25 Ngwanatsele 2024- Setopo sa mosadi se bonwe se kaola-kaola mo godimo ga metsi kwa Taung Dam mo letsatsing la maabane. Go begwa fa setopo se, se sa itsiwe gore ke sa ga mang go fitlha ga jaana.
Sepodisi se ikuela go mongwe le mongwe yo a ka tswang a latlhegetswe kgotsa a timeletswe ke mongwe wa losika le ditsala, go ka ikgolaganya le seteishene sa sepodisi sa Taung.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Sarasanta Typhosa van Rooyen are: “Setopo seo se ile sa ntshiwa mo metsing ke basepodisi kwa Taung Dam, gaufi e motse wa Cokonyane mono Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno.
“Jaanaong, mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a bone tiragalo e, a ka letsetsa Sarasanta Tebogo Monchwe mo dinomoreng tsa mogala tsa 082 469 0332. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”
25 November 2024- More than 948 suspects were arrested for various crimes in the North West during Operation Shanela. The operation was conducted by the police and other law enforcement agencies between 18 until 24 November 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said, the suspects were amongst others, arrested for illicit mining, rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises. Funani said these include possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Out of the 948 arrested suspects, 439 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), assault common, illicit mining, house robbery and business robbery.
“Two hundred and fifty-nine, were arrested during Detectives’ suspect raiding operations. Additionally, 64 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing,” she said.
Funani further said the arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers and many others.
She added that the operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, computers, laptops, counterfeit goods, 9 cell phones, illegal cigarettes, 29 ammunition, four firearms, copper cable, liquor and four vehicles.
“During the operations, 14 illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down. The Operation Shanela continues to yield more positive results,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police and other stakeholders for their continuous support in fighting crime in the province and for making sure that the citizens are protected.
25 Ngwanatsele 2024- Sepodisi sa Taung sa kaile fa se boloditse dipatlisiso tsa morago ga loso. Se se tla morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di le 63, wa kwa motseng wa Mokassa, gaufi le Taung, a fitlhelwe a ikgwageditse kwa sekgweng gaufi le molapo kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Sarasanta Tryphosa van Rooyen, Molebatsi Edward Maine, one a tswa kwa lelapeng la gagwe ka di 20 Ngwanatsele 2024, mme ga ka a itsise ope gore o ya kae.
“Go ile ga bulwa kgetsi ya motho o timetseng, mme dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa. Fela ka di 23 Ngwanatsele 2024, setopo sa ga Maine se se neng se kaleditswe, se ile sa bonwa kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng.
“Sepodisi ga se belaele fa go ka tswa gona le letsogo la tshwene mo tiraglong e. Kgetsi ya morago ga loso e butswe kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
25 November 2024- The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola said they welcome the judgement handed down in the North Gauteng High Court, which dismissed the application brought forward by the Society for the Protection of our Constitution.
Masemola said the application sought amongst others, to compel various government departments including SAPS to provide all necessary emergency disaster relief to illegal miners underground by providing food, water, medical aid, blankets and any such medical relief necessary. He further said the application also compelled government departments, including SAPS to extract the alleged trapped miners from underground.
“The SAPS has always maintained that it has never been in violation of any constitutional right to life and to dignity. The SAPS has never blocked any shaft nor blocked any illegal miner from exiting through any disused mine shaft, as is evident with the 1239 illegal miners that have resurfaced in the past few weeks.
“The SAPS remains adamant that there is no illegal miner that is trapped underground and that they simply refuse to resurface because they are avoiding arrest. This is evident with the 14 illegal miners, who resurfaced last night at shaft 10 which is linked to shaft 11,” said Masemola.
He added that the SAPS as a caring government department, has also in the past two weeks allowed for limited food supply and water to be taken down to the illegal miners. Maemola said instant porridge, mageu and water, were indeed taken down.
“The medical emergency personnel have also always been on standby to treat all those who resurface. The SAPS is mandated according to Section 205 of the constitution to prevent, combat as well as maintain law and order.
“It is against this objective that the SAPS’ role and objective for Operation Vala Umgodi is to prevent, combat and stop illicit mining activities that are taking place in the Stilfontein area,” he said.
Masemola said the SAPS operations continue where static deployments are still in place to stamp the authority and for the rule of law to be upheld. He said relevant authorities will soon provide an update on how far the rescue operations are.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, will address the media on an ongoing Stilfontein illegal mining saga. The media briefing will take place at Stilfontein Police Station on 25 November 2024, at 3pm.
Setshwantsho: Molekgotlha kwa masepaleng o mogolwane wa Taung, Itumeleng Maribe
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 Ngwanatsele 2024- Monna wa kwa motseng wa Shaleng, gaufi le Taung, o a latofadiwang ka go bolaya rragwe, Mosimanegape Kale (74), mmagwe eleng Phodisho Kale (68), ga mmogo le kgaitsadie, Bonolo Kale (27), o solofetswe go dira kopo ya beile kwa Kgotlha-tshekelong ya Kgomotso mo letsatsing la gompieno.
Molatofadiwa, Olebogeng Mampe Kale (33), o latofadiwa ka go ngata rragwe, mmagwe le kgaitsadie ka molamu mo ditlhogong, mme a ba bolaya ka gagwe dibeke di le pedi tse di fetileng.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh, Kale one a tsena kwa gagabo, mme a fitlhela ba losika la gagwe ba dutse mo tafoleng e go nwelwang mogodungwana mo go yone kwa mogwafatsheng wa bone. Myburgh are Kale o ile a ngata batsadi ba gagwe le kgaitsadie ka molamu mo ditlhogong.
“Go begwa fa maloko mangwe a losika ba ne ba tshaba ka letlhaba-phefo go efoga tiragalo e. Ba ile ba siele kwa baagisanyeng le go kopa thuso. Go begwa fa maloko mangwe a baagi, ba ile ba tswa letsholo le go batlana le monna o, morago ga gore a tsene ka lenga la seloko.
“Ba ile ba mo tshwara ka Lamatlhatso ka ura ya borataro mo mosong le go mo neela sepodisi. Ba thuso ya potlako ba ile ba bidiwa, mme ba netefatsa fa baswi ba tlhokafaletse kwa lefelong la tiragalo,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, o ile a kgala tiragalo e e setlhogo e ka bogale. Kwena o ile akgola baagi morago ga go thusana le sepodisi mo go tshwareng molatofadiwa.
Kgabagare, baswi ba ile ba fitlhiwa ka Lamatlhatso teng kwa motseng wa Shaleng. Molekgotlha kwa masepaleng o mogolwane wa Taung, Itumeleng Maribe are, baagi ba le bantsi ba ile ba tlhalosa fa ba belaela gore molatofadiwa a ka tswa a ne a le mo tlase ga tshushumetso ya diritibatsi fa a ne a dira tiro e.
“Ba ikuetse go puso go ka bolotsa ntwa kgatlhanong le tiriso e botlhatswa ya diritibatsi. Baagi ba re jaaka puso e boloditse ntwa kgatlhanong le mabenkele a rekisang dijo tse di fetilweng ke nako, e tshwanetse gore e dire fela jalo kgatlhanong le tiriso e botlhatswa ya diritibatsi.
“Jaanong, ba tlhalositse gore botlhe ba ba rekisang diritibatsi, ba tshwarwe mme molao o tseye karolo. Ba re diritibatsi di senya bokamoso jwa basha ba le bantsi, mme seo se tseelwe tlhogong. Ba re basha botlhe ba ba dirisang diritibatsi, ba tshwanetse gore ba thusiwe, mme Lefapha la Katlatlelo-Loago le lone le thuse,” Maribe wa tlhalosa.
Are ba tlile go dirisana le sepodisi go ka leka go reba ditiragalo tse di ntseng jaana gore di se tlhola di diragala. Maribe are jaaka masepala, ba ile ba etela lelapa mogare ga beke le go neelana ka dithuso.
Teaser: SPONSORED: The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) is here to empower MSMEs with the support and resources they need to flourish
The South African government is dedicated to uplifting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as a cornerstone of economic recovery and growth. With a focus on inclusivity and sustainability, the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) introduces a suite of programs tailored to empower small businesses and co-operatives across the country.
In an exclusive interview with SAnews, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General (Acting DG), Nomonde Mnukwa, emphasised the deliberate steps the government has taken to foster the development of MSMEs, and the wide range of programs and initiatives aimed at empowering small businesses, co-operatives and informal enterprises.
She highlighted that the government’s support for small businesses is rooted in their significant contribution to the economy and the livelihoods of citizens.
The National Development Plan places the responsibility of creating 90% of new jobs in the workforce in South Africa on the MSMEs.
“Government is very deliberate about providing targeted support to small businesses, including co-operatives, micro-enterprises, and informal businesses because we know that they are a major source of employment and a key contributor to inclusive growth”.
“MSMEs not only help put food on the table for many households but, when they grow, they also create jobs, helping to reduce unemployment,” she explained.
Recognising the success of many economies around the world that thrive on robust MSME sectors, Mnukwa said the government has taken a similar approach by establishing a dedicated Department of Small Business Development.
She added that the government’s commitment extends beyond national programs, with provincial and municipal structures playing a key role in ensuring that MSMEs receive the necessary support to incubate growth and sustain themselves.
“Provincial departments bridge a gap by assisting MSMEs in areas not reached by national programs. Additionally, local municipalities have established Local Economic Development units to offer financial aid and guidance at a community level.
“The three spheres of government work together to ensure comprehensive coverage, extending their reach to support as many small businesses as possible across the country,” she said.
The government’s MSMEs strategy, the National Integrated Small Enterprise Development Framework (NISED), is also designed to address inequalities. The 6th Parliament also passed the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill which was signed into law by the President to advocate for the interests of small enterprises.
“There are special programs specifically aimed at previously disadvantaged groups, as well as businesses operating in rural or township areas, to tackle both unemployment and inequality,” she said.
Financial and non-financial support
Mnukwa highlighted key funding mechanisms available to MSMEs through the Department of Small Business Development.
The non-financial support includes capacity building, training, and assistance with business plans.
Financial support is provided through various funding models, including grants, blended finance (a mix of grants and loans), and low-interest loans with favourable rates compared to ordinary banks.
In addition to these broad initiatives, there are sector-specific programs, such as the Small Enterprise and Manufacturing Program, which funds working capital and equipment for manufacturing enterprises, and the Spaza-Shop Support Programme targeted at township and rural entrepreneurs who own spaza shops, general dealers or grocery stores.
There is also the Amavulandlela Funding Scheme grant which offers an opportunity for South Africans with disabilities to enter the mainstream economy and build qualifying entrepreneurial enterprises. The grant provides credit facilities that range from a minimum of R50 000 to a maximum of R15 million.
“Each of these programs has different qualifying criteria, so it’s essential for applicants to check the specific requirements. However, at the informal level, such as in informal settlements, there are fewer requirements. Entrepreneurs don’t need to be registered with SARS [South African Revenue Service] or have a business bank account: if they have a valid ID, a personal bank account, and a trading certificate from the municipality, they can qualify.
“This is based on the recognition that many of us were raised by mothers who supported us by selling vegetables or ‘amagwinya’ [vetkoek] on the streets, contributing significantly to the economy,” Mnukwa said.
Youth and women empowerment
The Acting DG also stressed the importance of empowering the youth and women within the MSME space.
The National Youth Development Agency – located in the Presidency – plays a pivotal role in supporting young entrepreneurs by offering both financial support and training to equip them with the skills to manage their businesses effectively.
In addition, the SheTrades program provides vital support to women-owned businesses, enabling them to access both domestic and international markets. The program assists women entrepreneurs with certifications, product listings at major retailers like Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Pick n Pay, and opens doors to new trading opportunities. Agricultural and rural enterprise support
Mnukwa highlighted the work being done in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development to support smallholder farmers and rural enterprises.
These efforts provide farmers with equipment, training, and market linkages, contributing to the broader goal of building an inclusive economy. She added that the government’s large-scale land restitution and redistribution program is also making headway, with 24% of South Africa’s farmland now owned by black farmers.
The comprehensive support for small businesses, Mnukwa emphasised, is not limited to financial aid but includes extensive training, mentorship, and market access initiatives. “The government is deliberate in ensuring that small businesses, especially those from disadvantaged communities, have access to the tools they need to grow and succeed,” she said.
There is also the National Rural Youth Service Corps programme which targets unemployed rural youth aged between 18 and 25 in possession of Grade 12 as part of the rural economy transformation strategy.
“The programme develops the skills of targeted participants through various skills development initiatives in partnership with other public and private sector institutions.
“It exposes participants to different skills fields which focus on instilling a culture of discipline, patriotism, community service as well as technical and vocational skills that equip participants with skills in construction, agriculture, household profiling, welding and records management amongst others,” she said.
Through these varied programs and a strong focus on inclusivity, Mnukwa said the government aims to ensure that MSMEs continue to drive South Africa’s economic growth and create jobs, helping to reduce unemployment and address long-standing inequalities. – SAnews.gov.za
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SPONSORED: The South African government is prioritising support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). Here’s how they’re driving economic growth: #Government #MSMEs #ERRP #SmallBusinessOwners.
Picture: Former Head of Department (HoD) at the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Bailey Mahlakoleng/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 November 2024- Former Head of Department (HoD) at the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Bailey Mahlakoleng (56), pleaded guilty to contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) relating to the SA Express matter. Mahlakoleng made a guilty plea in the North West High Court on 22 November 2024, and was subsequently sentenced.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said his sentencing emanates from an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation into allegations of flouting procurement processes when the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management entered into a contract with SA Express in 2015 to provide airline services for the province.
Gunya said reports indicate that in 2014, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), resolved to revitalise the Mahikeng and Pilanesberg Airports to accommodate the transportation of passengers and goods.
“Subsequent to this, a meeting was held in August 2014, attended by MECs and other high-ranking government officials, where six airlines made presentations about flight services they could offer the province.
“Following the meeting, Mahlakoleng prepared and sent a memorandum to the province’s EXCO, putting forward SA Express as the preferred service provider. The memorandum reportedly sought approval from the province’s EXCO,” he said.
Gunya further said upon entering into a five-year contract with the department, SA Express appointed three different management companies for ground handling services. He added that in terms of the agreement, the department had to pay an amount of approximately R409 million to SA Express and management companies over a five-year period.
“The contract ended after three years, and at this stage, the department had suffered a loss of R186 million. Over R83 million was paid to the three management companies.
“It was discovered during the investigation that no ground handling services were rendered by the appointed companies. Further probe revealed that three other accused, whose matters are before court, have unduly benefited from the funds paid to SA Express,” said Gunya.
He said as an accounting officer, Mahlakoleng failed to follow proper procurement processes when appointing SA Express. Gunya said he was arrested in September 2022, and released on bail.
“After making a series of court appearances, the accused entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the State on three PFMA charges. Mahlakoleng has offered to plead guilty in respect of Section 38 of the PFMA charges on condition that he receives a non-custodial sentence, which was accepted by the state.
“The main reasons for accepting the plea offer were that he did not receive any of the stolen funds and he is a first offender and acted under pressure when he yielded to the instruction from his political bosses not to follow correct procurement procedures when SA Express was appointed,” said Gunya.
He said Mahlakoleng was sentenced to two years imprisonment or R200 000 fine. Gunya said a further five years imprisonment, suspended for a period of five years on condition that during the suspension, he is not found guilty of contravening PFMA or an offence of which dishonesty is an element.
Meanwhile, the North West acting Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the sentencing. They have commended collaborative work between the two entities in ensuring that the accused is brought to justice.
Picture: A RDP house belonging to the late traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 November 2024- A murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused persons from Modutung village, near Taung, will resume in Taung Magistrate’s Court today.
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 decision on bail application of Mongale, Oshubile, Kwati, Sekgetho, Semau and Morakabe, is expected to be announced today. Mothibi, Morakanele and Boikanyo were denied bail.
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.
25 Ngwanatsele 2024- Melaetsa ya matshidiso e tsweletse go goroga go lelapa la ga Kalamore kwa Pudimoe, gaufi le Taung. Se se tla morago ga go tlhokafala ga ngwana wa bone, Ompabaletse Kalamore (28), yo a ileng a amega mo kotsi ya sejanaga.
Go begwa fa Kalamore a ne a le mo sejanageng sa sepodisi, ga mmogo le bangwe ba badiri fa ba ne ba amega mo kotsi ya sejanaga kwa tsela-kgolo ya R503 gaufi le Rooigrond kwa Mahikeng ka Labotlhano.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Amanda Funani, Kalamore one a le mo tseleng ya go thapiwa jaaka motlhakedi wa sepodisi, morago ga go tsenela diteko tsa boitekanelo kwa Potchefstroom. Funani are, Kalamore one a na le bangwe ba badiri go ya Mahikeng.
“Re ka bega fa tekesi ya sepodisi ya modiro wa Toyota Quantum e e neng e labile kwa Mahikeng, e thulane le sejanaga sa poraevete sa Volkswagen Polo se seneng se lebile ntlheng ya Lichtenburg. Kalamore o ile a tlhokafalela kwa lefelong la tiragalo, fa Konstabole Lucas Sekhwela (32), a ne a tlhokafala moragonyana kwa bookelong jwa porofense jwa Mahikeng.
“Bapalami ba le bararo, ba ile ba bona dikgobalo tse di masisi, mme ba amogetswe kwa bookelong. Mokgweetsi wa sejanaga sa Volkswagen Polo, le ene o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong. Kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo e butswe, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” Funani wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, o rometse melaetsa ya matshidiso go ba malapa a latlhegetsweng, mme o eleletsa ba ba boneng dikgobalo pholo ya ka bonako.
Picture: Fourteen illegal miners resurface at Stilfontein mine shaft
By REGINALD KANYANE
25 November 2024- Fourteen illegal miners have resurfaced at shaft 10, which is linked to shaft 11 at Buffelsfontein in Stilfontein. It is alleged that 14 illegal miners who resurfaced last night, are all Mozambicans and are in detention.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe alleged that this proves that these illegal miners are not trapped. Mathe said they just refuse to resurface.
“They chose to come out late at night thinking the police are no longer standing static. Others ran back into the shaft as soon as they noticed the police presence. The media can go to the scene for videos and pictures.
“The operations continue and amongst these illegal miners, is a boy (14). They have confirmed what police have always been saying, that firstly there is no one trapped, and that there are 10 heavily armed Basotho nationals who are guarding them and making them dig for gold,” she said.
Mathe further said these illegal miners claimed that the food and water that was taken down was all confiscated by these Basotho guards and none of them were allowed to eat or drink. She added that they are instead forced to work for the food and water.
Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the North West lambasted the Minister of Department of Minerals Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, who allegedly refused to visit the mine shaft and referred to it as a ‘crime scene’. COSATU provincial secretary, Kopano Konopi said they were not surprised by the stuns and actions of Mantashe and this confirms that, the country is now deteriorating into a police state, where leaders of the state are willing to unleash the police and the military without first hearing their side of the story.
“We are also not surprised because the DMR is suspect number one on the crime taking place there, as they are the ones who have failed to transform and regulate the mining industry as they are required by the law. We have observed with disappointment that the DMR is only interested in mining, which is still active.
“They have less interest in making sure that the land where mining was taking place can be used for other purposes post mining. We call on Mantashe to step up to his responsibilities as per the law and make sure that all mining companies adhere to the law and they meet their obligations during the duration of their active mining period and post mining,” he said.
Konopi said it is critical that DMRE exert its legal authority and hold the delinquent mining companies accountable for their failure to fulfil their legal obligations to close and secure old mines as well as to rehabilitate them. He said the number of such mines are estimated to be in their thousands and DMR is only able to tackle a handful annually.
“Companies which fail to do so must be sanctioned as per the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, including fines and suspension of their licenses.
The police must not be expected to tackle this mammoth task on their own, whilst the mining companies and DMRE fail to act.
“This is a matter of urgency, given the dangers those mines pose to workers and communities and the rampant levels of crime that neighbouring communities are being subjected to as these matters of anarchy and lawlessness are getting out of control,” said Konopi.
The Guardian 