Picture: Residents in Lichtenburg embark on protest over lack of electricity/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 January 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs has urged the residents of Lichtenburg and local areas to remain calm as the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and the Ditsobotla Local Municipality, have promised to restore electricity which has been cut-off for over three consecutive weeks during the festive period.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, chaired by Kgalalelo Makgokgowa said this follows commitments made by Mokgosi together with the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi and the municipality who brought the two service providers on site to restore electricity by installing relevant electrical equipment within the municipal electricity grid.
Makgokgowa said communities should be patient with the provincial government and the municipality on resolving their electricity challenges.
“We request our people to wait for relevant processes to unfold as we believe that power will be restored soon as alluded by the provincial government.
“We received a report that electricity has been restored in certain parts of the municipality which shows a positive response to the challenges of the community at large. We also plead with the communities to respect and give the appointed service providers time and space to install the equipment so as to restore the electricity in all areas of Ditsobotla,” she said.
Makgokgowa further said they hope that there would not be any acts of violence including protests.
Picture: A woman, Mamapadi Nkgobang, who was killed and discovered in a culvert
By BAKANG MOKOTO
9 January 2025- A 39-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for alleged murder by the police in Bothithong village, near Kuruman. This comes after the police discovered a body of a woman (22), in a culvert on the Cassel/Louwna road in Bothithong on 7 January 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police preliminary investigations indicate that the victim, Mamapadi Nkgobang was allegedly assaulted at the suspect’s house in Cassel village. Sam said she was allegedly tied up, transported in the boot of a vehicle and dumped under the culvert.
“The suspect will appear in the Mothibistad Magistrate’s Court on 10 January 2025,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, praised the investigating team for the swift response and ensuring that perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and Fermicide are brought to book.
Otola also encouraged the public to report criminal activities via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111.
Picture: 16 new Provincial Traffic Inspectors welcomed/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 January 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA and Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, has today welcomed a total of 16 new Provincial Traffic Inspectors to bolster road traffic law enforcement in the province. Vass said this followed a decision by the Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) to recruit a total of 50 traffic trainees in 2024.
He further said these trainees were enrolled at the Matjhabeng Traffic Training Academy in Welkom, Free State Province to be trained, graduate and pass-out for the Certificate in Road Traffic Law Enforcement (NQF Level 4).
“We congratulate the new cohort of Provincial Traffic Inspectors, who successfully completed the qualification that comprised a total of 20 unit standards and encouraged them to work hard and be exemplary professionals.
“We are happy to have an additional 16 Provincial Traffic Inspectors on our roads to help us maintain law and order for all modes of transport by providing quality traffic policing services, as stipulated by the relevant legislation,” said Vass.
He added that by the beginning of March 2025, after an open recruitment process, an additional 25 new Provincial Traffic Inspectors, will be appointed by the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, to bolster the human resource capacity of the Provincial Traffic Inspectorate. Vass said 32 trainees who could not pass all their unit standards in 2024, will still have to successfully participate in the remedial programme and Final Integrated Summative Assessment (FISA) for them to conclude the training programme, in the first half of this year.
“Valuable lessons were learnt from this pilot project and wished for the trainees who have returned to the training academy in Welkom, as well as those embarking on the remedial programme.
“The Provincial Traffic Inspectors will be deployed to a total of 10 traffic stations throughout the province and will commence their duties on 13 January 2025,” he said.
9 January 2025- The North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), working together with Municipal Disaster Centres, remains on high alert for incidents of disaster across the province. This comes as disaster management teams are on the ground conducting needs and impact assessment following heavy rainfall that affected many parts of the province and damaged infrastructure, properties and possessions.
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said the province has experienced heavy rainfall in the past few days and the district municipalities that were largely affected included Bojanala Platinum and Ngaka Modiri Molema.
Molapisi further said both formal and informal houses were damaged by the heavy rains, including municipal infrastructure such as culverts, roads and bridges. He added that Kromkuil Bridge in Moretele has collapsed, scores of houses in Moretele, Rustenburg, JB Marks, Ditsobotla, Ratlou and Mahikeng Local Municipalities were flooded.
“Roofs of houses at Mokgola in Ramotshere Moiloa and Ledig in Moses Kotane were blown away. Mud houses at Moshwaneng in Ratlou Local Municipality, were affected and faced possibilities of collapsing. Public amenities such as hospitals, clinics and schools were also not spared.
“Lehurutshe Hospital, Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig and General Delarey in Lichtenburg are some of those which were affected. Bogosi Clinic and Primary School in Moretele was also water-logged,” said Molapisi.
He said mop-up operations are underway to bring all affected facilities back to full operation. Molapisi said upon receiving reports on disaster incidents, he directed coordination on the ground to assist affected residents and communities across the province.
“The provincial preparedness and response contingency plan have been developed and are being implemented. Various sector departments and municipalities have been briefed and activated in line with their roles and responsibilities, and they use their own resources to respond to emergencies/disasters incidents.
“The National Department of Human Settlement provided Temporary Residential Units (TRU’s) for damaged houses in the province. The affected departments will reprioritise their budget to address the pressure created by the flood disaster incidents,” he said.
Molapisi has directed sector departments and municipalities to budget for proactive disaster management activities to avert some of the disaster incidents.
“As part of the long-term intervention, municipalities must on an on-going basis maintain road infrastructures and storm water drainage systems to reduce flooding.
“The Department of Public Works and Roads in collaboration with municipalities will repair damaged roads, bridges and culverts and the Department of Human Settlements will repair all affected RDP houses,” said Molapisi.
He said municipalities must incorporate disaster risk reduction into development planning (IDP’s) and they must also develop bylaws and their enforcement strategy thereof. Molapisi said the department and PDMC will continue to coordinate sectors to ensure safer and disaster-resilient communities in the province.
“The department is also working with South African Weather Service (SAWS) for issuance of severe weather early warnings to role-players and communities.
“SAWS predicts that the province will still experience above-normal rainfall throughout the autumn season,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Development and SASSA profiled affected families and a Social Relief of Distressed grant was provided. The Al-IMAAD and Gift of the Givers organisations provided humanitarian relief in some affected areas, including Ditsobotla.
They included hygiene packs, blankets, food parcels and mattresses. The Red Cross donated 100 blankets to Bojanala District Disaster Management Centre. In most of the areas in the province, the blocked drainage system is to be blamed for flooding.
Picture: Teenager impregnated by older man/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 January 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development Committee has expressed sadness over the disturbing rise of teenage pregnancy in the province. The committee said it is gravely dismayed by recent media reports highlighting a deeply disturbing rise in teenage pregnancies in the North West.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Karabo Magagane said this crisis came into sharp focus during the North west Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi’s visit to Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg on New Year’s Day. Magaganae said it is with profound shock and sadness that they learned of a girl (16), giving birth to her second child, fathered by a 35-year-old man.
“This is a crime that began when she was just 15. Such appalling revelations cast a dark shadow on the future of our young girls and demand urgent action from all sectors of society.
“The implications of teenage pregnancies are devastating, creating a ripple effect that undermines the potential and well-being of our girls,” she said.
Magagane further said early pregnancies often force young girls to drop out of school, limiting their opportunities and entrenching cycles of poverty. She added that these young mothers are frequently stigmatised, dependent on public assistance, and in some cases, coerced into early marriages.
“We are deeply troubled by the systemic factors exacerbating this crisis, including gender inequality, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), substance abuse, poor access to contraceptives, inadequate sexual education and barriers to accessing safe termination of pregnancy services.
“Challenges within the healthcare system further compound this dire situation. While we recognise and commend the strides our government has made in improving access to quality maternal care for pregnant and parenting adolescents, the vulnerability of young girls to child marriage, teenage pregnancy, GBV and HIV infection persists,” said Magagane.
She said these intersecting issues require intensified and coordinated efforts. Magagane said as the Portfolio Committee, they call for strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders—government, civil society, law enforcement and communities—to combat this scourge.
“We support the Premier’s directive for clinics and hospitals to report such incidents to the relevant authorities, ensuring swift and decisive action against perpetrators. Law enforcement agencies must act expeditiously in cases of statutory rape and ensure justice is served.
“Furthermore, the Portfolio Committee emphasises the urgent need to bolster protection services, enhance prevention programs and respond more effectively to sexual and gender-based violence,” she said.
According to Magagane, this alarming trend of teenage pregnancies is not merely a social issue. She said it is a profound violation of the rights and dignity of the young girls.
“We call upon all South Africans to take a firm stance against this heinous crime. Let us collectively champion the rights of our girls to live free from exploitation, pursue education and thrive during the critical years of their development.
“It is only through united action and unwavering commitment that we can eradicate this scourge and safeguard the future of our youth,” said Magagane.
Picture: Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie
By BAKANG MOKOTO
9 January 2025- Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mckenzie has made a public call for the Proteas cricket team to boycott their International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy match against the Afghanistan men’s cricket team next month. McKenzie said this comes on the basis that the Taliban government in Afghanistan allegedly banned women’s sport and disbanded the female cricket team when they came to power in 2021.
He further said this is a position that he feels morally bound to support, despite the deep complications of Afghanistan’s recent and tragic history. McKenzie added that, to be clear, the (ICC) has accepted the principle of equality in sport and that member nations should be developing both male and female players.
“This does not happen in the case of Afghanistan, suggesting that political interference in the administration of sport is being tolerated there. In the same breath, Sri Lanka was banned in 2023 for political interference.
“I am aware that the ICC, like most international sporting mother bodies, professes not to tolerate political interference in the administration of sport, despite its obvious inconsistency with Afghanistan,” he said.
McKenzie said it is not for him to make the final decision on whether South Africa should honour cricketing fixtures against Afghanistan. He said if it was his decision, then it certainly would not happen.
“As a man who comes from a race that was not allowed equal access to sporting opportunities during apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to look the other way today when the same is being done towards women anywhere in the world.
“Cricket South Africa, the federations of other countries and the ICC will have to think carefully about the message the sport of cricket wishes to send the world, and especially the women in sports,” said McKenzie.
He said he hopes that the consciences of all those involved in cricket, including the supporters, players and administrators, will take a firm stand in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan.
9 January 2025- A local Hip Hop artist, Trokid who is christened Trust Eddie Galeboe (35) said, even though he is not happy with his progress in the music industry, he is making inroads. This comes after Trokid’s single called Ke Senya Plek continues to break all barriers.
The Ke Senya Plek single is on high rotation in various community radio stations across South Africa and also made it to the Trace Africa hit songs list.
“I am happy with my progress as that inspires me to work harder. I continue to find my niche in the music industry, even though the support I receive from my hometown, Taung is not enough.
“As we speak, I get more support from Vryburg, Rustenburg and other areas compared to my hometown. However, when you read Luke 4:24, it says, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown.” So, I guess that might be the case,” said Galeboe.
He further said even though his single has reached over eight countries on Spotify, he still wants to push it until it reaches various mainstream radio stations such as Motsweding FM, Metro FM, Kaya FM, Radio 2000 and others. Galeboe added that he will then focus on releasing a second single.
“I believe in talent, but being disciplined, dedicated and determined, is my way of life. If you believe in hard-work and perseverance, nothing is impossible.
“I started to develop interest in hip hop at my tender age and back in 2005, I started to take my music career seriously,” said Galeboe.
He was born in Gauteng and bred in Mokassa 2 village, near Taung, even though his father is a Zimbabwean.
“I released a much-anticipated single called Get Down back in 2012, but my turning point was my single called Mashala Ke Mang, which was on high rotation on community radio stations such Vaaltar FM and other national radio stations.
“My music is a metaphor that reflects my personal journey through challenging times. You know, music communicates a message of hope and inspiration to those following in my footsteps,” said Galeboe.
He said if they could all play their part in the world, they can have a better society. Galeboe said he was happy to share the stage with various world renowned artists at 2024 Dj Sphere Annual Bash.
Meanwhile, the hyper-active artist worked with producers and artists like OB, Gee-Cliff, Dr Dogg, Zebar, Qausure, Grayshadow and the list is endless.
9 Ferikgong 2025- Makolwane a feta 400 go tswa kwa mephatong e farologaneng kwa karolong ya Baga-Maidi, ba alogile ka letsatsi la Lamatlhatso. Makolowane a shelweng leina la Maboledisa Kgosi, ba rotloeditswe go itshwara sentle, mme ba sireletse morafe ga mmogo le kgosi.
Kgosi ya morafe wa Batlhaping Baga-Maidi, Nnyoko Motlhabane are o tletse boitumelo go bona makolwane a, a tlile a feletse, mme go sena ope o setse kwa morago. Gape Motlhabane o tlhomamisitse fa ele ene yo a sainileng dipampiri tsa gore mophato o tsene.
“Jaanong, ke fa go tla go tlhomamisa gore se re se dirileng rele bogosi ke se se siameng. Se ke se itumelelang ke gore re boile rotlhe. Le fa ka nako e mophato oneng o tsene, ga ise ke tsamaye ke amogele dingongorego.
“Re ne re beile melao e thata bagaetsho, mme ke itumelela gore e tlotlilwe. Re ile ra tlhalosa gore ga gona ope o tlile go isiwa mophatong ka nkane, ebile ga gona ope o tlileng go thobelang,” Motlhabane wa tlhalosa.
Motlhabane are fa ele gore go na le bothata magareng ga batsadi, gonne nako tse dingwe o fitlhele rre a batla go isa ngwana, mme mmagwe ngwana a gana, bogolo batsadi bao ba ka tla kwa kgotlheng go ka tla go thusiwa.
“Bagaetsho, gwa tshosa ebile re bone mo dikgannyeng kwa porofenseng ya Eastern Cape gore go tlhokafetse bana ba le 28. Fela rona ga re batle go bona dilo tseo mo Baga-Maidi gonne bana ba, ke bokamoso jwa rona, mme re tshwanetse gore re ba sireletse,” Motlhabane wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, motlatsa modusasetilo wa Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Andries Stemmer are: “Le ile la dira jalo go tla mo go rona pele ga le ka tsamaya. Le ile la go tsenya kopo kwa bogosing gore la tlhatlhela. Moono wa letsatsi la gompieno ke go tla go leboga le go itumelela gore kgosi one a re rumile go ya go lwa ntwa, mme re tswa go bolaya tau ebile re boetse gae.
“Ga gona ope o setseng kwa morago, mme ke leboga bo rra mophato ba baneng ba tsamaile le bana. Jaaka PICC, ke tsaya tshono e, le go raya batsadi botlhe go ralala Bokone Bophirima ba bana ba bone ba ba sa kgonang go boa kere, re romela mantswe a kgothatso gonne ga re itse gore tsela e, e ka tswa e tlile gore khutlhisa kae.”
Stemmer are ba solofetse gore kamoso makolwane a, a tla tsoga a sireletsa kgosi le morafe wa gagwe. Stemmer are ga ba tshwanela go fetoga ditau tse di tlileng go tlhasela motse, mme molao ke sekgabo.
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