Monthly Archives: August 2024

North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi implement concerted efforts to transform state of municipalities

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Picture: North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

In a concerted effort to transform the state of the municipalities in line with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the North West Provincial Treasury, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), have joined forces to drive meaningful change and improvement in municipalities.

The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi said the aim of this collaboration is to amplify the successes achieved so far and eliminate silo operations that have hindered effective collaboration in the past. Mosenogi saud the District Development Model (DDM) framework, which emphasises coordinated planning and service delivery, serves as the foundation for these collaborative efforts to foster an integrated and effective local governance that benefits all citizens.

“We appreciate the efforts of the past administration for their unwavering commitment to strengthen local governance and improve the quality of life for all citizens. The current commitment builds on the progress that has been made to date, rather than starting from scratch.

“However, there is a concern regarding municipalities that continue to adopt unfunded budgets because this is impediment to service delivery to the citizens of this province. We cannot overemphasise the importance of municipalities implementing funded budgets,” she said.

Mosenogi further said a funded budget is a critical step towards financial sustainability, as it ensures that municipalities have the necessary resources to deliver quality services to citizens. She added that they will work closely with municipalities to ensure that they have the capacity to prepare and implement funded budgets.

“That will enable us to provide reliable and efficient services to citizens, invest in infrastructure development and maintenance, create jobs and stimulate local economic growth and improve their creditworthiness and access to funding.

“The collaborative efforts will focus on supporting municipalities in implementing the Financial Recovery Plan, which is a critical component of improving the finances of municipalities and supports the objectives of DDM,” said Mosenogi.

According to Mosenogi, the Financial Recovery Plan is designed to help municipalities overcome their financial challenges and achieve financial sustainability.

“We firmly believe that by working together, we can overcome the challenges that our municipalities face. Through cooperation, shared vision, and unwavering commitment, we will strengthen local governance and improve the quality of life for all citizens as this will foster greater collaboration and coordination between different spheres of government thereby promoting inclusive and participatory governance that involves all stakeholders, including traditional leaders and local communities.

“These collaborative efforts build on the process already started between CoGTA and Provincial Treasury of implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which would clarify the role of each department and do away with duplications. The structured arrangements would also include SALGA,” she said.

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Two prosecutors nabbed for obstruction of justice 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

Two state prosecutors, Tshikani Golden Rikhotso (46) and Mikhalani Patrick Chauke, briefly appeared at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court. The duo was arrested on 8 August 2024, they are facing allegations of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said following lead investigations, (J50) warrants of arrest were issued for three accused. 

“Only accused 1 and 2 were arrested and appeared before court. The police are on the lookout for the third accused and believe s/he will be arrested soon. The matter was adjourned to 26 September 2024, and the two accused were granted a R1000 each. 

“The accused were sensitised as one of the bail conditions, to report once a week to the local police station between 9am and 5pm. The NPA remains committed to upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that justice is served in our communities,” he said. 

Gunya further said the NPA is serious about fighting those who are corrupt in its ranks. He added that the NPA would like to assure the public that disciplinary actions will be taken against its members, who are against the system. 

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SPAR renew its sponsorship with Netball SA 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

SPAR and netball have gone hand-in-hand this century and the supermarket giant has just renewed its sponsorship until 2027. SPAR first became involved with netball in 2000 and its commitment to the biggest women’s sport in South Africa has been unwavering ever since. 

Its 24-year sponsorship of the SPAR Proteas and it is the longest team title sponsorship in South Africa.  Its sponsorship of Netball South Africa (NSA) is one of the country’s longest federation sponsorships.

In terms of the new sponsorship deal, SPAR’s title sponsorship includes the national team, the SPAR Proteas, the Under-21 team, the SPAR Baby Proteas, the national senior and Under-21 Championships and a home Test series and one or more international teams in the form of the SPAR Netball Challenge. 

In addition, SPAR will be an associate sponsor of the national Fast Five Senior team, the Telkom Netball League and the men’s national championships.

Making the announcement, SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager, Mpudi Maubane said sport provided an exciting platform for brand-building and women’s sport in particular presented an excellent channel.

“We believe a call for action to empower women serves as a good initiative not only to build a nation but to capacitate women to take up relevant and influential spaces in our society. 

“Netball is the most popular sport among women, who are important role players in South Africa. SPAR was honoured to be part of netball and sporting history last year when we partnered with Telkom and other netball sponsors to support Netball South Africa (NSA) and World Netball in staging the first African Netball World Cup in Cape Town,” said Maubane.

Meanwhile, the NSA President Cecilia Molokwane was thrilled to announce the extension of the partnership with SPAR.

“Over years, SPAR has been a pillar of support, providing commitment and resources that have been instrumental in our success. 

“Their genuine passion for women’s sports and their dedicated efforts to empower our players resonate deeply with our values and mission,” she said. 

Molokwane further said SPAR is more than a sponsor. She added that it epitomizes women empowerment. 

“Their support for women’s sports, particularly netball, has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless young girls and women.

“By investing in women’s empowerment, SPAR is shaping a brighter future for our nation and leaving a legacy. As we mark 30 years of democracy in South Africa, let us acknowledge the strides made in women’s sports,” said Molokwane.  

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Residents continue to be affected by water shortages  

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Picture: The residents queuing for water in Granspan

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Water scarcity continues to affect various areas across Taung. Many villages like Cokonyane, Mothanthanyaneng, Sekhing and others continued to be affected. 

The Deputy Minister of Department Water and Sanitation (DWS), Sello Seitlholo said the Greater Taung Bulk Water Supply Scheme (BWSS) Phase 2E-1, is a critical component of the Taung/Naledi Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme. 

Seitlholo said even though the project was designed to augment water supply to the Naledi and Greater Taung Local Municipalities within the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, it has been marred with challenges, which have exacerbated water supply shortages in the region.

“The project is funded under the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG). Despite initial progress, the project has encountered significant delays, primarily due to contractor-related challenges. 

“The Selenane and Ultimate Dynamic have been responsible for constructing the pump stations and reservoirs, respectively. These components were completed between 2018 and 2024. 

“The original contractor, Amawakawaka Tipucab JV, appointed on 25 October 2017, was expected to complete the project within 20 months. However, due to poor performance and financial difficulties, the contractor abandoned the project at 85% completion,” he said.

Seitlholo further said multiple attempts to re-engage the contractor were unsuccessful, leading to the termination of the contract on 9 February 2024. He added that following the termination of Amawakawaka Tipucab JV, a new contractor, Selenane and Ultimate Dynamic, was appointed on 22 May 2024. 

“The first shipment of pipes is expected by 16 August 2024, with the project anticipated to be completed by 28 November 2024,” said Seitlholo.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Manager at Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Itumeleng Jonas said: “The Sekhing area is one of the villages that relies with the supply from the Pampierstad Water Treatment Work (WTW) within the Phokwane Local Municipality and currently there is erratic supply from the side and this has resulted in full time tinkering of water to the area by the municipality. 

“In the short term, the municipality took an initiative to conduct groundwater aquifer testing on the abandoned boreholes in Sekhing in order to check if we can make use of them.” 

He said there are recommendations, which has directed them to drill and source for new supplies to serve the village. Jonas said a borehole SG-BH-01 is a low borehole of 0.2 l/s recommended for hand pump or solar submersible pumps only. 

“Borehole MG-BH-01 is a low yielding borehole with Class 3 water quality and is not to be used for human consumption. New production boreholes to be developed at a distance of approximately 500m from the existing boreholes. 

“Based on the above tests, we have recently issued an instruction to a service provider to conduct source development in the view of drilling and equipping two boreholes at the peripheries of the village,” he said.

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Former municipal officials to appear in court 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

Two former officials of Nama Khoi Local Municipality have been summoned by the Hawks Kimberley-based Serious Corruption Investigation members to appear in court. The former Chief Financial Officer (55) and former Municipal Manager (66), are facing allegations of contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said the summons were served on 13 August 2024. Thebe further said the allegations date back to 2014, whereby the former Municipal Manager, was accused of approving expenses, which were not budgeted for in contravention of MFMA. 

“The case was set for trial during the course of 2017. Before the trial could start, the second accused on the matter, who happens to be the former CFO, produced documents to the contrary of the charges. 

“The prosecuting team withdrew the charges based on information submitted by the suspect. However, the Serious Corruption Investigation team thoroughly investigated the matter and re-submitted the docket to the office of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision,” he said. 

Thebe added that the Office of DPP, decided to charge both accused.  He said the duo will make their first court appearance at Springbok Magistrate’s Court on 25 September 2024.

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Over 500 000 people living with HIV in North West 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi said there are encouraging signs of the province being on a right trajectory in reducing HIV infections. Mokgosi said this during a quarterly meeting address of the Provincial Council on Aids held at Mmabatho Palms Hotel in Mahikeng. 

He further said since the resuscitation of the council, the provincial government has been able to coordinate and bring together various stakeholders in response to HIV infections. Mokgosi added that through these collaborative efforts, they have been able to respond positively in bringing down HIV-AIDS infections in the past three years with a decline of 1.7% in the last financial year. 

“The province has been able to reduce AIDS-related deaths since 2017. Our efforts in reducing AIDS-related deaths are gaining traction and from 2017, we reduced these deaths from 5169 to 3100 in 2022. 

“It is also encouraging to mention that life expectancy has increased from 64 years in 2019 to 66 years in 2023 for both males and females. Of concern is over 24 000 young people between the ages of 20-24, who are living with HIV with only over 13 000 on treatment,” he said.

Mokgosi said as he indicated in his Opening of the Provincial Legislature Address, the youth agenda is one of the apex priorities of this administration and this cuts across the board. He said they are going to double their efforts in combating the spread of HIV among young people. 

“These campaigns will be rolled out in our schools and institutions of higher learning. This will include working with various youth formations to intensify these campaigns.

“As of June 2024, over 540 000 people are living with HIV in the province and over 366 000 are on treatment. The Bojanala and Ngaka Modiri Molema remain hotspots in terms of HIV with infections hovering around 260 000 and 111 000 respectively,” said Mokgosi. 

He said in strengthening the province’s ongoing efforts in response to HIV, North West has already concluded the End-term Review of the 2017/2022 giving impetus to the development of the 2023/28 Provincial Implementation Plan (PIP) on HIV and AIDS, STIs and TB. 

“We will ensure that this plan trickles down to all four districts of the province, as it will play a pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing the HIV-AIDS response and related diseases in the province,” said Mokgosi.

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Porojeke ya kago ya tsela e tsweletse kwa Itireleng

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Setshwantsho: Porojeke ya kago ya tsela e tsweletse 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baagi ba motse wa kwa Itireleng, gaufi le Taung, bare ba itumeletse go bona porojeke ya kago ya tsela ya dikilometara di le 10 e tshimolotse. Tsela e, ke e e golaganyang motse wa bone le tsela-kgolo ya N18. 

Baagi ba ne ba ikuela go masepala o mogolwane wa Taung go ba agela tsela. Mo dikgweding tse di fetileng, baagi ba ne ba nna le kopano le masepala, Lefapha la Ditsela mo Bokone Bophirima, ga mmogo le Kantoro ya ga Tonakgolo (Office of the Premier) go ka tlhagolela tsela porojeke e.  

Masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Lefapha la Ditsela, ga mmogo le Kantoro ya ga Tonakgolo, ba ne ba tsena mo tumalanong ya go agela baagi tsela eo ka mokwa wa tiriso ya ditene (paving). 

Jaanong, mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Itumeleng Pholo are, le fa ba itumeletse kago ya tsela, go nnile le go ngodiega. Are le ka mokgwa o go thapilweng badiri ba ba agang tsela eo ka gone, ga se o go dumalanweng ka one.

“Re ne re dumalane le puso gore go tla thapiwa badiri ba Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) ba le 80. Fela go thapilwe ba le 40, mme bone ba dira ka go refosana.  

“Re ne re ikuela go Lefapha la Ditsela go oketsa palo ya badiri, mme go dire badiri ba le 40 ka gangwe. Masepala one o tlhalositse fa tiro ele ntsi, fela matsogo ele one a tlhaelang,” Pholo wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, molekgotlha o a ikarabelang ka tsa mafaratlhatlha kwa masepaleng, Itumeleng Maribe are: “Dilo tsotlhe tse di tlhokegang mo kagong e ya tsela, di fitlhile. Gape, jaaka re ne re dumalane kwa tshimologong gore go tla dirisiwa badiri ba EPWP, ga gwa fetoga sepe. Go ne go na le magatwe a gore kago e ya tsela e tla agiwa ke rakonteraka. 

“Fela re tlhalositse gore tsela e, e tlile go agiwa ke badiri ba EPWP, mme ba tlile go unngwelwa ka go ithuta ditiro tse dingwe tse di farologaneng (skill transfer). Re tlile go netefatsa fa porojeke e ya tsela, e agiwa ka manontlhotlho.” 

Maribe are ba tlile go ka ela tlhoko gore seo se a diragala, mme diengeniere tsa masepala le tsone di tlile go nna karolo ya kago ya tsela e. 

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Mong wa maloba wa The Meat Brother’s Pub, Tshwaro Magwegape o batla gore kgetsi ya polao le maiteko a polao kgatlhanong le ene e tshololwe  

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Setshwantsho: Mongwebi o itsegeng le mongwa The Meat Brother’s Pub wa maloba, Tshwaro Mangwegape

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mogwebi o itsegeng gape ele mong wa maloba wa lefelo le le rekisang bojalwa la The Meat Brother’s Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape, o batla gore kgetsi ya gagwe ya polao le maiteko a polao e tshololwe ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung.

Seno se tlhalositse ke mmueledi wa gagwe, Isang Nakale. Nakale are kgetsi e, e tshololwe gonne bosekisi bo tsweletse go goga dinao mo go yone.

Go ya ka Nakale, labofelo bosekisi bo ile jwa kopa magistrata gore a busetse kgetsi eno morago fa bo sentse bo emetse diteko tsa sethunya.

Nakale are, seo se feleletsa se ama molatofadiwa, gonne o senyegelwa ke madi go dula a boa-boa kwa kgotlha-tshekelo, mme go sena lepele le morago. Nakale are kgotlha-tshekelo, e tsholole kgetsi e, mme e tla busediwa fa bosekisi o itekanetse go ka tswelela ka tsheko.   

Mangwegape o latofadiwa ka go thuntsa le go bolaya naledi ya kgwele ya dinao ya setlhopha sa NWU Soccer Institute, Undivile “Vila” Mdi (28) le go gobatsa tsala ya gagwe, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).

Go begwa fa Mdi le Kokwe, ba ne ba etela lefelo la The Meat Brother’s Pub mono Taung ka di 16 Sedimonthole 2023, go ya go ijesa monate. Fela go begwa fa lefelo leo le ne le tletse phetelelo.

Go ya ka dibego, Mdi le Kokwe ba baneng ba le mo gare ga lefelo leo, ba ile ba tswela kwa ntle, mme batlhokomedi ba ile ba ba lemotsha fa ba se kitla ba kgona go boela mo teng, gonne go tletse.   

Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga tlhatlharuane magareng ga Mangwegape le banna ba, gonne ba ne ba batla go tsena ka kgang. Go begwa fa Mangwegape a ile a ntsha sethunya le go thuntsa Mdi, ga mmogo le Kokwe.

Go begwa fa Mdi a ile a tlhokafalela kwa bookelo, mme Kokwe ene o ile a amogelwa le go kgaolwa leoto. Mangwegape, yo o neetsweng beile ya R5000 ke kgotlha-tshekelo kgolo ya North West, o boela kgotlha-tshekelo ka di 21 Phatwe 2024.

Kgabagare, mongwe wa baeteledipele kwa motseng wa Manokwane, Kgakololo Koji are: “Se ke tla go se netefaletsang ke gore mo nakong e e fetileng, ke kgonne go naya kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung bopaki. Ba tshegeditse bopaki jwa gore, fa o batla gore o se ye kgolegelong mo Taung, o tshwanetse go nna le mmueledi o diphatsa.

“Jaanong, re a itse gore go diragalang. Fela jaaka kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung ene e mo ganetse ka beile, kgotlha-tshekelo kgolo ya North West kwa Mahikeng, e ne e tshwanetse gore le yone e mo ganele ka beile.”

Koji are fa kgetsi e e ka tshololwa, o ikana a sa dutle gore basimanyana batla itshupa mo banneng. Are ba tlile go lwa go fitlhelela ba rwala mmu ka sehuba, kgotsa batlile go dira sengwe gore kamoso le bona ba be ba tlile go ema fa pele ga kgotlha-tshekelo go tla go se arabela.

“Re tlile go dira seo gore le rona re ikgotsofaditse” Koji wa tlhalosa.

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Ramaphosa: “The onward march towards economic freedom for women”

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By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA  

Last week we commemorated the Women’s March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. This historic protest by more than 20,000 South African women was a response to the cruel and dehumanising practices of the apartheid regime. 

The march was also a protest against economic injustice.

As one of the regime’s so-called ‘influx control’ measures, the pass laws restricted freedom of movement for black men, thereby curtailing their ability to work. The decision to extend the pass laws to black women would have effectively shut off all remaining opportunities for black families to earn a livelihood. 

This spurred the pioneers of 1956 to march on the seat of apartheid power. 

The significance of the 1956 Women’s March is enduring, not least of all because it underscored the centrality of women’s economic empowerment to the broader effort to achieve gender equality. 

Thirty years into democracy we have made impressive strides in advancing gender equality across society, but we still have a long way to go in broadening women’s economic participation. 

This is borne out by a recently published Gallup study titled ‘Gender Power in Africa’. The report analyses the disparities and imbalances that shape the lives of women in five African countries, including South Africa. 

South Africa ranks the highest of the countries surveyed with respect to the rate of female participation in political decision-making, low rates of child marriage, and the participation and completion rates of girls in primary and secondary education. 

However, of the countries surveyed, South Africa has the highest rate of unemployed women and women not in the workforce. The percentage of South African women considered to be self-employed or entrepreneurs is the lowest, at 5%. In this respect, we lag behind the rest of the continent. According to the World Economic Forum, women constitute 58% of self-employed people across Africa. 

In a country such as ours, with a high unemployment rate, entrepreneurship is an important tool to empower more women and broaden their participation in the economy. This includes in the informal sector, which accounts for 18% of total employment in the country. 

Through its various departments and entities, the state provides financial support to women to enable them to start their own businesses and to sustain existing businesses. Women-owned businesses are also able to access training in business and project management, IT and other skills. 

We have set a target to allocate at least 40% of public procurement spend to women-owned businesses. In 2021, we launched a Women’s Economic Assembly to enable women-owned enterprises to participate in local industry value chains. Since its inception this programme has yielded promising results in a number of key economic sectors, notably the automotive sector. 

We are also striving to expand women’s access to economic activity through land ownership, enabling female farmers to own land through the state’s land redistribution programme and supporting them with equipment and other agricultural inputs.  

From citrus farmers in North West to cooperatives making affordable school furniture in KwaZulu-Natal, to cosmetics companies and tech start-ups in the Western Cape, all across the country women-owned enterprises are benefiting from an integrated approach to supporting small businesses.

The private sector is playing an important role in guiding these entrepreneurship journeys through start-up incubators, women entrepreneurship awards and programmes such as the Youth Employment Service.

With the help of the Social Employment Fund and others, government is enabling women entrepreneurs to employ workers and provide mentorship to trainees.  

There is much more that the private sector can do. Access to financial resources, including credit lines, is vital to the viability of women-owned businesses. Another important area is access to tools of financial inclusion like bank accounts and mobile money and payment technologies. It will be critical to broaden the reach of financial services to include women in the informal sector and in rural areas. 

Empowering women contributes to thriving economies, spurs productivity and boosts economic growth. 

With greater collaboration between government and business, together with the support of labour and civil society, we can use entrepreneurship to lift more women out of poverty. We can create more jobs for women and help more women secure their financial freedom. 

The achievement of economic freedom for South Africa’s women would be the most fitting tribute to the courageous women who marched on the Union Buildings in 1956.

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Govt commits to supporting athletes for 2028 Olympics

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Picture: Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie   

With South Africa having doubled its tally of medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has set his sights on providing financial support to athletes who aspire to participate in the 2028 Olympics.

Addressing a media briefing welcoming the return of team South Africa at the OR Tambo International Airport, McKenzie committed to taking 300 athletes to the 2028 Olympic Games taking place in Los Angeles, United States.

“I can promise the nation that come 2028, the athletes will get financial assistance. This is a massive opportunity for our country to showcase the best of our athletes. The road to Los Angeles starts now at school sports and community sports.

“I am ecstatic about the performance of team South Africa at the Olympics. They have doubled their tally. They got three medals in Toyko, in Paris we [were] standing on six medals. They have done very well under trying circumstances,” he said.

McKenzie further said the government must invest money in the athletes. He added that they are going to make sure that money goes to the right people.

“As the Minister of Sports, I am very proud of what our athletes have achieved in Paris. Smith is the most decorated athlete that we have ever produced as a country. You have not only achieved on the field, but you have also achieved off the field,” said McKenzie.

He said the country is proud of Smith. McKenzie said she has shown that is possible.

“We are a sporting nation. You have brought this country together. You are one of the greatest heroes that this country has ever had,” said McKenzie.

Meanwhile, the swimmer Tatjana Smith, who McKenzie described as “our most decorated Olympian” and members of the athletics relay team, returned home to a hero’s welcome this morning, after winning medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

With her recent achievements, Smith has become the greatest Olympian produced by the country, with two gold medals and two silver medals in breaststroke swimming.

South Africa also secured a historic silver medal in the 4×100 metres relay, with the team comprising Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, Shaun Maswanganyi, and Akani Simbine.

Sharing experiences

Smith announced her retirement at the Paris Olympics. However, she has offered to share her experience with other swimmers.

“I am happy to engage with athletes and give my perspective on the sport. We can learn from each other. I am happy to inspire. I am available if you want to bounce [off] some ideas. I am willing to help and be there.

“Knowing that this was the last time I get to wear the country’s colours was a bitter pill to swallow. It’s been 22 years since I have been swimming. It’s going to be a whole lifestyle change. I am also giving myself space to figure out what I can do. It was a bitter sweet moment when I made the decision to retire,” she said.

Smith said going into Paris, she was not planning on retiring. She said it happened during the competition.

“I felt a lot of peace knowing that it’s okay. Sometimes we don’t want to let go because we are unsure of what the future looks like. I just had peace that I need to trust God in this and he will provide.

“It is a bitter pill to swallow that I am finished. This is the last time I will be wearing the green and gold colours. While competing in sports comes with a lot of challenges, I managed to overcome them,” said Smith.

She said: “Sport is expensive, and the cost of living is expensive. You need financial backing to compete at international levels. Representing my country has had its challenges but we still rise above them. We need to get more people and more representation into sports. It’s important.”

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Source: SAnews.gov.za

(Edited by Obakeng Maje)