Daily Archives: February 11, 2025

Junior employees are more qualified than senior managers at some municipalities in North West 

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Picture: The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

11 February 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said they are bringing detailed key interventions aimed at improving the state of municipalities in general and enhancing service delivery in particular. Molapisi said they had a productive service delivery interventions workshop with the embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality.

He further said there are challenges at the municipality and admitted that, it made headlines more than any other municipality in the province. Molapisi said the role of his department is succinctly as explained on Section 40 of Chapter 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. 

“The three spheres of government (national, provincial, and local sphere) are distinctive, interdependent, and interrelated. Section 41 explains principles of co-operative government and intergovernmental relations and the Constitution directs all spheres of government to exercise their powers and perform their functions in a manner that does not encroach on the geographical, functional, or institutional integrity of another sphere.

“The reason I am explaining this is for you members of the media to understand that local government is another sphere of government, governed by legislation, and sometimes, as either provincial or national government, we cannot impose some of the decisions on councils,” he said.

Molapisi said, however, they have an obligation in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution to support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their affairs, to exercise their powers, and to perform their functions. He said out of 22 municipalities, at least 8 are currently under mandatory intervention in terms of Section 139 (5) (a) and (c) of the Constitution read together with Section 139 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) due to poor financial management. 

“The Provincial Treasury has appointed Provincial Executive Representatives for three years. These municipalities are Ditsobotla, Kgetlengrivier, Madibeng, Ramotshere Moiloa, Maquassi Hills, Tswaing, Naledi Local Municipalities and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality. 

“Out of 22 municipalities (both local and district municipalities), only Bojanala Platinum District, Lekwa Teemane, Mamusa, and Tswaing do not have substantive Municipal Managers,” said Molapisi.

He said the department has however, seconded acting Municipal Managers at Kagisano Molopo, Mamusa, Tswaing Local Municipalities and Bojanala District Municipality as per the request of the respective councils. Molapisi said by law, the council can resolve to request the MEC of Local Government to second an acting Municipal Manager.

“We are implementing the Local Government Turnaround Strategy that focuses on four areas such as Leadership, Governance, and Administration, Financial Management, Service delivery and Fund Mobilization and Leveraging. 

“As part of the Local Government Turn Around Strategy, we have developed an early warning system to improve service delivery in the form of a dashboard to monitor municipal performance and reporting,” he said.

Molapisi said they have also completed the skills audit for municipalities and the sole purpose was to assess the current competencies and capabilities of the municipal workforce across various units and to identify the skills gap.

“Through the audit, municipalities were able to identify the current skills of their employees and the skills gap as it revealed that in some municipalities, employees in lower-level positions are overqualified, while managers in some municipalities do not possess the necessary qualifications and competencies relevant to their positions.

“The audit report recommended that municipalities must develop targeted education and training programs or recruitment strategies to ensure the entire workforce has the necessary capabilities to undertake their duties and impact positively in the provision of services,” he said.  

Molapisi said municipalities such as Bojanala, have registered an improvement for 2023/2024 and 2022/2023 audit outcomes. He said Bojanala Platinum District Municipality moved from qualified to unqualified, Madibeng from adverse to qualified, and Naledi from adverse to qualified audit opinion.

“Two districts and one local municipality, namely Bojanala Platinum, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and Moretele Local Municipality, received unqualified audit opinions. Twelve local and one district municipalities received qualified audit opinions, and they are Kgetlengrivier, Madibeng, Moses Kotane, Rustenburg, Matlosana, JB Marks, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Greater Taung, Naledi, Ngaka Modiri Molema, Mahikeng, Ramotshere Moiloa, and Tswaing.

“Maquassi Hills and Mamusa received adverse audit opinions whilst Ditsobotla, Ratlou, and Lekwa Teemane received disclaimer audit opinions. Ten municipalities, namely, Maquassi Hills, City of Matlosana, Madibeng, Kgetlengrivier, Ditsobotla, Lekwa Teemane, Naledi, Tswaing, Mamusa, and Ramotshere Moiloa, were assisted with the application to National Treasury to participate on the programme of Municipal Debt Relief in line with MFMA Circular 123 and 124,” said Molapisi.

He said the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) expenditure as of the end of December 2024 was 41% of the total allocation of R2,1 billion. Molapisi said six municipalities are performing beyond average and have passed the 60% mark of their allocation in terms of expenditure for the end of December 2024:

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Food Lovers Market at Mega City closes its doors amid lease dispute

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 February 2025- The North West MEC for Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said the Food Lovers Market is a popular grocery and vegetable outlet stationed at Mega City in Mahikeng. Lenkopane said the news of pending closure of this important food outlet, prompted her to intervene with the sole objective of preventing possible job losses and livelihoods. 

Lenkopane further said, according to the outcome of the meeting with management of Food Lovers Market, the lease signed between the company and Mega City Management has come to an end and negotiations of renewal have failed. She added that other risk factors such as security concerns have contributed to the pending closure of Food Lovers Market. 

“It is envisaged that another popular brand Boxer Superstore will occupy the space, where Food Lovers Market is situated at Mega City. However, I was able to negotiate the absorption of Food Lovers Market employees into Boxer Superstore.

“In another separate event, we received a call from the employees of another popular eatery in Mahikeng, Buffalo Lodge, which is also facing possible closure. Close to 20 staff members are likely to lose their jobs,” said Lenkopane.

She said she is currently negotiating with owners of Buffalo Lodge with the objective of allowing employees to be incubated into business management programs and continue to run the place. Lenkopane said the acting Head of Department, Relebohile Mofokane has addressed employees at the Golden Leopard Resort (GLR) amid challenges faced by the entity. 

“The department has turned the tide at GLR, where the entity has been swimming in a sea of financial mismanagement and debts for the past three years. Employees had to go home empty handed for several months with the entity failing to pay their salaries and their third party deductions that include tax and provident funds amongst others. 

“Many passed on and/or retired without any pay-outs. In the past six months, the department managed to settle all third party deductions and made provisions for salaries,” she said. 

Lenkopane said she is confident that GLR will perform better in the new financial year.

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Breaking News: Northern Cape Department of Education obtain court interdict against Vaalharts SGB Forum

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

11 February 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Education said it has obtained a court interdict against the Vaalharts SGB Forum for the alleged illegal closure of schools in the Phokwane and Magareng Municipalities. Over the past two days, members of the ‘unlawful’ group have been closing schools and removing staff from school premises.

The Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe said with the court interdict now in place, failure to comply with the order will result in those involved being charged with contempt of court, which is a criminal offence. Van der Merwe said it is crucial to ensure compliance in the best interest of the learners, as they are losing valuable learning time.

“The department encourages parents to fulfil their primary responsibility by sending their children to school. Our principals and educators are ready to continue teaching. A curriculum recovery plan will be implemented to make up for the school days lost at the affected schools,” he said.

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Police need your assistance to resolve a murder case 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 February 2025- The police in Upington appeal to the community members to assist in resolving a murder case. This comes after a woman was allegedly stabbed by an unknown assailant between Pabalello and Dakotaweg Townships, near Upington on 26 December 2023. 

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said a case of murder was registered for investigation by the police in Upington following an incident on 26 December 2023 at approximately 1am. Masegela said the deceased, Vennesa Witbooi, was allegedly stabbed between Pabalello and Dakotaweg by an unknown person.

“She ran into a yard in Dakota and collapsed without being able to state if she knew her attacker/s. The deceased was transported to the hospital by the driver of a bakkie, who was on his way to the hospital. 

“Upon arrival at the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. All leads were followed, and no arrests have been made at this point,” he said. 

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A body of unknown man discovered along the road 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

11 February 2025- The police request the community members to assist them in locating the next-of-kin of a deceased. This comes after a man, who was staying in the veld in Olifantshoek road passed on. 

According to the ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela, the man who was only known as Danie, died of natural causes. 

“We request the public to assist in tracing the family of the deceased. The inquest case is under investigation by the Upington Detective Branch. The body of the deceased was discovered on 4 November 2024.

“The man was only known as Danie and his surname is unknown. Information obtained so far is that his sister might be staying in Dakotaweg, but the sister’s name is also unknown,” he said.

Masegela further said all information that can help in concluding the cases can be directed to the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Bahedile Nkwadipo on 082 495 4615 or 054 337 3400.

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Committee welcome remedial action plan after Thabo Bester’s escape  

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Picture: a convicted murderer and rapist, Thabo Bester/Google

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 January 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services said it welcomed the briefing it received today from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on its action plan to comply with the remedial action contained in the Public Protector’s (PP’s) report on Thabo Bester’s escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre.

On 30 September 2024, the Public Protector issued a final report on investigations into allegations of improper conduct on the part of DCS functionaries relating to Thabo Bester’s escape from the Correctional Centre, as well as the allegations of undue delay and/or omission to intervene on the part of the former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Kgomotso Ramolobeng said in the report, the National Commissioner was instructed to, within 90 calendar days from the date of receipt of the report, develop an appropriate DCS escape prevention strategy and guidelines for Mangaung Correctional Centre, indicating monitoring mechanisms, proper systems to be put in place or steps directing how the functionaries of the DCS and its contractors must effectively prevent and manage inmate escapes at all correctional facilities, including Mangaung.

Ramolobeng said the Deputy Minister of DCS, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, who led the departmental delegation, told the committee that the department has complied with all the PP’s recommendations and done so within the stipulated deadlines. 

“She said the department is happy to report within the timeframe recommended by the PP. In welcoming the escape prevention strategy and guidelines for the Mangaung Correctional Centre and in its engagement with the DCS, the committee told the department that budget shortfalls, which was highlighted as the main problem, may be a partial contributor to the escapes of inmates but the main problem is corruption, which must be exposed and prevented. 

“The committee stressed the important role of whistle-blowers, especially among inmates, to prevent prison escapes. We applauded the DCS for keeping to the PP’s deadline,” she said. 

Ramolobeng further said she also noted gaps in the strategies presented but said that these can be addressed over time. She added that they appreciate the refinement of the strategies.

“We also noted that the committee expects zero escapes when the department next comes before the committee to present the department’s quarterly report. 

“We also call for the strategies to be implemented and consequence management applied for offenders. We call for zero tolerance of officials who participate in smuggling contraband and called for the department to collaborate with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development,” said Ramolobeng.

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A quest to end mutilations and deaths due to botched circumcisions in initiation schools

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Picture: Initiates arriving at Baga-Maidi Tribal Authority offices

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 February 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) today received a report on the outcome of the summer initiation season and efforts to implement the committee’s recommendations. This follows the committee’s oversight visit to the Eastern Cape in December 2024, to assess initiation practices. 

The committee visited some initiation sites and met with various stakeholders in the Oliver Tambo District. On Tuesday, the Department of COGTA and the Eastern Cape Provincial Initiation Coordination Committee briefed committee members. 

The committee heard that the province recorded 29 initiate deaths, two (penile) amputations and 147 hospital admissions, among others. Seven deaths were recorded in the OR Tambo district. 

Among the causes of death were dehydration and septicaemia, which committee Chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize said are preventable. These deaths occurred at illegal initiation schools, but also at legal schools. 

Several initiates also succumbed due to assault-related injuries. The committee heard from the Minister of COGTA, Mr Velinkosini Hlabisa, that between 2016 and 2024, 371 initiation-related deaths and 110 amputations were recorded.

The Chairperson said the numbers are “too ghastly”. Reflecting on the committee’s oversight visit in December, he said these initiated deaths remain “a matter of serious concern”. 

“Our visit was an eye-opener. We were able to see the level of determination of various stakeholders in fighting the deaths of initiates. We could also see where the weaknesses arise.

“The committee noted that all stakeholders must come together to share observations and see where loose ends can be tightened to end such deaths,” said Mkhize.

He further said the custom is an age-old custom that has no reason to be a source of death. Mkhize added that they must get to a point where there are consequences for wrongdoing and negligence and ensure the custom is practiced safely. 

“The committee noted that initiation is often devolved to families while amakhosi – due to amended legislation – often feel excluded. Also among the challenges the committee flagged was the lack of resources to properly monitor these initiation sites, which are often remote and inaccessible. 

“We expect monitoring when there are no resources. One of the biggest problems is that we cannot reach everywhere. Monitoring will be difficult unless we make it a responsibility of traditional structures, but even for them, monitoring will be difficult without resources,” said Mkhize. 

He said the long and short of it is that systems are beginning to be implemented and are taking root, but if this is not monitored, they will not know what is happening. Mkhize said among the suggestions offered by the committee was the need for a joint programme of information that must run throughout the year, irrespective of the initiation season. 

“This will entail providing information to people all year, such as to drink water, promote medical screening and encourage hospitalisation in cases of complications to save the initiates from death or mutilation. 

“Messages of safe initiation should be made fashionable to eliminate a sense of shame and taboo. These messages should target new initiates on all platforms such as local traditional court meetings, churches, sports and other traditional and social settings to integrate these messages into the daily lives of the youth,” he said. 

Mkhize said the committee also noted that the issue of the amakhosi must be addressed as their participation is a big issue. He said they will need to look at amending the Act and ensure resources are available to ensure better monitoring at the local level and hold people responsible in their areas. 

“We need to close that gap. The committee also stressed that the local population and traditional leaders must be at the forefront of driving this. In the end, we need more resources, one body to coordinate, and authority for traditional leaders so that we can have a way for communities to take responsibility and change behaviour.

“The committee noted that it is encouraging that all stakeholders – the committee, minister, department, and statutory structures – speak the same language and see the path towards a solution,” said Mkhize. 

He said from there, they can work together and support the minister, the department, the province, and the House of Traditional Leaders in ending these mutilations.

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Committee calls for calm amid accommodation challenges 

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Picture: Students embarked on protests at Cape Peninsula University of Technology/Google

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 February 2025- The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Tebogo Letsie, has expressed profound concern over the ongoing accommodation crisis at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the Nelson Mandela University (NMU). This crisis has left hundreds of students desperate and forced to sleep wherever they find shelter.

“The scenes at CPUT and NMU are deeply troubling, particularly following the committee’s recent oversight visits to institutions in North West and Gauteng Provinces to assess readiness for the 2025 academic year. 

“While institutions assured the committee of their preparedness, the current crisis underscores the urgent need for greater scrutiny of these assurances. The systemic failure to address recurring student accommodation shortages reflects a broader institutional and governmental neglect of student welfare,” he said. 

Letsie condemned the involvement of private security forces at CPUT, which resulted in violent clashes and injuries to students. He further said the use of excessive force is unacceptable. 

“Security personnel must prioritise de-escalation and protection, not repression. Students advocating for their right to education deserve empathy, not violence,” added Letsie.  

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Committee welcomes progress on operationalisation of national Petroleum company 

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Picture: A petroleum company/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 February 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources said it has welcomed progress in establishing the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC), which is set to begin operation on 1 April 2025. 

The process to establish SANPC was set in motion by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address on 13 February 2020, when he announced the government’s intention to repurpose and rationalise state-owned enterprises to support the country’s growth and development.

The committee is pleased with the work done thus far, following Cabinet’s decision on 10 June 2020 to merge 

PetroSA, iGas and Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) into SANPC. The merger project is facilitated under the umbrella of the Central Energy Fund Group, a Schedule 2 state-owned diversified energy company reporting to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Mikateko Mahlaule, said that the committee is particularly pleased with the report that a memorandum of understanding to seamlessly transfer employees from PetroSA, iGas and SFF to SANPC has been signed with organised labour.

“We welcome this clarity because employees are the primary agents of change, whose buy-in plays a critical role in the success of any project. In October 2024, Cabinet approved submitting the South African National Petroleum Company Bill of 2024 to Parliament. “The Bill establishes SANPC, but until it is passed into law, the company will exist under the CEF mandate derived from the CEF Act 38 of 1977 and Ministerial directives,” he said.

Mahlaule further said, however, the committee is deeply concerned about the process of transferring assets from PetroSA, iGas and SFF to SANPC. He added that of most concern is the unbundling of assets into viable and non-viables. 

“We discourage the ring-fencing of non-viable assets with the intention of leaving them behind for fixing, because, in our view, this goes against the spirit of the merger, which is to address mandated overlap and optimise resources. 

“We also noted the concern that a second layer of responsibility will be added when non-viable assets are ring-fenced for fixing, because there must be a team of capable individuals appointed to fix such assets,” said Mahlaule.

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GBVF rife in Higher Learning institutions

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By REGINALD KANYANE

11 February 2025- The police in Northern Cape said Gender Based Violence (GBV) at Higher Learning Institutions is a significant concern that affects many students, particularly women, LGBTQIA+ community and other marginalised groups. The police said the most common forms of GBV at colleges, includes serial assaults, harassment and sexual offences.

ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said institutions have a critical role in preventing GBVF, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable through partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other entities. Masegela said the police in Upington, is embarking on programmes with Upington TVET College, which started on 5 February 2025, where students were addressed on matters relating to GBVF, substance abuse and general conduct at the institution.

“The students were informed about prevention methods both from becoming a victim or an offender. The Forensic Social Worker attached to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Upington, Captain Allaetitia de Radder, gave a brief explanation of the different forms of sexual offences they are dealing with and categories of victims and offenders in such cases.

Meanwhile, the Upington Station Commander, Brigadier Peet Coetzee, encouraged students to report any form of Gender Based Violence, to stay focused and safe. Coetzee pledged his commitment to create a safe learning space for students by continuous and frequent engagements, as well as high visibility at the campus.

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