Daily Archives: October 16, 2024

‘Monnamogolo o teketilwe a shupilwe ka dithunya’ 

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Setshwantsho: Monna wa kwa Dikhuting, Christopher More 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

16 Diphalane 2024- Monnamogolo wa kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, are o tshelela mo letshogong, mme ga itse gore a lebe kae. Christopher More (70), are go na le banna ba ba itirileng kgogomodumo mo botshelo jwa gagwe, mme sepodisi ga se dire sepe. 

“Ke ile ka teketiwa ke banna ba ngwaga o fetileng, ba be ba sala ba fisa ntlo le sejanaga saka. Ke ile ka hudugelwa kwa Tlapeng, gape ba nteketile ba ntshupile ka dithunya. 

“Re ne re tsenetse kopano ya morafe kwa kgotlha, mme go ile ga fitlha moruti o a ileng a bula ka thapelo. Kopano ene ele mabapi le matikiri a epiwang motseng,” More wa tlhalosa. 

Are kwa kopanong eo, go ile ga nna le dikgoga-kgogano, mme ba ile ba gamarega fa ba bona moruti a tlogela kopano, mme a apara diaparo tsa tshireletso (bullet proof). More are moruti o ile a tsena mo sejanageng sa gagwe a tsamaya. 

“Rona re ile ra tsamaya, gonne nna ke ne ke ikutlwa tlala. Erile fa re sentse rele mo tseleng, re ne ra bona dijanaga di le pedi di feta ka lobelo, mme di lebile kwa kopano eneng e tshwaretswe teng. 

“Fela pele ga re tsena kwa re dulang teng, dijanaga tseo di ile tsa fitlha le go emisa fa thoko ga rona. Re ile ra makadiwa ke go bona banna ba le bane, ga mmogo le moruti, ba fologa ka dithunya. Ba ile ba re tshwara le go re teketa ba re shupile ka dithunya,” More wa tlhalosa. 

Are ene ya re morago ga moo, ba ile ba tsena mo dijanageng tsa bone ba tshaba. More are mme moragonyana, go ile ga fitlha sejanaga sa sepodisi. 

“Ke ile ka ba lotlegela se se diragetseng. Re ne ra tsena mo sejanageng sa sepodisi, le go leka go lelekisa dijanaga tseo, mme ene ya re fa re tsena kwa motseng wa Manthe, re ile ra bolelelwa fa dijanaga tseo di ile kwa kgosing. 

“Re ile ra leta le mapodisi kwa tseleng, mme moragonyana, re ile ra bona dijanaga tseo di tswa kwa kgosing le go leba kwa motseng wa Dikhuting. Mapodisi a ile are a leka go di lelekisa, fela go ile ga retela,” More wa tlhalosa. 

Are go ile ga tlhaga sejanaga se sengwe kwa morago, mme se ile sa kgoreletsa sejanaga sa sepodisi gore se se tshware dijanaga tse ba neng ba di beile maroa. More are, sepodisi se ile sa itlhoboga fa se tsena ka Dikhuting. 

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophrima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are: “Sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya go teketa ka maikaelelo a go ntsha dikgobalo. Fela, ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”

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‘Transport sector is the heartbeat of SA economy’

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Picture: Transport Month celebtraion in South Africa

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 October 2024- October has been set aside as a Transport Month in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) since 2005. According to the North West University (Potchefstroom campus) Communication Specialist, Bertie Jacobs, this is being done because the transport sector is essential to the country’s well-being.

Jacobs said people should imagine the human body and all the veins that run through it. He further said these rivers beneath the skin carry the lifeblood.

“They are the undercurrent of life’s pulse, and they work steadily and tirelessly carrying all the oxygen and nutrients we need to survive. The transport sector are the veins within our nation, and they carry the lifeblood of our economy.

“From distant towns to urban centres, it returns the vital flow of goods and people to sustain industry and life. In 2024, South Africa’s transport sector teeters between decay and potential renaissance,” said Jacobs.

He added that an intricate web of rail, road, and air networks keeps the nation moving, but corruption and crumbling infrastructure hamper progress. Jacobs said there are a number of important questions to be asked.

“Do we have the resources and capabilities to stem this backward tide? Can we make the necessary upgrades to patch the deep wounds in our transport sector, or do we merely have band-aids for a system in flux? Our transport sector is determining and will determine South Africa’s economic trajectory.

“Are we heading in the right direction? At the North West University, we have undertaken to find answers and provide possible solutions for the problems plaguing our transport sector,” he said.

He said they do this through their research, the establishment of partnerships within industry and government as well as through their teaching and learning, where we equip students with the skills and expertise to make discernible, impactful contributions to the sector.

Jacobs said their theme for Transport Month is: “How transport gives the country’s economy traction, and it all starts here.”

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A soccer commentator aims to break barriers 

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Picture: The renowned soccer commentator, Eddie Mogorwe/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

16 October 2024- A local soccer commentator, Eddie Mogorwe (50), said it takes discipline, dedication and determination to be a great soccer commentator. Mogorwe, who is now a renowned soccer commentator in the local space, said one needs to be knowledgeable about the rules of the game. 

He further said one should also be able to recall relevant information like how teams have performed in previous matches. Even though Mogorwe was discouraged by some individuals when he started to embark on his commentary journey, he never let detractors deter him. 

Now, the Manokwane-born soccer commentator said, he is happy to finally find his niche. 

“I was inspired by the likes of SABC’s Motsweding FM commentators such as Aubrey JR Motlung, the late iconic Cebo Manyaapelo and of course Oatile Jacobs. When I look back where I come from, I can only say, God is great.  

“I have learnt a lot over the years and I now possess a variety of skills and qualities, including the knowledge of the game. Commentators need to be able to speak clearly and engage an audience, while also being able to work well under pressure,” he said.

Mogorwe said even though he started to be a commentator in 2009, he only had a breakthrough in 2017. He further said he is grateful to be one of the household commentators in and around Taung.

“I was happy to receive a recognition award after a great display at the Boemma Top 16 Soccer Tournament that was held in Modimong village a few months ago. Actually, this is my second award. 

“So, this really shows that if one is resilient enough, nothing can stop him or her. I was inspired by the legends and they gave me goosebumps every time they were behind the mic,” said Mogorwe. 

He added that he is now called to display his craft outside the North West and many people have fallen in love with his commentary skills. 

“I would like to work for Motsweding FM one day. Many people can recognise me and I am grateful that I was not demoralised. I also want to urge those aspiring commentators to take their craft seriously. 

“There are so many challenges in this industry, but if you are buoyant, you can make it. So, to all those who continue to show me their unwavering support, thank you,” he said. 

Mogorwe, who started his school days at Baisitse Primary School in Manokwane and went on to Batlhaping High School to further his studies, said he knew that one day he would be a commentator. He urges young people to stay away from alcohol and substance abuse. 

“Taung has an abundance of talent and they should not be deterred by their backgrounds,” said Mogorwe.

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Housing backlog to be addressed    

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Picture: Some of delegates during oversight visits in North West 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

16 October 2024- The North West Department of Human Settlement said it will address the current housing backlog they are currently faced with. This includes ensuring that all blocked projects are unblocked, contractors are back on site, and contractors who abandoned sites are reinstated or new contractors are appointed. 

The acting Head of Department (HOD), Dr Ben Bole said the department was responding to questions from the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs during their oversight visit to housing projects in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality recently.

Bole said the committee visited projects in Maquassi Hills, Ventersdorp, Kanana and other areas to assess progress made on blocked and other departmental projects. 

“During the visit, the committee noted some dissatisfaction with the progress made on the construction of houses and called on the department to fast track the process of delivering houses in the province. 

“The committee further urged the department to implement consequence management on officials and contractors, who continue to abandon projects and not do their work as expected,” he said. 

Bole further said the committee expressed mixed feelings on several projects, however acknowledging progress made in unblocking blocked projects and completing other projects. He added that the committee also expressed satisfaction on the level of delivery, quality and processes followed by the department in prioritising elderly, women, people with disability, child headed households and other vulnerable groups.

“In some of the projects, the committee was informed that contractors had abandoned the site mainly because of administrative challenges facing the department such as the serious budget cuts, the hike in material prices and the old housing quantum,” said Bole. 

Meanwhile, the acting Chairperson of North West Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Chris Jokubus Steyl, called on the department to ensure that it follows proper processes in liaising with the national department and provincial treasury to request extra funds to resuscitate blocked projects and appointing contractors in most of those that have been abandoned. 

According to Steyl, the department must work around the clock in making sure that beneficiaries receive houses and that contractors are paid on time in 30 days as directed by the provincial treasury. “It is critically important that we ensure that the department delivers houses. We are also responsible to make sure that we conduct oversight, to ensure that government funds are spent appropriately and that the department is delivering as according to its mandate. We therefore need reports from the department, about its plans in addressing the serious challenges the department is faced with,” said Steyl. 

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The late Tito Mboweni to be laid to rest  

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Picture: Former Minister of Finance and SARB Governor, the late Tito Mboweni

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 October 2024- Tributes continue to pour in for the former South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor, Tito Mboweni, who passed away on 12 October 2024, at the age of 65. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has declared a special official funeral category 2, in honour of Mboweni. 

Ramaphosa said Mboweni was the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999 in the Cabinet of Founding President, the late Dr Nelson Mandela. 

“He served as Governor for a decade from 1999. From 2018 to 2021, Mboweni served as Minister of Finance. We would like to reiterate our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mboweni. 

“He served the nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights, wit-h a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation. Mboweni has been accorded a special official funeral category 2, which will take place at Nkowankowa Stadium, Tzaneen, Limpopo on Saturday at 10am,” he said. 

According to Ramaphosa, the funeral will feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS). He further said he has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from 16 until the evening of 19 October 2024.

The National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Thoko Didiza described Mboweni as a distinguished and versatile people’s servant, who dedicated his life, passion, and vast expertise to the service of the people of South Africa.

“Mboweni’s activism spanned both the struggle for freedom and the consolidation of democracy in our country. As a dedicated anti-apartheid activist, he passionately fought for justice, equality, and the liberation of all South Africans. 

“He laid the groundwork for the democratic values he later championed in public service. After the dawn of democracy, he became the first Minister of Labour under the cabinet of President Nelson Mandela,” she said. 

Didiza further said in this role, Mboweni was instrumental in shaping South Africa’s labour policies during a critical time of transition, ensuring that the rights and dignity of workers were protected and enshrined in the new democratic order.

She added that as one of the first generation of Members of the first post-apartheid Parliament, Mboweni contributed to the establishment of laws and policies aimed at dismantling the legacy of apartheid and building a more inclusive and just society.

Meanwhile, the ANC Veterans League president,  Snuki Zikalala said: “We salute the legacy of Mboweni. We are shocked and saddened by his sudden passing. He is one of the ANC’s best sons, serving the ANC and the government in many capacities, including as the Minister of Labour, Finance, and Reserve Bank Governor.”

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A suspect nabbed for business robbery and attempted murder

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Picture: A vehicle that was allegedly used for business robbery in Bonita Park/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

16 October 2024- A man (42) was arrested for business robbery, malicious damage to property and attempted murder in Taung. It is alleged that, five suspects robbed a tuck shop in Bonita Park, near Hartswater on 15 October 2024. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said a team comprising of Hartswater K9 unit, Pampierstad Visible Policing and Detectives, and Taung SAPS, were mobilised to operationalise information received that the suspects allegedly fled in a red Toyota Corolla in the direction of Taung.

“With the assistance of a drone search, one of the suspects, was found hiding in the bush and was successfully arrested at approximately 6pm.

The search team, assisted by the Northern Cape SAPS Airwing, is continuing with a search for four suspects who are believed to still be at large. The police are investigating cases of business robbery, malicious damage to property, and attempted murder,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the inter provincial collaboration together with the community, which led to the arrest of the suspect. 

Otola said anyone who has information regarding the incident is urged to report to SAPS at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App. She said all information will be handled confidentially. 

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Movers and Shakers in football honoured!

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Picture:  Mamelodi Sundowns Women’s Football Club player, Boitumelo Rabale/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 October 2024- The South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA), in partnership with Hollywoodbets, proudly announced the winners of the SAFJA Women’s Footballer and Male Footballer of the Year awards for the 2023/24 season at a prestigious ceremony held at Southern Sun Hyde Park in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Mamelodi Sundowns FC made a clean sweep in both categories, with striker Boitumelo Rabale named the Women’s Footballer of the Year, and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams securing the Men’s Footballer of the Year award. This year’s men’s category introduced prize money for the first time. 

Rabale, delivered an outstanding 2023 season, playing a pivotal role in Sundowns’ treble-winning success. The team secured the league title, the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers, and the CAF Women’s Champions League. 

The Lesotho international scored an impressive 19 goals for the African Champions and was rewarded with a prize of R20,000, an increase of R5,000 from previous years. Her fellow nominees Kaylin Swart, Bongeka Gamede, Chuene Morifi, and Sphumelele Shamase each received a consolation prize of R2,000.

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams showcased remarkable consistency throughout the season for both club and the country, making the SAFJA accolade his sixth nomination and fifth win for the year, which also includes a spot on the Yashin Ballon d’Or trophy shortlist. Williams kept 30 clean sheets and conceded just 19 goals in 46 appearances.

The awards ceremony also honoured outstanding achievements in sports journalism. For the second year in a row, Mazola Molefe won the South African Football Journalist of the Year award. His fearless reporting, coupled with well-sourced breaking stories, set him apart in a competitive field that included top journalists Lorenz Kohler and Mthokozisi Dube. 

Molefe’s commitment to uncovering major stories around clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, demonstrated his journalistic excellence.

In the Young Journalist category, rising star Sinethemba Makonco earned recognition for his impressive contributions to the field, capturing the award.

This initiative aims to inspire young journalists to pursue excellence and develop a passion for quality sports reporting.

SAFJA Chairperson Velile Mnyandu said: “Rewarding and acknowledging our members’ exceptional work has always been paramount to us ever since we started these awards. This year, as promised during the last edition, we introduced the Young Journalist Award. 

“Through this award, we aim to promote a culture of excellence, quality reporting on football matters, and an endless passion for the craft.”

Hollywoodbets Senior Sponsorship Coordinator, Menzi Ngcobo said Hollywoodbets is delighted to partner with SAFJA in recognising the incredible talent and hard work displayed in South African football. Ngcobo said this partnership reflects their ongoing commitment to uplifting the sport and rewarding excellence across the board. 

“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. You have shown remarkable dedication and skill. We are proud to celebrate these achievements, which not only honour individual performances but also inspire the next generation of footballers and journalists,” he said.

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‘It’s always difficult to lose such a player’ 

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Picture: Bafana Bafana player, Themba Zwane after injury 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

16 October 2024 – Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos believes that the early loss of Themba Zwane due to injury, contributed to his charges sharing the spoils against Congo Brazzaville in an away 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat de Brazzaville on Tuesday evening.

Broos was forced to make a substitution five minutes before half-time break after Zwane suffered an injury and had to be replaced by Patrick Maswanganyi. The two sides went on to draw this AFCON qualifier after first half goals from Elias Mokwana in the 33rd minute and Congolese striker Andre Bassouamina just before the break.

“Themba Zwane is a very important player for us. It was not a good thing for us that Themba had to go out with an Achilles tendon injury. I’m afraid he will be out for months. So, again, when you lose such an important player, it’s difficult, certainly in a game where you dominated. 

“It’s always difficult to lose such a player because Zwane is someone who can keep the ball, who can give the last pass. So, he was not there and maybe that was also a reason why we didn’t play so well,” he said.

Broos conceded that the Congolese were a tougher nut to crack at home after losing 5-0 to Bafana Bafana in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape a few days ago. He said Congo surprised them at home and they could not find a way to score. 

Bafana Bafana remains in second place in Group K with eight points, just two behind group leaders Uganda (10 points). The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resume in November 2024, when the South African senior national team travels to Uganda to face the East Africans away from home, and then returns to host South Sudan in the final match of the group.

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NWU urges Grade 12 learners to be resolute during NSC final examinations 

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By BAKANG MAKOTO 

16 October 2024- Only a few days left before over 41 000 Grade 12 learners across North West, sit for their National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations. Dr Judicial Sebatana from the North West University’s Faculty of Education urges learners to focus on the present and not on past shortcomings.

Sebatana said the final exams account for 75% of their mark, whereas past performance only counts for 25%. He further said it is important for learners to remember that it’s not too late. 

“Assessing the readiness of matriculants is a complex task due to multiple factors. We need to consider the content factor, which includes curriculum coverage and learner performance in school-based assessments, mid-year exams and preparatory exams.

“For subjects that require practical experimentation, a key issue to consider is the availability of resources and whether schools were able to conduct those experiments,” said Sebatana. 

He also highlighted the strategic measures in place to assist learners, who have struggled academically during the school year, such as after-hours and weekend classes run by teachers in partnership with school governing bodies. Sebatana added that the NWU’s Ikateleng project has also been assisting learners across the North West, Gauteng, Northern Cape and Free State provinces. 

“There are also various support programmes such as the Last Push initiated by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The department’s Mathematics, Science and Technology unit offers further support, both in person and through virtual learning to schools that have struggled to perform.

“I identified Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting and Economics, as subjects where learners may face more challenges. Mathematics had a pass rate of 53% in 2023 and 61% of Physical Science,” he said. 

According to Sebatana, these subjects are difficult for both learners and teachers, partly due to the need for various teaching and learning resources. He advised learners to prepare for these exams by working through past exam papers, using Physics Education Technology simulations for certain Physical Science topics and accessing recorded lessons made available by the Department of Basic Education.

“A final piece of advice for learners is to focus their revision on simpler topics before moving on to more difficult ones. This can help them manage their study time better and enhance their exam readiness,” said Sebatana.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Siviwe Gwarube said: “We are ready to administer the 2024 NSC final examinations. We have done a lot of work to prepare both the candidates and the system for this year’s examination.

“This was a pivotal moment for the learners who were in their last weeks in the basic education system. In terms of system readiness, there are 772 448 full time candidates enrolled for NSC examinations this year.”

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Picture: Grade 12 learners ready to write their NSC final examinations

A man sentenced to 3 years for livestock theft 

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Picture: Stolen cattle seized by the police/Generic 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

16 October 2024- A man (32) was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Victoria West Magistrate’s Court for livestock theft. The accused, Freddie Jacobs was caught stealing livestock at Marseilles Farm in Victoria West on 14 April 2024.

 The Northern Cape police spokesperson,  Sergeant Timothy Sam said Jacobs was caught in the act and was subsequently arrested. Sam said the police request farmers to implement livestock theft safety hints in order to safeguard their stock. 

“Ensure that all fences and gates are maintained in order to protect your livestock. Ensure that holes in and under fences are repaired immediately. Property owners should not merely delegate, but take charge by inspecting their livestock.

“The yards or kraals where the livestock is kept should be secured. Be particularly watchful when there is a full moon, over weekends and at the end or beginning of a month, or during periods that you know from experience when livestock theft (slaughtering for the pot) occurs,” he said.

Sam also urge farmers to know their neighbours. He further said livestock owners should count livestock at least once a week. 

“The necessity of a thorough stock register cannot be emphasized enough. Owners, kindly brand your stock and go to SAPS Stock Theft Unit offices, where you will be issued with application forms and apply for branding certificates to the Department of Agriculture.

“Owners should properly mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002(Act No 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them. Farmers are advised to invest in technology such as CCTV cameras to curb stock theft,” said Sam.

He added that owners of livestock are encouraged to make use of helplines created through cooperation between SAPS, local farmers’ unions, and communities. Sam said if they notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, they should report that to the police and their neighbours immediately.

“Refrain from hiring undocumented persons as employees on your farm. Ensure that you have full details of labourers as this can assist police with investigations of stock theft.

“Cooperate with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and STESU. Assist the police in their efforts to curb stock theft. Anyone with information about illegal stock theft activities can contact the police on 08600 10111 or MySAPS App or their local Stock Theft units,” said Sam. 

He said the police are encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services. 

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