Daily Archives: December 17, 2024

Molapisi hands over vehicles to traditional leaders

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Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 December 2024- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi handed over the second batch of 10 vehicles to senior traditional leaders in the Province. Molapisi said this will enable them to execute their statutory and customary duties in their traditional councils.

He further said his department is empowered by law to provide enabling resources to ensure that traditional leaders can effectively deliver on their responsibilities. Molapisi added that this initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and enhance their capacity to serve their communities.

“This initiative is important and is a symbol of respect, support and acknowledgment for our crucial role in governance and cultural preservation.

“We encourage the recipients to protect and maintain the vehicles, which are intended to aid in fulfilling their responsibilities more efficiently,” he said.

Molapisi said the symbolic handover of these vehicles is a testament to how much they value their traditional leadership. He said it is his belief that these vehicles will empower every deserving Kgosi, making their valued work easier.

“The vehicles are expected to improve the mobility and service delivery of traditional leaders, enabling them to connect more effectively with the communities they serve.

“As the vehicles were officially handed over, the atmosphere was one of appreciation and optimism, with leaders expressing their gratitude for the support and investment in their work,” he said.

The Chairperson of House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe said, the government is doing all in its power to recognize the unique role of traditional leadership in preserving heritage, resolving community disputes, fostering unity and assisting government in achieving their developmental goals in traditional communities.

“This initiative demonstrates the province’s commitment to empowering us as traditional leaders, ensuring that we have the resources necessary to carry out our duties.

“It also highlights the critical importance of the partnership between traditional leadership and the provincial government in driving development and improving the lives of the people” said Maotwe.

Amongst those who were handed the vehicles, was Kgosi Sekgopisi Nawa of Baphuting Ba Ga Nawa, who expressed excitement over this.

“I am very excited. I am happy that at the end the government is fulfilling its promise of supporting traditional leaders by providing resources that we need. We really appreciate this support which will make a difference in our communities,” said Nawa.

Meanwhile, the batch of 10 vehicles handed over, was the second batch after the first batch of 17 was handed earlier this year, since the pronouncement of this initiative during the 2023 CoGTA Budget Speech.

The remaining senior traditional leaders will be assisted in the MTEF period.

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Former teacher nabbed for allegedly exposing learners to pornography

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 December 2024- A former teacher (41) at Raslouw Academy from Valhalla, briefly appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. He is facing charges of three counts of exposing pornography to children and four counts of sexual grooming of two female learners aged 13 and a boy (15), respectively.

It is alleged that in August 2024, the accused contacted three learners from the school, sent them nude pictures of himself, and requested them to send theirs in exchange. After one of the victims allegedly sent his picture to the accused, he proceeded to call the victim through video call, where he demonstrated himself inserting his penis into a bottle.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said one of the victims reported the matter to the school teacher, who requested them to bring their phones to school for observation. Mahanjana said the parents of the victims were informed about the incident by the school and a case was opened against the accused in August 2024.

“After investigations by the police, the accused was arrested on 13 December 2024, at his place of residence. In court, the matter was postponed to 24 December 2024, for a possible bail application and the accused is remanded in custody,” she said.

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1200 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 December 2024- Over 1200 suspects were nabbed during the High Density Operation Shanela. The weekly multidisciplinary operation, which commenced on 9 until 15 December 2024, focused on the enhancement of crime reduction and combatting within the North West.  

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sam Tselanyane said the police actions executed during the operations included vehicle check points (VCPs), stops and searches, foot and vehicle patrols.

Tselanyane said this includes, compliance inspections at second hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines.

“The prevention of drugs and other commodities smuggling were also prioritized. During the VCPs and roadblocks conducted across the province, a total of 1466 vehicles and 3415 persons were stopped and searched.

“As a result of these operations, among others, 141 suspects were arrested for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 19 for murder and attempted murder, 109 for illicit mining and contravention of the Immigration Act,” said Tselanyane.

He said 50 suspects were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 94 for possession of drugs and 69 for illegal dealing in liquor. Tselanyane said in the efforts to eradicate the proliferation of firearms, 10 firearms that included 3 handguns and 7 rifles were confiscated.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for their endeavours in ensuring that there was a significant reduction in reported crime incidents in some areas where the operations were carried out.

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Veterinary clinics to remain open throughout festive season

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Picture: A veterinary clinic in North West

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 December 2024- In a bid to prioritize animal health and welfare, state veterinary clinics across the North West, will remain operational throughout the festive season. This is to ensure an uninterrupted access to critical veterinary services for farmers, pet owners, and the public.

The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said, while clinics will operate with skeletal staff, every effort has been made to ensure no one requiring essential veterinary care will be turned away.

Sambatha further said services will be available during regular working hours, except for public holidays, ensuring minimal disruption to animal health needs. He added that this is an important initiative.

“Like human beings, animals have critical healthcare needs that cannot be overlooked. This initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening veterinary services across the province.

“The health and welfare of animals are central to the well-being of our agricultural sector and the communities we serve. This necessary arrangement guarantees farmers and pet owners’ continuous access to veterinary care during this busy period,” said Sambatha.

He said farmers and pet owners are encouraged to make full use of these services to ensure the health, productivity, and safety of their animals. Sambatha also extended heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated veterinary staff, who have selflessly committed to working during this period.

“We acknowledge their sacrifices in ensuring uninterrupted service delivery, while they could have been with their families.

“This initiative is part of the department’s broader effort to prevent and control animal diseases, which, if left unchecked, could negatively impact agriculture, a critical pillar of the provincial economy,” said Sambatha.

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No water after criminals stole borehole equipment

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Picture: Criminals allegedly vandalised and stole borehole equipment at Mareeson Farm Borehole Station/Facebook 

By REGINALD KANYANE

17December 2024- The Mamusa Local Municipality said criminals have stolen and vandalized borehole equipment at Mareeson Farm on Monday. Now, the municipality said this has resulted in water supply disruptions in Extension 6, 7, 8, and 9.

The acting Municipal Manager at Mamusa Local Municipality, Frans Mabokela said: “The water supply to Extensions 6, 7, 8, and 9 has been disrupted due to acts of criminality at the Mareeson Farm Borehole Station.

“As a result, the mentioned areas will unfortunately not receive water until further notice. We want to assure the community that this matter is being treated with the utmost urgency and has also been reported to the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.”

Mabokela further said efforts are underway to assess the damage and expedite repairs to restore the water supply as soon as possible. He added that they appeal to the community to contact Ipelegeng Police Station for any information that may assist in arresting perpetrators.

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SAPS in North West condemns off-duty police officer’s actions after he allegedly assaulted a civilian

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Picture: An off-duty police officer allegedly assaulted a civilian at Rustenburg Police Station premises/Video

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 December 2024- The South African Police Service (SAPS) Management in North West said it condemns in the strongest possible terms an incident doing the rounds on social media platforms, wherein an off-duty police officer is allegedly seen assaulting a member of the public at Rustenburg Police Station. 

The occurrence allegedly followed an argument that ensued in a barber shop at one of the malls in Rustenburg and involving the police officer, assault victim and other people on Saturday afternoon, 14 December 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said following the incident, one of the victims went to the police station to lodge a complaint. Tselanyane said the reports suggest that the police officer also went to the police station, where he found the complainant at the parking area.

“He allegedly chased the complainant until inside the police station premises and assaulted him. The on-duty police officers’ swiftly intervened and calmed the situation.

“The victim consequently opened a case of assault against the member, who also laid a counter charge of assault. Investigation into the matter is underway,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Management pointed out that the member’s conduct is totally unacceptable and displays a total disrespect for the rule of law by a law enforcement officer.

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A missing teenager found unharmed

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Picture: The missing San-Mari Rossouw found unharmed/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 December 2024- A girl (14), who was reported missing was found unharmed in Louis Trichardt. San-Mari Rossouw from Postmasburg was reported missing on 12 December 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Timothy Sam said the police were investigating the circumstances that led to Rossouw’s disappearance and requested anyone who have information that might assist the police in the investigation, to contact the Postmasburg Police Station and Detective Constable Sylvester Sehako at 082 302 0391 or 08600 10111 and or use the police MySAPS App.

“The police has now elevated the investigation to an abduction case. The investigations continue and the girl will be reunited with her family soon.

“The South African Police Service wishes to thank the media and communities for the circulation of the published information that led to her being found,” he said.

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Moroba o neng a latlhegile o bonwe

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Setshwantsho: Moroba o neng a latlhegile o bonwe

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 Sedimonthole 2024- Moroba o go neng gwa begwa fa a timetse, Catharina Booysens (16), o bonwe kwa Brakpan ka Lamatlhatso, mme o buseditswe gae. Sepodisi sa Bokone Bophirima, sene sa ikuela go mongwe le mongwe go ka thusa go batlana le Booysens wa kwa toropong ya Klerksdorp. Go ne ga begwa fa Booysens o a dulang le batsadi ba gagwe ba eseng ba madi, ane a nyelela ka di 11 Ngwanatsele 2024.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are: “Sepodisi ga mmogo le baagi, ba ile ba tswa letsholo go batlana le Booysens, fela seo se ile sa fetoga matsapa a bo phiri. Ka nako eo, go ne go se ope o a neng a itse gore Booysens one a apere eng fa a nyelela.

“Booysens o mosweu ka mmala, o na le mmele o mosesane, moriri o mo khunou, ga mmogo le matlho a mapududu, one a bonwa kwa Brakpan ntle le dikgobalo.”

Myburgh are sepodisi se lebogela tirisano-mmogo ya baagi. Myburgh are ba rotloetsa baagi go sala kaba ya bone morago ya Sefatlhego sa Buka go ka itse gore go diragalang mo dikarolong tsa bone.

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Modise appointed as new PCC Executive Director

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Picture: The incoming PCC Executive Director, Dorah Modise/Google

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 December 2024- The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) has appointed Dorah Modise as its Executive Director, effective from 24 February 2025. Modise is a sustainability enthusiast with over 26 years of experience in areas such as environmental sustainability, international diplomacy, government (local, regional, and national), industry associations, and academia.

She served in several senior management roles at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment. Modise was instrumental in drafting the adaptation component of the White Paper on Climate Change and establishing the National Green Fund.

The outgoing PCC Executive Director, Dr Crispian Olver said during this time, Modise was intensely involved with the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development as part of the negotiating team and leader of the technical delegation at the Rio Plus 20 Summit in 2012.

Olver said she also served as the Deputy Director-General at the Gauteng Provincial Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and as Executive Director for city sustainability at the City of Tshwane, before her involvement in the private sector as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Green Building Council of South Africa.

“She is the current Regional Director for Africa for C40 Network. Among her academic qualifications, Modise holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science.

“Modise also holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Development and Policy from the University of Sussex, and a post-graduate Diploma in Environmental Diplomacy from the University of Geneva,” he said.

Olver further said the PCC is delighted to have recruited a professional of impeccable record to take the helm of this organisation at this critical time and early steps in the implementation of the Climate Change Act as recently assented by President Ramaphosa.

He added that with her time-tested multidisciplinary experience, they are confident that she will lead the PCC in mobilising and harnessing social dialogue and consensus, cooperation and action towards the achievement of South Africa’s just transition and the appropriate country responses and efforts for impactful climate action.

Meanwhile, the vacancy of Executive Director resulted from the retirement of Olver and his subsequent appointment by President Ramaphosa as Deputy Chairperson of the Commission from 1 January 2025.

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