Picture: The learners at Rauwane Sepeng Secondary School received wash bins/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
8 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said despite challenging circumstances, the Rauwane Sepeng Secondary School is now nearing readiness to resume its matric camps. Motsumi said, thanks to the generous assistance extended by neighbouring high schools and a local supermarket.
“This outpouring of support has been instrumental in ensuring that Grade 12 learners can continue their preparations without further disruption. Donations include sleeping mattresses, wash basins, blankets and pillows to restore dignity to the camping learners.
“The department expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all donors and supporters, who stepped in during this difficult time. Their swift response has enabled the school to navigate through this period and make significant progress,” she said.
Motsumi further said this includes the development of a revised timetable for Grades 8-11, to ensure continuity of learning and examinations. She commended the collaborative efforts demonstrated by the community.
“The support shown to the school highlights the true spirit of unity and resilience within our community. When we come together to support our learners, we demonstrate that the education of each child is indeed a collective responsibility.
“We thank all the donors and stakeholders whose contributions have made it possible for Rauwane Sepeng to continue its mission of education, even in the face of adversity,” said Motsumi.
She added that the department remains committed to working closely with the school to ensure all learners receive the education they deserve as recovery efforts continue.
Picture: The ANC member, Tshepo Moses Boysa standing next to ANC t-shirts
By OBAKENG MAJE
8 November 2024- The ANC in North West has suspended Tshepo Moses Boysa, who is a ward 14 member in Mahikeng Sub-Region. The ANC accuses Boysa of bringing the party into disrepute and undermine its standing in society.
The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said the letter served to inform Boysa of his immediate suspension. Diremelo further said Boysa has been barred from participating in any ANC activities and his membership is suspended too.
“It has come to the attention of the organization that you actively led and participated in an activity that sought to disrepute and undermine the standing of the ANC in
society.
“On 7 November 2024, you and a group of people were seen destroying and burning organizational t-shirts in front of Mahikeng Local Municipality. This act is a serious violation of the ANC constitution,” he said.
Diremelo added that it is an act of misconduct in terms of the ANC constitution under rule 25.17.15 read together with 25.17.17.4.1. He said Boysa hereby informed of the suspension his membership with immediate effect and he is further directed not to speak, participate or act on behalf of the organization in any
platform until his disciplinary matter is concluded.
“The ANC will communicate with you within 7 days to provide you with the preferred charges against you and the date for your disciplinary hearing. I hope you will find the above in order,” said Diremelo.
Picture: Food parcels and garden tools handed over in efforts to improve and attend to household food security matters in Madibogo Pan/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
8 November 2024- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development handed food parcels to 200 indigent households in Madibogo Pan village, near Mahikeng, as part of the commemoration of the Provincial World Food Day on 30 October 2024.
Head of Department (HoD), Thupi Mokhatla said this initiative will assist them to improve and attend to household food security matters.
Mokhatla said this initiative highlights the ongoing battle against food insecurity that many families in the community face and the importance of access to nutritious food for all. He further said the World Food Day event, celebrated under: “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”, serves as a reminder of the global effort to end hunger and improve nutrition.
“The food parcels handed over included staple foods and nutritious items to households identified as most in need and mainly child and female headed. This endeavour is part of the department’s mandate in promoting food security and improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
“This is the role of the government in addressing food scarcity in the province. Today’s distribution of food parcels is a vital step towards ensuring that our vulnerable communities have access to essential food supplies,” said Mokhatla.
He added that they recognize the struggles faced by many households, and they are committed to providing relief and support. Mokhatla said in addition, the department handed over vegetable seeds and garden tools to 15 households.
“Communities were urged to engage with various agricultural programs available through the department, aimed at enhancing food production and sustainability, while emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and resilience.
“The objective of WFD is to stimulate agricultural production and trade in the marginalised and poorer areas within the provinces through cooperation and collaborations with other relevant stakeholders.”
A dietician, Goitsemodimo Senna, talked on the importance of eating healthy, nutritious foods and reading food labels, including expiry dates.
“Proper nutrition helps prevent malnutrition and other health related issues, having access to nutritious foods supports the immune function, whilst reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting your overall well-being,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Rebecca Monwana said: “The initiative of the department is greatly appreciated to assist in improving household food insecurity as the majority of the community members are unemployed and there are no economic activities in the village.”
8 November 2024– Four men were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of housebreaking implements during the ongoing Vala Umgodi operation in the Bojanala Platinum District. This comes after the police stopped a white Nissan bakkie and arrested four men at Tlhatlhaganyane village, near Sun City in Rustenburg on 5 November 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects, including an undocumented Zimbabwean foreign national, were searched together with their vehicle. Mokgwabone said during the search, the police allegedly found a backpack containing two firearms and ammunition.
“A further search led to the discovery of two bolt cutters, a breaking tool and hand gloves. One of the suspects admitted that they were on their way to commit a business robbery.
“That prompted the police to conduct a search at two of the suspects’ places at Bapong village, where they found suspected stolen goods that included five cell phones, a replica firearm, gas bottles, and a document with the particulars of a Pakistani foreign national,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the suspects were placed under arrest after failing to account for the items found in their possession. He added that the accused persons, Freeman Mahembe (47), Elvis Mogoe (50) Thabo Monyatse (29) and Jacob Kgaswane (55), were charged with unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of housebreaking implements.
“A Zimbabwean foreign national will also be facing a charge of contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. The accused briefly appeared in Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 6 November 2024, and were remanded in custody until 14 November 2024, for legal aid.
“The operation also led to the arrest of five undocumented foreign nationals from Lesotho and Swaziland, aged between 23 and 45. During the operation, items such as five generators, jack hammers, hammers and many others were seized,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello General Kwena, commended the police for their persistent efforts in the fight against illicit economy.
Picture: The suspected stolen diesel confiscated by police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
8 November 2024- The police confiscated a suspected stolen diesel worth R7000 in Phutahanang Township in Kimberly. The diesel was confiscated by the police during Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard District.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said on 7 November 2024, the police under both proactive and combat units, received intelligence-driven information regarding a house in Samora Machel street, where diesel was allegedly stored and sold. Pilane said the information was operationalised and diesel was found stored in 25 litre containers, hidden in an unused toilet.
“No satisfactory explanation was given with regard to its ownership. Large quantities of suspected stolen diesel estimated at R7000 was confiscated and an enquiry was opened for further investigation.
“Members of the community are encouraged to report any suspicious criminal activities through the MySaps App or 10111 crime stop number,” she said.
8 November 2024- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Northern Cape said it has noted with concern that unverified footage and information posted on social media platforms. The police warn the public about posting crime evidence on social media.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the suspects may change their behaviour, if they know that their vehicle or identity is known. Kock said they may change it or somehow make it harder for the police to arrest them.
“Suspects may target those who post that. It can place their lives in imminent danger if a suspect knows they have evidence of a crime he/she committed. Community may take the law into their own hands.
“Publishing photos of suspects or crime scenes could lead to the community taking matters into their own hands, which could result in injury or death. Information may be unverified and social media sources can be unverified, making it difficult to confirm the accuracy of the information,” he said.
Kock further said this also has security risks. He added that social media searches can pose security risks, as investigators may inadvertently reveal their identity.
“The public at large is encouraged to report incidents to the authorities, instead of posting on social media. Robust community participation in the fight against crime is key. Ensure that you never endanger your life or the lives of others.
“The police need the community and communities need the police,” said Kock.
8 November 2024- An elderly man aged 75 was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Bafokeng Sexual Offences Regional Court in Tlhabane, near Rustenburg for rape. On 4 June 2023, the accused, Themba Moya, called Tshwetso Letshaba (15) at around 12pm, to assist him with something in the house at Lethabong Township, outside Rustenburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said on arrival, Moya who is the victim’s neighbour, invited her to his bedroom, where he raped her. Mokgwabone said the matter was reported to the police and the suspect was arrested.
“Sadly, the victim allegedly killed herself a few weeks after the rape incident,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the Investigating Officer, D/Sgt Letshabang Mzinyathi and the state prosecutor, Advocate Dzimema and other role players for working together to secure the conviction.
Picture: The Chairperson of SCOPA in North West, Smuts Matshe along with his delegation/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
8 November 2024- The Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts said it has directed the North West Department of Health and Department of Education to urgently address matters raised by audit reports, as well as matters of concern through post audit action plans. This follows the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) public hearings with the two departments over 2023/24 audit outcomes.
The Provincial Chairperson of Public Accounts Committee, Smuts Matshe said they have started the PFMA public hearings for the cycle 2023/24, where departments and entities have to account on all matters raised by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA). Matshe said the process started with departments with the biggest budgets in the provincial government and all other entities will appear before the end of November 2024.
“On the financial year under review, the North West Department of Education acquired a qualified audit opinion with a decreased number of qualifications compared to previous years.
“The qualification areas include material misstatements relating to immobile tangible assets, especially mobile classrooms, prior period errors and unauthorized, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIF&W) largely as a result of non-compliance in supply chain management processes,” he said.
Matshe further said departments must implement consequence management on all supply chain management non-compliance and transgressions, including contract management.
“We need necessary intervention by the accounting officers through proper investigations on UIF&W in line with the regulatory framework. Both MECs have responsibilities to ensure that there is proper monitoring of the performance and financial systems.
“There should be implementation of proper electronic records management systems with a backup server. We owe it to the people of our country to provide quality services and account in a transparent manner on how their resources are utilized,” said Matshe.
He added that their limited public resources should at all times be utilized for the development of the people as a whole and not for the benefit of some few selfish, immoral and corrupt individuals. Matshe said whilst some progress has been registered in the audit outcomes, immediate action is required on matters raised by the AG and the Provincial Public Accounts Committee.
“We need to work hard to regain public trust and most importantly the people’s confidence in our system of democratic governance. The committee also urges the departments to conduct in-year financial and performance monitoring and training of officials in supply chain management units.
“Immediate training of supply chain management officials is extremely urgent. Furthermore, departments should improve on the 30-day turn-around payment of service providers so as to avoid accumulation of interest due to non-payments. Two departments are expected to provide written responses to questions raised by the committee,” he said.
Matshe said the committee will track progress on implementation of Post-Audit Action Plans and a follow up session with the Department of Education, as well as Health will be convened within three months.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the number of audit findings of the department have been reduced from 8 to 5 due to commitment to deal with findings from prior years.
“We have established a dedicated team working with the Provincial Treasury and Office of the Auditor General to implement the post audit action plan with regular monitoring and evaluation with proper timeframes.
“Immovable tangible assets’ finding was with regards to mobile classrooms which were supposed to be on the department’s asset register but were on the schools’ asset registers,” she said.
Motsumi said they also had a challenge of non-compliance on supply chain management processes, where it was decentralized to districts and schools and there was no delegation of powers on signing of certain contracts such as the National Schools Nutrition Programme, but the matter is being addressed by the department. She also had a serious challenge of manual record-keeping, which became a serious qualification area, but the department is currently implementing a digital record-keeping system to ensure that our documents are stored on a software with a backup system.
The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said: “The Department of Health’s audit outcomes remained unqualified with findings, and has shown improvements on administration due to implementation of good financial controls.
“Most qualification areas were with regards to increasing accruals and payables; manual recordkeeping, increasing irregular expenditure, increasing expenditure on litigations and external service providers appointed to deal with disciplinary cases and accumulating interest due to overdue accounts.”
Lehari said they are addressing these issues through the post audit action plan, including matters of irregular multi-year security contracts, supply and delivery of coal and appointment of private ambulances without following proper supply chain processes.
8 November 2024- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape is urging residents and business owners to be more vigilant and alert as the country is approaching the festive season in order to prevent the occurrence of robberies. The SAPS in Northern Cape said it acknowledges the impact that property related crimes have on individuals and businesses.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said they are committed to working with the public to prevent the occurrence thereof. Kock said the police are urging the public to adhere to and implement the following safety hints to ensure their safety and the safe guarding of their property by adhering to the safety precautions.
“Businesses are requested to be extra vigilant around closing times and never lock your business premises alone. Install extra security gates and appoint security guards. Install security cameras and alarm systems. Ensure that all doors and windows are secure and always remember to keep minimal cash on the premises and bank regularly.
“Train staff on how to handle robberies and emergency situations. Keep a record of serial numbers of valuable items. Tuckshops and other small business must adhere to the operating and closing times and not be open till late. Refrain from sleeping in tuckshops as this makes you a target for business robberies,” he said.
Kock further urged house owners to get a guard dog and install security gates and burglar bars. He added that they should always lock doors and windows when leaving the house.
“Consider installing an alarm system and CCTV cameras. Do not open the door for strangers and be aware of your surroundings when entering or leaving the house. Immediately contact police when you notice suspicious persons loitering around and sitting on street corners.
“Do not leave spare keys in an obvious place like post boxes. Regarding general robberies, people should avoid walking alone at night in dimly lit areas. They should keep their valuables out of sight in public places. They should be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour,” said Kock.
He said people should not carry large amounts of cash or valuable items with them. Kock said they should keep their cell phones and other electronic devices hidden when walking in public or when in a vehicle.
“Do not resist during a robbery as this may escalate the situation and increase your risk of harm. When at the ATM, do not speak to strangers. Use ATM that is well lit and not hidden away. Do not give your pin to anyone.
“Cover your pin when doing ATM transaction. Do not withdraw large amount of cash rather use debit or credit cards for purchases. Always be away of your surroundings and if possible, withdraw money at the tellers in supermarkets. Be aware of card scammers and tricksters that say they can make your money more when drawing cash from ATM’s or banks,” said Kock.
He said people should not use ATM that you suspect was tampered with. Kock said the police care about their safety and by adhering to the safety hints, they can reduce their risk of falling victim to a robbery during the festive season and beyond.
“Remember, prevention is key. If you witness or experience a robbery, report it immediately to the police. Working together, we can help create safer crime free communities for everyone. If you see something, say something,” he said.
The Guardian 