Picture: A RDP house belonging to the late traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 November 2024- A murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused persons from Modutung village, near Taung, has been postponed to 2 December 2024, by the Taung Magistrate’s Court.
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.
27 November 2024- A rape case against a caretaker at Christiana School for the Blind, Mothelesi Tau (38), will resume today at Christiana Magistrate’s Court for legal representation. Tau is accused of raping a Grade 8 learner (18) at the school premises.
According to the highly-placed source at the school, this is not the first incident allegedly being reported against Tau. It is alleged that, however, the school management of the school swept other incidents under the carpet to protect him.
“Truly speaking, a lot is happening at the school. I think this is the third rape incident that took place at the school. Other incidents were swept under the carpet because they were protecting each other. I do not think Tau was the only one doing this.
“What is surprising is that, when Tau was on duty, used condoms were found. There are allegations that he also engaged in sexual activities with boys too. At some point he allegedly attempted to rape a member of School Governing Body (SGB), but nothing was done about it,” our source said.
It is alleged that the affected learner is now under reprisal from the school principal for reporting the incident.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “A rape case was opened against Tau on 18 November 2024. According to our records, this is the first incident reported at the school.”
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said they acknowledge the serious allegations pertaining to the reported rape case at Christiana School for the Blind. Molokwane said they unequivocally condemn this incident and wish to reassure the community that justice will be vigorously pursued.
“The case was reported by a Grade 8 learner, who informed both a teacher and the principal of the incident. Following this report, a formal case was initiated and registered with the Christiana SAPS.
“In response to the allegations, the individual identified as a general worker was arrested on the same day. To uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the department has recommended the precautionary suspension of the individual, pending the outcomes of the disciplinary processes,” he said.
Molokwane further said their primary concern is the safety and well-being of all learners. He added that they are committed to providing support to the affected learner, while ensuring a comprehensive investigation.
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.
27 November 2024 – The Standing Committee on Finance is gravely concerned by municipalities and private companies that contravene with impunity Section 13A of the Pension Fund Act (Act No. 24 of 1956), which mandates employers to deduct employees’ contributions and pay to pension funds.
The committee heard from the Pension Fund Adjudicator (PFA) and Financial Service Conduct Authority (FSCA) that private security companies are the biggest culprits, followed by other companies in various sectors such as transport and metal industry, among others.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Dr Joe Maswanganyi expressed shock when it learned that some 40 municipalities are also culprits in contravening Section 13A of the Pension Act. Maswanganyi said the contraventions are so serious that those responsible will face the consequences.
“We call for action to be taken using existing legislation to bring perpetrators to book. We appreciate the action taken by PFA to publish on their website names of all culprits, which saw some of them making efforts to rectify their mistake.
“Lastly, the committee called on the National Treasury to find mechanisms to regulate service fees charged by pension fund administrators when processing claims from the two-pot system. FSCA and PFA should move with speed to resolve the problem of unclaimed pension benefits,” he said.
Picture: The Botswana police, Mompoloki Okocha Boitshoko arrested by the Hawks/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
27 November 2024- Botswana policeman, Mompoloki Okocha Boitshoko (42) briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 26 November 2024, for alleged corruption. This comes after Boitshoko was arrested by members of the Mahikeng-based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation and Serious Organised Crime Investigation on 25 November 2024, in Mahikeng.
The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that officials from the SARS’ Syndicated Tax and Customs Crime Division received a tip-off on 15 November 2024, that a truck will be entering the Skilpadshek border post from Namibia with illicit cigarettes.
Mathebula said the truck arrived at the border post, and the driver indicated to the officials that he had no cargo to declare.
“Upon inspection, the officials allegedly found 288 master cases containing Remington Gold blue cigarettes packed inside a trailer. The cigarettes with an estimated value of over R1 million were found to be illicit.
“Consequently, the driver was apprehended for contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. The truck, cigarettes, and trailers were seized. On 20 November 2024, a SARS official was reportedly contacted by an unknown man, who offered to pay R100 000 for the release of the truck,” he said.
Mathebula further said an entrapment was set, which resulted in the arrest of a Botswana national after he had paid R104 400, 00 to the SARS official. He added that the accused appeared in court and was remanded in custody.
“His matter was postponed to 3 December 2024, for formal bail application,” said Mathebula.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi welcomed the arrest and subsequent court appearance of the accused. Munzhedzi has commended collaboration between DPCI and SARS in ensuring that the accused faces full might of the law.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By KEDIBONE MOLATSI
26 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving a Grade R learner from Tshipo Mangwegape Primary School in Taung. Motsumi said the learner is currently admitted at Taung District Hospital following suspected foodborne illness linked to snacks purchased from a street vendor in Randstad village on Saturday.
“The incident occurred after the family of the learner bought snacks for two of their children. Tragically, a two-year-old child in the family, Oarabile Nthibogelang, succumbed to the illness, while the Grade R learner was rushed to the hospital, where they are awaiting laboratory results to determine the cause of their illness.
“We express our deep concern and convey our heartfelt condolences to the affected family. It is deeply disheartening to witness such a tragic loss of life and the suffering of a young learner due to suspected foodborne illness,” she said.
Motsumi further said she extended her sincere condolences to the family and wished the Grade R learner a full and speedy recovery. She added that this incident underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight of food safety in the communities to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
“We urge all parents, guardians, and community members to exercise caution when purchasing food items, particularly from informal vendors. The department will also engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter and to enhance food safety measures in the province.
“We will be sending out a team led by a psychologist to offer psychosocial support to the family and the learner at the hospital to offer support during this difficult time,” she said.
27 November 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said he has learned with shock and sadness of the passing of Rudzani Lutendo Phophi, who was attacked, robbed and set alight in Makhado, Limpopo. Cameron said the death of Phophi, highlights once again the propensity and utter disregard against women in this country.
He further said it highlights why women and children feel less secure in the country. Cameron added that this abhorrent crime is an indictment on the society, which is prone to violent acts that are devastating to the collective consciousness.
“Phophi was subjected to a brutal attack on the night of 19 September 2024, and succumbed to her severe injuries. While we welcomed the arrest of the two suspects connected to the attack, it is important to focus on investigations to ensure that the family receives justice.
“While the arrest and successful conviction will not bring Phophi back, it will go a long way in asserting the might of the law and highlighting that South Africa does not tolerate such heinous acts of crime,” said Cameron.
He said as the country participates in the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the country must heighten its activism to revitalise commitments and actively champion the call for an end to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Cameron said it is unacceptable that women are subjected to violence and abuse, and most are killed by brazen murders with no regard for life and the dignity of women.
“These crimes are devastating not only to the families, but to the entire country. The Portfolio Committee on Police urges the SAPS to do more to protect women and children. However, the community must also play an active role in these efforts,” he said.
27 November 2024 – African champions Banyana Banyana have learned their fate in next year’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after the draw for the continental tournament was conducted in Sale, Morocco, on Friday night. The tournament will be held in Morocco and the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team was drawn in Group C where they will face Ghana, Mali and Tanzania.
Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said: “It is not going to be easy, past results mean nothing. Now that we know who our opponents are, we can start preparing and getting ready for the WAFCON as African champions.”
Ellis led the South African senior women’s national team to the continental title in 2022 in Morocco and she will be hoping to defend the title in the same country next year.
The tournament was supposed to be played this year, but was postponed to 2025 as it clashed with the Olympic Games held in Paris from 6 July – 11 August 2024. The event will take place between 5 – 26 July 2025 and Banyana Banyana will be gunning for a repeat of their heroics.
Banyana Banyana had assembled in Johannesburg on 25 November 2024, just days after Ellis announced the team to face the Reggae Queens of Jamaica in two away international friendly in the coming days.
The African champions will face the Reggae Girlz in Montego Bay on 29 November 2024 and 2 November 2024 as part of their preparations for the WAFCON.
27 November 2024 – The South African U17 Men’s National Team (Amajimbos) have reported for camp ahead of what promises to be an exciting 2024 COSAFA Youth Championships.
The zonal tournament will run from 4 – 13 December 2024 and will determine which two Southern African sides will qualify for the 2025 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Ivory Coast on dates yet to be confirmed.
The COSAFA Youth Championships, which were initially scheduled to take place in Maputo, Mozambique will now be hosted in Gauteng, South Africa, due to the political unrest in the neighbouring country.
SA U17 Head Coach Vela Khumalo has called up a strong squad of players who have been preparing for this regional tournament for over a year under the Technical Development Scheme (TDS) programme.
This week’s training sessions will be used to get the boys back in shape ahead of the tournament. Speaking to http://www.safa.net, Khumalo said that they were happy that the tournament is finally taking place.
“We have been preparing this team for quite a while and we are excited to kick off the tournament in the hopes of qualifying for the 2025 U17 AFCON,” he said.
South Africa is placed in Group C alongside Botswana, Comoros and Mauritius.
The fixtures and venues will be released in due course.
27 November 2024 – The Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources met yesterday with the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Department of Electricity and Energy.
The meeting provided an in-depth understanding of the mandates, functions and responsibilities of the departments and their respective entities. During the discussions, the committee commended the department for its outstanding efforts in ensuring the financial stability of its State-Owned Enterprises (SEOs) over the past six years, for which no bailouts were required.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Bones Modise said this achievement reflects a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and effective management, reinforcing the resilience of our SOEs in the face of economic challenges. Modise said a significant concern was the ongoing issue of illegal mining, recognised as a countrywide problem affecting various regions across South Africa.
“Members of the committee highlighted the need for robust regulations to address this pressing issue effectively. Mantashe firmly stated that illegal mining is a criminal activity rather than a mere regulatory violation. He stressed that law enforcement involvement is crucial in tackling this challenge, as it poses serious risks to the economy and community safety.
“The committee also sought clarity on the future of South Africa’s energy supply, particularly regarding the transition from coal to gas and potential partnerships with Mozambique and Russia for gas supply. Additionally, members inquired about the current status of oil and gas exploration along the West Coast, stressing the importance of considering the implications for local communities and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Furthermore, Modise said the discussions highlighted the department’s need to enhance its efforts in addressing historical inequalities within the mining sector. He added that members called for strategies that promote historically disadvantaged groups’ participation and ensure that sector benefits are equitably distributed.
The Guardian 