Daily Archives: November 20, 2024

A murder, attempted murder and arson case postponed

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Picture: A house belonging to a traditional healer, late Omphile Mothusiemnag-Legodu

By OBAKENG MAJE

20 November 2024- Three of nine accused in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case from Modutung village, near Taung, were denied bail. Letlhogonolo Mothibi (38), Thomas Morakanele (29) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property, while Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43), Tshepo Sekgetho (31), Lesego Mongale (34), Lebogang Morakabe (44) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The bail application hearing against Mongale, Oshubile, Kwati, Sekgetho, Semau and Morakabe was postponed until Monday. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024. 

Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.

“Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands. Among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.

“They allegedly looted goods from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze. The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects.

Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.

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Bakwadi Ba Thankgolola Buka Ya Kgang Tsa Tlhaping

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Setshwantsho: Bakwadi ab buka ya Kgang Ya Tlhaping

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

20 Ngwanatsele 2024- Moitsanape mo puong ya Setswana, Tshepo Ponesho go tswa kwa setlamong se eseng sa puso sa Setswana Sa Rona Indigenous Institute (NGO), are ba tsweleditse dipatlisiso ka tsa Setswana le Batswana. Ponesho, yo oneng a bua kwa kopanong ya thankgololo ya buka ya Kgang Tsa Batlhaping kwa Depot Hall kwa Taung, o akgotse batsaya-karolo mo go kwaleng buka eo.

“Bakwadi ba buka e ba dipelo ditshetlha, mme ba tlhoka go akgolwa mo go se ba se dirang. Re tlile go thankgolola buka e, mme yone e bua ka merero yotlhe e amang merero ya Batswana. Maitlhomo ke go aga ngwao le go atolosa segarona se se tlhokang go kopanngwa ke bokgoni mo puong ya Setswana.

“Ba bantsi ba dumela fa puo ya Setswana e sa lekana ka bo yone. Fela, go tlhokega gore go upululwe mareo a mantsha ele go itepatepanya le lefatshe. Re ikuela go puso go ka filhelela seo le go ipela ka puo ya Setswana go ralala matsholo-kgaso le kwa dikolong,” Ponesho Wa tlhalosa.

Are go tlhokega dipatlisiso tse di tseneletseng, mme go nne le bodira-mmogo go ka fitlhelela seo. Ponesho are Kgang tsa Tlhaping le morero ya one ke go gopotsa bakwadi gore ga ba kwala, ba gopole gore gona le dikgang tsa Batlhaping go raralala toropo ya Taung.

“Buka e, e ka thusa go go ruta ka se o batlang gore lefatshe le itse Taung ka sone. Jaaka bojanala, ngwao ga mmogo le tsa botaki. Senampatshwana sa morwadia kgosi re se bona motsing bojale bo aloga. Mme seane se, se supa se se simolotsweng ke bakwadi, mme mebala ya sone ke e.

“Puo ya Setswana e boteng, mme gona le mareo a Setswana a ka emelanang le puo ya seyesemane. Puo ya Setswana e humile, tsatsi le letsatsi fa o tsoga wa kgakgamala,” Ponesho wa tlhalosa.

Are lefoko lengwe le lengwe le na le modumo wa lone. Ponesho are diane kgotsa dipolelo, ga nke di tlhoka tharabololo mo Setswaneng.

“Ga nkake wa tlhaloganya puo ya Setswana fa o sa tlhaloganye mokgwa wa tsamaiso ya teng. Jaanong, buka e, e kwadilwe ke bakwadi ba le 11, mme yone ena le poko le kgutswe.

“Tiro ya rona ke go godisa dibuka tse, gore fa ona le mathata re itse gore se se tla go alahang ke eng, ebile o tla se bona mo bukeng efeng. Gwa direga gore mongwe le mongwe a tlhalose se a se badileng ka mokgwa o a se tlhaloganyang ka teng,” Ponesho wa tlhalosa.

Kgosi Sam Mankuroane le ene o ile a akgola bakwadi ba buka e. Mankuroane are o leboga bakwadi go ba tlisetsa buka e.

“Jaanong, ke nnile le letlhogonolo la go kopana le bangwe ba bakwadi, jaaka moswi Ngaka Gaopalelwe Motebe. Ke nnete ene e le ngaka ya batho ele ruri. Motebe ene ele segatlhamela masisi.

“Jaanong ka re a dibuka tse di tshwanang le tse, di isiwe kwa dikolong, mme bana ba ithute Setswana,” Mankuroane wa tlhalosa.

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Motsaathebe advocates for ‘pracademics’ in bridging media and academia

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Picture: Professor Gilbert Motsaathebe recently delivered his inaugural lecture titled “Pracademics bridge the gap between media and academia” 

By GOFAONE MOTSAMAI 

20 November 2024- When individuals blend professional media experience with academic work, they are “pracademics” who build bridges between the two spheres. This is according to Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe, research professor at the North West University (NWU), who used the term during his recent inaugural lecture titled “Pracademics bridge the gap between media and academia”.

“The role of pracademics in bridging the gap between media and academia is crucial, functioning as a ‘boundary spanner’ that connects these two fields,” said Motsaathebe, whose field is indigenous languages media in Africa. 

He explained that pracademics bring current industry insights into the classroom, helping students apply theoretical concepts to practical contexts, thereby equipping them for challenges in the media field.

Beyond enriching academic programmes, Motsaathebe argued that pracademics can address local 

challenges in media and communication by adapting academic theories to real-world issues.

“When academia and industry collaborate, it involves navigating between two dissimilar but interconnected worlds. It also means ‘turning oneself into a subject,’ à la Foucault,” he remarked, emphasising the innovative potential of pracademics in tackling contemporary issues.

By examining his dual role in academia and industry, Motsaathebe highlighted the importance of engaging with both spheres to contribute meaningfully to societal change.

His lecture emphasised the need for African higher education institutions to embrace pracademia as a way to address the continent’s socio-economic challenges and position themselves as agents of transformation.

His own experience as a pracademic

Holding a PhD in film and media studies from the University of the Witwatersrand, he also completed a BA, BA Hons and an MA in communication (with distinction) at the NWU.

Motsaathebe started out as a news producer at Bop TV in Mmabatho, before joining e-TV. His career later took him abroad, where he held academic positions in the United Kingdom, Japan, India and the United Arab Emirates.

Beyond his teaching and media roles, he has made significant contributions to research, publishing over 60 peer-reviewed articles and 11 books. He has a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation.

His research interests are diverse, covering indigenous languages, media in Africa, African languages, post-apartheid films and journalism education, among other topics.

He is also the founder and co-editor of the International Journal of Indigenous Language Media and Discourse and has served on numerous editorial and advisory boards.

Motsaathebe’s inaugural lecture was a forward-looking exploration of the potential of pracademia to shape the future of mass communication in Africa and beyond.

Source: www.nwu.ac.za

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Bafana Bafana glide past South Sudan 

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players celebrating after beating South Sudan 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

20 November 2024- A capacity crowd at DHL Cape Town Stadium savored the flavours of a delectable buffet as Bafana Bafana served a meal cooked to near perfection under the shadow of Table Mountain on Tuesday.

Coach Hugo Broos’ irrepressible charges were once again in devastating form as they beat South Sudan 3-0 in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier that could have had a far more unflattering final scoreline on another day.

The sold-out sign went up minutes before kick-off at Cape Town Stadium and as was expected, the players made sure that they repaid the nation’s growing faith in the team with a glowing performance deserving of the occasion. The hosts raced to an early lead when Iqraam Rayners beat visiting goalkeeper Majak Maling Mawith with a low shot in the sixth minute after some fine work from Oswin Appollis and Thapelo Morena in the build-up.

The South Africans tightened their stranglehold and with the visitors gasping for air and struggling to keep up, Bafana Bafana struck once again when Patrick Maswanganyi increased the lead in the 22nd minute. Maswanganyi reacted the quickest and buried the ball in the back of the net after Mawith spilled it back into play following a deceptive Teboho Mokoena shot from outside the box.

South Sudan would have been relieved to go to the halftime break trailing by only two goals, but things changed just five minutes after the restart when the South African senior men’s national team was awarded a penalty. Mokoena accepted the responsibility and scored from the spot, inflicting more misery on Mawith.

The 3-0 final score ensured that the South Africans finished top of qualifying Group K with 14 points, in a result that had special significance for captain Ronwen Williams. The 32-year-old ran out for the 50th time in South African senior men’s national team colours after he was selected against South Sudan at the Cape Town Stadium.

The revered and decorated goalkeeper celebrated another milestone during a year that has already had several highlights.

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Police shut down dagga plant worth R10m  

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Picture: Some of dagga seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

20 November 2024- In an effort to curb trafficking of drugs and proliferation of illegal firearms, a search warrant was obtained and operationalised on 14 November 2024, by the Drug Task Team, BIU Security Company and Provincial Organised Crime Unit.

This comes after the intelligence identified a small holding in Vykhoek, in Potchefstroom. 

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said during the search, the police allegedly found two rifles (one self-made), ammunition and three self-made explosive devices (two hand grenades and one small pipe bomb). Funani said furthermore, police discovered a hydroponic dagga lab, with dagga and dagga plants with an estimated street value of R10 million.

“Michael Cilliers (29) was arrested and appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 19 November 2024, for unlawful possession of a firearm and explosives, as well as cultivating and dealing in dagga. 

“He was remanded in custody until 4 December 2024,” she said.  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for this success. Kwena said this will send out a strong message that crime does not pay. 

“The police will continue to work hard to ensure successful prosecution. Crime can be reported on the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application anonymously. 

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.

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More than 4000 jobs to be created

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi , Minister of Energy and Minerals, Gwede Mantashe along with delegates from China-Africa Precious Metals mine/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

20 November 2024- More than 4000 job opportunities will be created by the China-African Precious Metals Company. This comes after the CAPM opened a newly refurbished gold processing plant in Orkney, near Stilfontein on Monday.

The plant which was resuscitated at a tune of over R200 million, forms part of the company’s R2 billion investment at its Orkney operations in the province.

The official opening of the plant was attended by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, the executive mayor of City of Matlosana, Fikile Mahlope and former acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi.

Mokgosi said the investment, which will create close to 4000 work opportunities for locals, is a culmination of governments investment initiatives aimed at addressing the scourge of unemployment and poverty in the province. He further said this means all their investment initiatives from the 6th to the 7th administration, were not in vain.

“Moreover, our ongoing efforts to lure investments and address the scourge of unemployment and poverty is yielding desired results particularly in economically depressed communities like this one.

“More investment commitments are trickling in as the much anticipated gas to power project in the same municipality will be announced before the end of the year.

“On 28 November 2024, we will be meeting with a delegation of business people from the Henan province of China led by the Ambassador to engage on various investment opportunities in mining, tourism and agriculture, which are mainly the three economic drivers of the province,” he said.

Mokgosi added that these investment commitments come at a time, where the province has recorded 69 000 job opportunities in the third quarter of 2024. He said these efforts serve as a ‘glimmer of hope’ in the province’s ongoing endeavours to create various socio-economic opportunities for the people of North West.

Meanwhile, COSATU in North West said it warns against the false presentation of the CAPM jobs project. COSATU provincial spokesperson, Kopano Konopi said: “We want to warn against the disingenuous presentation of the CAPM company, which has been hailed for the expansion of its operations. We understand that the project is among the provincial government’s investment initiatives aimed at addressing the high levels of unemployment and poverty in the province in partnership with the private sector.

“Even though we applaud the collaborative job creation efforts by the provincial government, attempts to twist the truth by misrepresenting the details of this plant are misleading given CAPM’s defiled reputation and the conditions of the touted 4 000 jobs.”

Konopi said in 2021, CAPM exhibited traits of an apathetic employer, refusing to reverse a retrenchment notice to lay off 200 workers out of a workforce of 301 at its gold mine. He said its attitude hindered any progressive engagements with COSATU affiliate, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) to save the jobs, despite countless endeavours to exhaust all options. 

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Learners to be empowered through early career guidance  

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and her delegation, including Unisa Convocation President, Justice Dabampe/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE 

20 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said a strategic meeting they convened with representatives from the University of South Africa (Unisa), will assist them to explore an innovative partnership. Motsumi said the meeting focused on piloting a ground-breaking career guidance program designed to empower learners to make informed career choices as early as Grade 9.  

She further said the proposed program is part of Unisa’s broader strategy to enhance career readiness among learners in the future to align learners’ talents, interests, and aspirations with future career opportunities well before they reach matric.  

Motsumi added that Unisa’s decision to partner with the North West province, stems from the province’s significant contribution to the university’s enrolments. 

“The program will also support the department’s goal of integrating career guidance into the life sciences curriculum through a collaborative approach. I am optimistic about the initiative. 

“This partnership is a step forward in shaping the futures of our learners by giving them the tools and support needed to make well-informed career decisions. We hope that these engagements bear fruit in a way that will address career readiness challenges and strengthen our education system,” she said. 

Motsumi said her department and Unisa, remain committed to fostering innovative collaborations that align with the province’s education priorities and prepare learners for the demands of the modern workforce.  

Meanwhile, Unisa Convocation President Justice Dabampe said: “We will do all in our efforts and beyond to ensure that we take the University of South Africa (UNISA) to number one in Africa as the oldest and largest university. I stand here to commit that we will invest in the academic project and advance transformation to ensure a holistic development and academic experience. 

“UNISA should be an incubator of academic excellence, thought leadership and knowledge production that will benefit African development as aligned with our prestigious institutions vision and mission.”

He said they are committed to ensure maximum investor attraction with the aims of clearing all student debt and gaining public and private sector confidence to absorb and employ UNISA graduates. Dabampe said they will continue advancing the call that Unisa hire its graduates. 

“We should invest in infrastructural and technological development towards asserting ourselves as a major and key international and global university. I invite all stakeholders that we are open to recommendations, advice and working with the greater collective. 

“Let us work together and let us work for Unisa because a better Unisa is a better society,” he said.

He said part of the programmes will include taking Unisa to the people, ensure that the learners in various schools are supported. Dabampe said they intend to ensure that access to education does not only remain a dream for the vast majority of the people, but becomes a reality.

“As an incubator of knowledge, Unisa will ensure that, we improve the quality of education and impart the such knowledge,” he said.

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An elderly woman receives RDP house  

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 Picture: The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, beneficiary, Lydia Mere and North West MEC for (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

2024 November 2024- An elderly woman, Lydia Mere (84), who received a newly-built RDP house said she is over the moon to have shelter. Mere, who originates from the Soutpan Farms, but has been living in Maquassie Township for more than 30 years, was one of the beneficiaries who received keys to the newly built houses. 

“I am currently staying with my son and husband. Our family survives on my social grant since no one in the house is employed. This is one of the best days of my life. 

“I was beginning to worry that I may depart from this world without having a proper house. This is a legacy for my children,” she said. 

Another beneficiary, Keletsame Serape (63) shared the same sentiments. Serape said she was born and raised in Leeubos farm, outside Wolmaranstad. 

“I moved to Lebaleng with my family in the past 10 years. We are grateful that we know living in a proper decent house,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said: “We will continue with our quest to unblock blocked projects across the province. This was testament during the recent Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme in Maquassi Hills, wherein the department handed over 4 houses to beneficiaries.

“We urge the beneficiaries to look after their houses and to use them for their intended purposes. We will terminate contracts of those contractors who underperform or abandon the projects.”

Molapisi further said this act institutes a major setback in the department’s mandate of providing houses to communities and it should be taken into serious consideration. He added that his department will assess the projects to determine what level of intervention is required to ensure the completion of the projects going forward. 

“In addition, we visited two elderly families in Tswelelang Township, to present them with their title deeds. The other eight title deeds out of a total 1170, were handed over during the feedback session to their rightful beneficiaries. 

“The remaining title deeds will be issued to the beneficiaries by the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality. The responsibility of the government is to ensure that the elderly, child-headed families and disabled people are prioritized,” said Molapisi.

He said their dignity is restored as it is stipulated in the Bill of Rights that all humans have the right to decent houses or living environment. 

Molapisi was joined by the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, who donated food parcels to the families. The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism also planted trees for the beneficiaries, adding to the greening campaign by the department of Human Settlements. 

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More young people are victims of abuse in North West

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By REGINALD KANYANE

20 November 2024- The police in North West said it is perturbed by the rising cases of both assault with intent to inflict Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common. The police said the release of the first quarter crime statistics, similarly confirmed the challenges the province experiences regarding these cases. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said with the looming second and third phases of the safer festive season, which are made distinctive among others, by abuse of alcohol, more cases are likely to be reported. 

Mokgwabone further said analysis has shown that most of the victims are youth, due to apparent abuse of liquor, which is one of the contributing factors.

“It has also been established that Gender Based Violence & Femicide (GBVF), including domestic violence-related incidents, occur behind closed doors and most of the victims are women. 

“In some instances, the crimes are regrettably committed by people who know each other, relatives and friends. The police in the province effect more than 150 assaults related arrests weekly and secure convictions,” he said. 

Mokgwabone said while these actions are supposed to serve as a deterrence, assaults are still problematic in all the districts.  He said community leaders, parents, law abiding citizens and members of Community Police Forum (CPF) and related structures, are urged to work together with the police in the fight against crime. 

“Parents are requested to discourage their children from participating in post examinations gatherings and inappropriately arranged celebratory activities or events characterised by unruly behaviour and abuse of alcohol known as Go tlhatswa Dipene or Pens Down.  

“Equally important, event organisers are urged to act responsibly during the safer festive season and beyond by strictly complying with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010, Liquor Act, 1989 and other pertinent legislations,” said Mokgwabone. 

He said that police in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and other relevant role players will not hesitate to take drastic actions against those who perpetrate crime including assaults.  

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Meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe o etetse ba lelapa la rra Kale kwa Shaleng

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Setshwantsho: Meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe o thubega ka selelo      

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

20 Ngwanatsele 2024- Ba lelapa la rra Kale la kwa motseng wa Shaleng, gaufi le Taung, ba tlhalositse fa ba tlhoka dithuso go ka tsweletsa phitlho. Se se tla morago ga gore mongwe wa leloko la lelapa, Olebogeng Mampe Kale (33), a latofadiwe ka go bolaya batsadi ba gagwe, Mosemanegape Kale (74), Phodisho Kale (68), ga mmogo le kgaitsadie, Bonolo Kale (27).   

Kale o ile a tshwarwa, mme kgetsi ya gagwe e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 25 Ngwanatsele 2024. 

Meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, o ile a etela lelapa. Gaoraelwe yo oneng a patilwe ke molekgotlha Itumeleng Maribe are, ba ne ba ile go busa maoto kwa lelapeng morago ga tiragalo e setlhogo e. 

“Ga re kitla re lo naya sepe se se tla busetsang tiragalo e kwa morago. Go le gantsi fa re etela malapa a diragaletsweng ke sengwe sa go tshwana le se, ba fitlha ba re tlhalosetsa gore go diragetseng. 

“Jaanong, mo kgannyeng e, re bone go se botlhokwa gore re tlhole re lo botsa gore go diragetseng, gonne mongwe le mongwe wa itse. Re tlhaloseditswe fa ba lelapa ba kaile fa ba na le makasi a baswi le serame, mme ba tlhoka thuso tsa dijo. 

“Re tla bua le bo rrakgwebo bangwe go ka thusa ntle le go ikgolega. Rona jaaka masepala ga re ntshe dijo. Fela re ile ra leka go batlana le dithuso go batho bangwe ba re dirang le bone (service providers),” Gaoraelwe wa tlhalosa. 

Gaoraelwe are ba itse gore dintsho tse di ntseng jaana, di oka batho ba le bantsi. Are jaanong, fa go ka nna le sengwe, ba tla boela mo lelapeng.  

Kgabagare, Modulasetilo wa setheo se eseng sa puso sa Sino Themba, eleng Golekane Morwe are: “Modiredi-loago wa rona, Goitsemang Sehako, one a etela sekolo se segolwane sa Motheletsi, gonne gona le baithuti ba rra Kale teng. 

“Baithuti bao ke Mphoentle Kale (17) yo o dirang Mophato wa 11, ga mmogo le Tlhalefo Kale (16) wa Mophato wa 8. Fela, Sehako o tlhalositse fa ba se kitla ba thoba bana bao maikutlo go fitlha ba fetsa go kwala ditlhatlhobo tsa bone tsa mafelo a ngwaga.”

Morwe are Sehako o tlhalositse fa seo se ka ba tsosetsa diletseng, mme se ba kgoreletse mo ditlhatlhobong tsa bone. Are jaanong, ba tlhalositse fa ba tla ba thoba maikutlo morago ga ditlhatlhobo. 

“Go tloga moo, ba ile ba etela lelapa, mme ba buisana le Gomolemo Kale (39). Ba lelapa ba ile ba tlhalosa fa ba tlhoka dithuso gore ba ka tsweletsa phitlho. 

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