16 December 2024- A 39-YEAR-OLD woman, who was arrested for alleged fraud, briefly appeared at Colesberg Magistrate’s Court on 12 December 2024. Hendrika Welhelmina Vorster was arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said it is alleged that between November 2011 and October 2012, Vorster, who was employed as a customer consultant at Standard Bank in Colesberg, opened various cheque accounts, revolving credit accounts, credit and loan accounts for staff members, friends and clients to whom credit facilities were granted.
“Furthermore, these credit facilities were granted without meeting the requirements for credit facility. Moreover, some of these credit facilities were granted without required documents such as proof of income, residential address copies, identity documentation and signed agreements.
“The accused further falsified the Standard Bank new delivery system by capturing and inflated applicants’ income which resulted in applicants qualifying for credit facilities, which they would not have qualified for had the falsification not happened,” she said.
Mnisi further said Vorster’s alleged unlawful conduct resulted in Standard Bank suffering potential prejudice of R1 846 663.73 as the clients were unable to make repayment to the credit facilities, which they were granted. She added that Vorster was granted R1000 bail and the matter was postponed to 19 February 2025, for legal representation.
16 Dec 2024- The president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said the Day of Reconciliation is an occasion, where the country remembers and celebrates its journey towards nation-building, healing, social justice and forgiveness. Ramaphosa said this day is dedicated to ‘healing historical wounds and forging new futures’.
He further said for much of the history, this day – the 16th of December – stood as a symbol of the wounds of their history. Ramaphosa added that, for some it was a celebration of victory.
“For others, it was a painful reminder of conquest and dispossession. Since the advent of democracy, we have sought to do away with symbols that are divisive.
“We chose to mark the 16th of December as a day of reconciliation. A celebration of our unity in diversity. It gives me great pleasure to commemorate this year’s Reconciliation Day here in Vredendal, the Valley of Peace,” he said.
Ramaphosa said history has no blank pages. He said under the inhumane apartheid system farmworkers bore the brunt of exploitation.
“White commercial farms were built on the labour of slaves and South Africa’s indigenous people. Since the advent of democracy 30 years ago, we have driven a series of legislative changes to advance the rights of farmworkers.
“We have passed a law to prevent the arbitrary eviction of families living on farms. And yet we know that farmworkers and labour tenants are still being evicted in a number of places without being afforded alternate accommodation,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they call on all employers to treat people humanely and ensure that they have decent accommodation. Ramaphosa said they insist that all should ensure that the law is uphold and the rights of all people are protected.
“The working conditions of farmworkers are regulated by the Labour Relations Act. For the first time, minimum wages were set for farmworkers. Now, no farmworkers may be paid below the National Minimum Wage.
“As part of land reform, we have encouraged employment share schemes. This is where workers in agriculture and other sectors can have shares in the companies that they work for,” he said.
Ramaphosa said There have been initiatives in the Matzikama area to implement this approach. He said they must look at how to expand this, so that the people in this area have a greater share of the local economy.
“Fellow South Africans, Reconciliation Day is about advancing reconciliation, justice and nation-building. It promotes social cohesion and healing. The past may be behind us but we are left with its wounds.
“We have deep scars as a reminder of our painful experiences. We cannot heal these historical wounds by forgetting our past. There are things that should be done to heal the wounds of the past,” said Ramaphosa.
He said, but they must also learn from the past. Ramaphosa said they have come a long way as a country of diverse cultures, languages, beliefs and traditions.
“Here in Vredendal, we have a beautiful and diverse community that is an integral part of our rainbow nation. Here, a person can be as proud of their coloured heritage or their Afrikaans language as they are of their South African identity.
“They can be white or African or Indian, speak English or Xhosa or any other language, while being a full and equal member of the South African nation,” he said.
Ramaphosa said history records the great acts of political activism by the people of this province. He said coloured people were not spared the brutality of slavery, dispossession and segregation.
“The apartheid regime tried to divide us and turn us against one another, but they did not succeed. Through democracy, we have worked to restore the dignity of all who suffered under apartheid, including coloured people.
“Our national Coat of Arms pays tribute to the Khoi and San. The human figures are depicted in an attitude of greeting, symbolising unity. This represents a sense of belonging to the nation and to a collective humanity,” said Ramaphosa.
Picture: The founder and multiple award-winning editor of Taung DailyNews, Obakeng Maje
16 December 2024- Since its establishment in 2014, Taung Daily News has emerged as a vital voice for communities in the North West and Northern Cape provinces. Founded by Mr. Obakeng Maje, a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in the media industry, the newspaper has made remarkable strides, earning recognition and respect both locally and beyond.
In 2024, Taung DailyNews added another accolade to its growing list of achievements by winning the prestigious Best Online Media House Award—an honor they also received in 2023, marking a back-to-back victory. This recognition underscores their commitment to excellence in online journalism, providing timely and reliable news to their audience.
Under Mr. Maje’s visionary leadership, Taung Daily News has not only excelled in digital media, but has also achieved remarkable success in investigative journalism. In 2022, Mr. Maje himself was honoured with the Poloko Tau Best Investigative News Story of the Year Award, further cementing the publication’s reputation for delivering impactful stories that resonate with their readers.
Taung DailyNews continues to play a pivotal role in shedding light on important issues affecting local communities, staying true to its mission of empowering citizens through factual and engaging reporting. As a beacon of community journalism, the publication has proven that perseverance, passion, and a commitment to integrity are key to success in the ever-evolving media landscape.
16 December 2024- The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said as the country spend the 16th of December celebrating the National Day of Reconciliation, they are reminded of the injustices that have scarred South Africa’s history and the profound impact these injustices have had on the nation.
Steenhuisen said, however, reconciliation is not about forgetting the past or pretending it did not happen but about acknowledging it, while celebrating the progress made as a country. He further said Reconciliation Day is about how South Africans are no longer strangers to each other, but patriots who are committed to building a brighter tomorrow on lessons learned.
“This year, the formation of a Government of National Unity has brought fresh optimism. This national government, encompassing diverse ideologies, beliefs, visions, and values, reflects a significant step towards shaping a new national story of shared aspirations.
“On this day, let us embrace this renewed sense of hope and dedicate ourselves to building cohesion and unity for inclusive economic growth and jobs, the keys to unlocking the opportunities that can lift up our entire country,” said Steenhuisen.
He said to those who say they no longer have the courage, hope, or largeness of spirit to rekindle the reconciliation that inspired this country 30 years ago, he said they will prove them wrong.
Steenhuisen said his call to all South Africans is simple: “Greet your neighbours. Wish them a blessed day and ask them about their hopes for South Africa. Seek moments of human connection, moments of proudly South African reconciliation.
“So, on behalf of the Democratic Alliance, I wish all South Africans a truly blessed Reconciliation Day.”
Picture: A retired journalist and entrepreneur, Dulile Sowaga with the founder of North West Media Awards, Ananius Ndlovu/Raps Photographer and Project
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 December 2024- As they always say, if you want to become the best journalist, you need a combination of strong writing and communication skills, a deep curiosity for information, excellent research abilities, a commitment to accuracy and ethical reporting. Now, all these were found in no one other than a retired journalist, Dulile Sowaga.
The former City Press (journalist), Daily Sun (political editor and chief bureau), City Vision (editor) and Rustenburg Herald’s Bonus Supplement journalist, who is now an entrepreneur and finding his niche in the tourism industry said, he was pleased to be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 North West Media Awards (NWMA) held in Rustenburg on 6 December 2024.
“Writing has been my passion from childhood. After reading a piece by the late editor of Mail & Guardian, Ameen Akhalwaya in the New Nation newspaper on the importance of being a journalist, I was titillated.
“The media in the 80s was the mouthpiece of the oppressed masses. Playing an important role in exposing the atrocities of apartheid system, keeping the masses informed and educated about their rights, lives and issues affecting them to counter government propaganda.
“I wanted to be part of that protest journalism against the injustices of apartheid. From 1992 to 1993, I worked as a freelancer for Rustenburg Herald’s Bonus Supplement,” he said.
A former teacher (56), who dedicated his 21 years of service to the media fraternity further said, there were challenges in the newsrooms such as gatekeepers, who saw him as a threat to their positions and they became a hostile gang.
He added that other challenges were being controlled by the capitalists with large purses to spend on advertising.
“They can influence what sees the light of the day in the publications. Influential people who happen to be friends with editors can also wield their power to get stories either dropped or watered down.
“This discourages hardworking subordinate reporters and it flies against the media freedom and objectivity. Juniorisation of the newsroom is also an obstacle,” said Sowaga.
He said senior personnel get paid less and ended up being recruited by the government or corporate world. Sowaga said this will leave young and inexperienced journalists to carry the baton.
“I would like to encourage other journalists to move with the time and fast. The media industry is evolving, as print is being replaced with digital. Find creative ways to break stories, to remain relevant and ahead of the pack.
“Never sell your soul for money at the expense of truth and justice. Be prepared to make as many enemies as friends. Journalism is a thankless job with very little pay,” he said.
Sowaga said journalists should let passion and service to people drive them because no country can survive without the fearless media personnel in this corrupt world. He said he is grateful to be honoured during the 2024 North West Media Awards as many people come to the scene and leave unnoticed.
“They disappear as if they never existed. It is a sad thing to be forgotten, while alive and only be remembered when you are gone. So, as I said on acceptance of my award, it is an honour.
“It feels good to be recognised at home by your peers, while you’re alive. So, the recognition means a lot because it is not only the people whose lives you’ve changed over the years, but your peers who appreciate your little contribution,” said Sowaga.
He also highlighted the importance of education and urged the young generation to study. Sowaga, who is studying LLB Degree, has a Teachers Diploma from Phatsimang College of Education in Kimberly, Northern Cape, BA Degree in Communication and Politics (UNISA).
“I also have BA Honours in Media Studies from Wits University, Masters of Philosophy in SA Politics and Political Economy obtained from Nelson Mandela University. Education provides much-needed skills in the workplace and opens doors.
“My advice to young people is to follow careers that they are passionate about, but choose something that doesn’t make their success reliant on getting employed by someone else,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sowaga currently owned a Guesthouse called Ntate Ea Lerato in Lekgalong village along the R556 Sun City Road in Rustenburg. Ottosdal-born entrepreneur said he has registered the Dulile Sowaga Foundation in quest of helping learners coming from deprived backgrounds.
Picture: Police during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
16 December 2024- More than 53 suspects aged between 16 and 55, were arrested for various crimes, which include illegal mining, undocumented persons, trespassing, possession of suspected diamond bearing material, possession of suspected drugs, dealing in drugs and riotous behaviour in Northern Cape. The police traced and arrested three wanted suspects for murder, housebreaking, and culpable homicide.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police issued fines for traffic violation offences amounting to R18 000. Shemane said tools, equipment, drugs, and money believed to be the proceeds of crimes, were confiscated.
“This was done through multi-disciplinary weekly intelligence -driven operations, under the auspices of Operation Vala Umgodi, which include, the Department of Home Affairs and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
“The focus was on hotspot areas linked to illegal mining and related crimes. The suspects were arrested near informal settlements situated around mining areas of Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts,” he said.
Shemane further said the disruptive operations commenced on 9 until 15 December 2024. He added that actions executed by the combat, pro-active, and operational support teams included stop and search, vehicles and foot patrols, vehicle check points at primary and secondary routes around mining areas, and tracing of wanted suspects at informal settlements
“The overall commander of Operation Vala Umgodi in the Northern Cape, Colonel Kagisho Diamond, applauded the members from Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts for their commitment towards the fight against underground and surface illicit mining activities.
“Diamond also encouraged communities to report illegal mining to SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” said Shemane.
Picture: The accused, Constable Luthando Meintjies
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 December 2024- A policeman (27), who is facing three counts of rape, three counts of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), and one count of kidnapping, was denied bail by the Upington Magistrate’s Court. This comes after allegations that, Constable Luthando Meintjies, attempted to influence the complainant and threatened the Investigating Officer in this case.
On 15 November 2024, Meintjies, who is a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), allegedly arrived at his place of residence with the complainant (23), at night after consuming alcohol.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said it is alleged that during the night, the accused informed the complainant that she must call her mother as he wanted money to buy more beers. Senokoatsane further said when she could not get the money from her mother, he allegedly began to assault and proceeded to rape her numerous times during the night.
“She tried to escape and hide in the bathroom, but the accused broke down the door to open it. Whilst all this was happening, she was able to send her uncle text messages for him to come and rescue her from the accused.
“The uncle allegedly arrived at the accused’s home with the police. Meintjies was arrested and charged with rape, assault GBH, as well as kidnapping. The matter was remanded to 27 January 2025 and investigations continue,” he added.
16 December 2024- The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court has postponed the case against four businessmen, Allan Wayne Tichauer, Sudesh Premchand Rocharam, Yaasien Mahomed, Rafael Bricker and their companies on charges of money laundering defined under The Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
The Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said their matter was postponed to 28 January 2025 to add another accused. Mamothame said the four were granted R50 000 bail each, with stringent conditions that includes surrendering of their passports to the investigating officer and reporting to their nearest police station once a week.
“Their court appearance emanates from a tender of relocating the assembling point of locomotives from Pretoria to Durban, following the awarding of a tender to manufacture 1064 electric and diesel locomotives.
“These accused allegedly misrepresented the relocation costs to Transnet, which allegedly amounted to over R76 million. It was further discovered that none of the companies had established their manufacturing plant in Pretoria prior to the decision to relocate the plant in 2015,” he said.
Mamothame said following the payment from Transnet into the account of CNR, which were contracted for the relocation, it is alleged that money was laundered through different companies owned by the other accused.
Picture: The Platinum North West TV delegation after being awarded a licence/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 December 2024- The North West-based community television, Platinum North West TV (PNW-TV), has successfully been granted a broadcasting license by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
This comes after an extensive process that was undertaken by the regulator as part of the Invitation to Pre-Register (ITP-R) for Community Television Broadcasting Service and Radio Frequency Spectrum Licences.
The PNW-TV CEO, Jonathan Ramotsei said, the extensive process includes the project being moved from Phase 1 to Phase 2, as well as a public hearing that was held in Mahikeng on 16 May 2024, and ultimately being granted a licence on 11 December 2024.
Ramotsei said the process saw Platinum North West TV being the only remaining applicants out of 37 and 20 that were reviewed in Phase 1. He further said the station was the only applicant that met the pre-qualification criteria and advanced to Phase 2 of the licensing processes.
“This significant achievement marks a new era for the North West province, which has been without a television station dedicated to telling its stories. Platinum North West TV is expected to close the gap that has been in existence for many years.
“Our motto reads: thus Our People, Our Community, Our Stories. This challenges us as the project to prioritise the people of the North West. We promise to do that with distinctions now that the regulator has issued this licence,” said Ramotsei.
He added that they are excited to continue with their mission of being a key player in the industry, showcasing innovative content that meets modern-day life needs and serves as a voice for the underserved.
Ramotsei said the Platinum North West TV has been playing a critical role in the development of young people, especially those in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, who have been beneficiaries of the internships and learnership programs the station offers.
“The licence now allows the project to extend these opportunities to other districts of the province with a clear focus on the communities with less opportunities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the founder and chairperson of the Board, Isaak Tshabalala shared the same sentiments. Tshabalala said they are happy after patiently waiting for years.
“This was not our first attempt and we have learned a lot in the process on how to build a community television station that will serve our people in our province. We call upon the people of this wonderful province to rally behind us and support the future television channel.
“As the Board of Platinum North West TV, we will in due course announce the dates for the first historic broadcast of the channel,” he said.
Tshabalala said while the channel has been granted a licence to broadcast on the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Platform as a free-to-air channel, it will also try its best to maximise its broadcast by joining other broadcast platforms that will ensure its accessibility to all corners of the province.
Picture: Police conducting stop and search across Northern Cape/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
15 December 2024- The Safer Festive Season Operations is in full swing in all five districts in the Northern Cape. The operations encompass high-density operations that include regular roadblocks, stop and searches, the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects and the heightened police visibility.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police visibility aimed at preventing, combating serious and violent crimes during this holiday season and beyond.
Sam further said the weekly multi-disciplinary high density operations which commenced on 9 until 15 December 2024, executed resulted in the apprehension and arrest of 458 suspects and the confiscation of numerous items.
He added that the police actions included vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks that were conducted across the province during which a total of 5226 vehicles and 13 155 persons were stopped and searched.
“Numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, as well as farms were executed.
“Operational successes achieved, included the arrest of 414 suspects for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, theft off or out of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, robbery, rape and possession of dangerous weapons,” said Sam.
He said this includes dealing in and possession of drugs, illegal immigrants, illicit mining, possession of precious metals, stock theft and other crimes. Sam said the police in Niewoudtville, Garies and Springbok in the Namakwa District, arrested criminal elements for drugs and non-ferrous metal crimes.
“In Petrusville, Pixley Ka Seme District, police nabbed a drug dealer with drugs concealed in a “Spookie” packet of chips and seized all exhibits. More than 44 wanted suspects were traced and brought to book by detectives for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.
“The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, copper and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime and closed 37 unlicensed liquor premises,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to the District Commissioners for taking a lead in ensuring all boots are on the ground during this festive season and applauded all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. She also urged all to be alert, vigilant and report any suspicious criminal activity immediately to the police using the SAPS 08600 10111 number, the MySAPS app and or inform a friend or security.
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