said.
Mokgosi said this will result in the creation of over 50 000 job opportunities. He said there are opportunities to revive and harness the diverse offerings of the tourism industry, which could leverage an annual growth rate of 5% by 2030, with a potential investment value of R39 billion, where over 100 000 jobs could be created.
The names of the Members of the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council
Professor John Lamola, Professor Thabo Thekiso, Professor Raymond Parsons, Professor Mogadi Malope, Kopano Konopi, Kelepile Dintwe, Willem De Chanonnes, Zwelibanzi Mantambo and Nolitha Fakude.
This Council will also comprise of the following Members of the Executive Council
Bitsa Lenkopane, Madoda Sambatha, Wessels Morweng, Oageng Molapisi, Viola Motsumi, Kenetswe Mosenogi and Elizabeth Mokua.
The Guardian 