Daily Archives: February 20, 2025

Committee on Health examines department’s priorities and progress

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By OBAKENG MAJE

20 February 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Health said it has received a progress report from the Department of Health on the department’s key initiatives, performance and challenges across various programme areas. The Portfolio Committee said it is its duty to closely monitor the work of the department and ensure that it is making meaningful progress in addressing the pressing healthcare needs of our nation.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said one area of particular concern raised by the committee was the department’s performance in addressing the HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics. Dhlomo said the persistently low treatment success rates for both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB are unacceptable.

“The committee urged the department to intensify its efforts to address this critical public health challenge and ensure all patients diagnosed with TB are successfully initiated and retained on treatment. The committee also had concerns about the department’s challenges in decanting eligible HIV patients to differentiated models of care.

“We noted that the decline in decanting rates in some provinces is deeply worrying and threatens to undermine progress in managing the HIV burden. The committee said it wants to see a renewed focus and concrete action to address this issue,” he said.

On efforts to scale up screening for key non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, hypertension and diabetes, Dhlomo said they are encouraged to see the department’s focus on early detection through increased screening initiatives. However, he further said they stress the critical importance of ensuring that those identified through these screening programmes are promptly initiated on appropriate treatment and management protocols.

“The committee asked the department to accelerate its efforts in this regard, highlighting that the screening initiatives must be coupled with robust linkages to care and treatment access to truly impact on health outcomes.

“Regarding the department’s unannounced visits to healthcare facilities, the committee commend this initiative, as it allows a more accurate and real-time understanding of the challenges on ground level,” said Dhlomo.

He said they were of the view that the Minister and Deputy Minister’s hands-on approach demonstrates the department’s commitment to identifying and addressing gaps in service delivery. Dhlomo said the committee also delved into the department’s efforts to improve primary healthcare, with a particular focus on the ideal clinic realisation and maintenance programme and the rollout of the ideal hospital initiative.

“Members asked the department to provide the necessary support and oversight to ensure all hospitals are able to accurately assess their readiness and implement the required improvements. The committee expressed its appreciation for the department’s transparency and willingness to engage constructively on the issues raised.

“Today’s meeting has been invaluable in providing us with a comprehensive understanding of the department’s work and the challenges they face,” he said.

Acknowledging the committee’s concerns, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, emphasised the department’s commitment to strengthening its approach.

“We recognise the urgency of the TB and HIV epidemics, and we are working closely with provinces to identify and address the bottlenecks that are hindering our progress. This includes enhancing our patient tracing and adherence support mechanisms to ensure no one falls through the cracks,” he said.

The Director-General of Department of Health, Dr Sandile Buthelezi and other senior departmental officials, highlighted key achievements and challenges across a range of priority areas, including the rollout of National Health Insurance (NHI), communicable and non-communicable disease management, primary healthcare, and health system governance.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Department of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said: “We appreciate the opportunity to engage extensively with the committee and provide a comprehensive account of our work. While we have made significant progress in many areas, we acknowledge that challenges remain, and we are committed to working closely with the committee to address these issues and ensure the successful implementation of our strategic initiatives.

“Our unannounced facility inspections have been crucial in providing us with an unfiltered view of the realities our healthcare workers and patients face daily. This direct engagement allows us to identify systemic issues and implement targeted interventions to improve the quality of care and patient experiences.”

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Drugs worth R6000 seized  

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Picture: Some of drugs confiscated during raid/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

20 February 2025- A 23-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs. On 19 February 2025, the police from Olifantshoek together with Visible Policing, operationalised information received regarding alleged drug dealing at a premises in Rooiwaal Informal Settlement.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the identified premises were searched and drugs to the approximate value of R6000, including dagga, mandrax and crystal meth was recovered and seized. 

“Cash believed to be the proceeds of crime was also confiscated. The police in the Northern Cape continue to intensify their efforts to clamp down on drug dealing in the province and arrest perpetrators thereof.

“The public was commended for providing valuable information that led to the successful apprehension of the suspect. The information regarding criminal activities can be reported to SAPS via the MySAPS app or Crime Stop number at 0860010111,” she said.

Ehlers said all information will be treated confidentially.

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Old Age Home affected due to delayed funds   

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Picture: The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development visiting Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home in Vryburg/Facebook 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development said it has written a letter to the North West Social Development to demand answers regarding the delayed funding of the Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home in Vryburg.

The Portfolio Committee said it was met with several challenges at the centre, which is an independent living institution for the elderly that accommodates senior citizens who are capable of living on their own, but may require minimal support services.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Karabo Magagane said they conducted an oversight visit at Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home in Vryburg, as part of the oversight week programme that took place in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

Magagane further said the oversight week programme started on the 11-13 February 2025, with the aim of strengthening oversight and public participation, as well as to promote accountability and transparency in government.

“Challenges found at the Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home were that the North West Department of Social Development has not allocated funds to the centre for the current financial year and were not given any formal reasons for the delay. The centre only receives R97 845 per annum which is minimal to cover daily operations and basic essential needs of senior citizens.

“So, we have resolved to write a formal letter to the Department of Social Development to solicit reasons for the delay on funds, especially that the centre adhered to compliance requirements,” she said.

Magagane added that they will give feedback on resolutions taken based on responses given by the department at the end of March 2025.

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A vehicle used in commission of crime forfeited by state

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By REGINALD KANYANE

20 February 2025- The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation team and Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) was granted a final forfeiture order by the Northern Cape High Court against the owner of the automobile, Jefta Chikwanhandze (38).

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said information at their disposal indicated that, in December 2023, police in Upington, received a complaint of theft of copper cables from a nearby farm.

“The police came across a silver Ford focus not far from the scene of crime. During the search of the vehicle, copper cables were recovered and they immediately placed two suspects, Chikwanhadze and his accomplice, Joe Mkanya (33) under arrest for theft of copper cables.

“The vehicle valued at R48 000 was seized as it was used in the commission of crime. A criminal investigation pertaining to this matter is still ongoing,” he said.

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Many roads are affected by torrential rains across North West

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Picture: Some of the roads are flooded in Morth West/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

20 February2025- Many roads continue to be either inaccessible or slippery across the North West province due to torrential rainfall. The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) made up of various government departments and security forces, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) said it would like to warn the public and motorists to be extra cautious.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said rains that have been experienced in the past few days caused flooding of low-lying bridges, dams and rivers. Mokgwabone said furthermore, major roads in the have been flooded in some areas such as N12, near Stilfontein and Klerksdorp, R503 in Hartbeesfontein, N14 between Sannieshof and Delareyville.

“This includes R30 between Klerksdorp and Venterdorp, R509 between Koster and Lichtenburg, R52 between Koster and Rustenburg and N18 outside Mahikeng towards Setlagole.

“Motorists are therefore requested to drive carefully and avoid crossing flooded roads. Parents and the general public should where possible, avoid swimming or crossing low-lying flooded bridges, rivers and roads as it is dangerous to do so,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the PROVJOINTS has activated District Joint Operational Centres (JOCs). He added that the public is requested to monitor weather alerts on various communication platforms and to contact local Disaster Management Centres or police stations.

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Strategic measures in place to address critical challenges affecting local government

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

20 February 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass said he hosted a successful special MUNIMEC (Municipalities and MEC) meeting to discuss critical issues affecting local government in Springbok on 19 February 2025.

Bass said the MUNIMEC is a strategic meeting of the MEC with Executive Mayors/Mayors, and Municipal Managers, to discuss and resolve critical issues affecting the local government sphere.

He further said a total of 29 out of 31 municipalities in the Northern Cape, attended the special MUNIMEC. Bass added that, the presentations made included a report on the ward configuration process led by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) in preparation for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

“We also received a presentation on the progress made by municipalities to adopt the standard draft by-laws for the registration of businesses, the spending by municipalities on the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and the revenue enhancement strategies of municipalities.

“We are happy that during the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month, progressive pronouncements were made, including relooking at the funding model of local government, to ensure modern and fit-for-purpose local sphere of government,” he said.

Vass urged the local government leadership in the province to fully take part in all the processes that will unfold affecting local government, emanating from the president speech during the SoNA. He also announced that the provincial cabinet is finalising plans to host the Northern Cape Local Government Summit.

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Manokwane man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his uncle

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 February 2025- A man (22) from Manokwane village, near Taung, was sentences to life imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for killing his uncle, Morongwa Victor Kepi (68). On 28 January 2024, Victor along with his two friends, went to the deceased’s house In Maphoitsile village.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said Victor had told his friends that his uncle had agreed to lend him a car and he intended to collect it. Gunya said upon arrival, one of the friends remained outside, waiting at the gate, while the accused and the other friend entered the house.

“Inside, the deceased was in the bedroom while his son sat in the lounge. The accused confronted his uncle in the bedroom and demanded the car keys. When the deceased refused, a scuffle ensued. The accused then took out an okapi knife and stabbed the deceased four times in front of his friend and his uncle’s son.

“The court heard details of the brutal attack, highlighting the vulnerability of the victim. Following the stabbing, the accused fled the scene. His friend and the deceased’s son, in shock, ran to seek help, leaving the victim’s lifeless body covered in blood,” he said.

Gunya further said a case of murder was opened, leading to the accused’s arrest on 9 February 2024. He added that, Victor remained in custody since his arrest.

“During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty. However, his friends testified as state witnesses, stating that they were unaware of his true intentions and had believed his claim that the deceased had agreed to lend him the car.

“During sentencing, State Prosecutor Rebaone Makgopa, urged the court to impose a harsh sentence, emphasising the elderly victim’s vulnerability and the gravity of the crime. She pointed out that the accused had shown no remorse for his actions,” said Gunya.

The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence, and Magistrate Buti Zulu, sentenced the accused to life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecutorial teams. Makhari said this sentence sends a strong message that justice will prevail, and those who commit such heinous crimes will face the full might of the law.

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Learners urged to exercise caution during rainfall

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Picture: Learners struggling in a flood in Mochudi village, Botswana/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

20 February 2025- The North West Department of Education urges parents and scholar transport operators to exercise caution, while transporting learners to schools given the increased rainfall in certain areas of the province.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the department calls on all learners and teachers in the province to refrain from traveling near rivers and dams, as such activities pose a significant risk to personal safety. Motsumi said in addition, they implore school transport drivers to adhere to safe driving speeds during adverse weather conditions.

“We recommend that parents refrain from taking their children to school in such severe weather. During these conditions, we encourage children to avoid playing in running water or near pools, as these activities can heighten risks to their safety.

“Furthermore, we advise parents to regularly monitor weather updates to ensure the well-being of their families,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said the torrential rains are continuing in all parts of the province and have resulted in floods in most areas, especially in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts. Molapisi said in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, the most affected areas are in Mahikeng, Ramotshere Moiloa, Ditsobotla and Ratlou Local Municipalities.

“Reported incidents included motorists who have been stuck due to flooded roads. Some roads were closed and motorists were redirected to trafficable roads.

“Other roads which were reported to have flooded in the province included N18 outside Mahikeng towards Setlagole, N12 near Stilfontein, R30 between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp, R503 at Hartbeesfontein, N4 near Dinokana, N14 between Sannieshof and Delareyville and on towards Vryburg, R52 between Koster and Lichtenburg,” he said.

Molapisi further said this includes N14 near Coligny, R509 between Koster and Magaliesberg, R30 between Derby and Ventersdorp and R52 between Koster and Rustenburg. He added that they appeal to motorists to exercise caution when travelling on these and other roads as flooding may continue.

“Some houses, mainly mud houses, have been affected and damaged in some areas in the province. Municipalities continue to conduct impact and needs assessments to determine the extent of damages and establish the kind of assistance that would be needed.

“Where there is a need, temporary structures will be provided and affected families will be given social relief packages such as food parcels, blankets and mattresses,” Molapisi said.

He said In Bojanala Platinum District, flooded roads were also reported in Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Molapisi said in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, some roads are also flooded and some mud houses are affected in Tigane Township.

“The Department of CoGTA, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, continues to work with all relevant stakeholders including municipalities to coordinate social relief intervention for affected houses.

“Our disaster management teams remain on high alert as heavy rains persist,” he said.

North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre Contacts: 018 388 3888 or 0800 018 000.

District Disaster Management Centre contacts:

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati

Herman Bezuidenhout

053 927 3235

082 559 3600

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District

Kabelo Molao

014 592 6321

014 592 4495

073 963 2980

Ngaka Modiri Molema District

Masite Lesenyego

080 006 6636

083 282 0640

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District

Richard Lesar

079 528 8587

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Portfolio Committee takes legal action against North West Parks and Tourism Board members for ‘no show’

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Picture: The Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Conservation and Tourism, Mpho Khunou/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

20 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Conservation and Tourism said it has resolved to take legal action against the Chairperson of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, advocate Matshidiso Mogale together with other Board Members, who include Barney Lobelo, Sharon Sepeng, Tonto Nkadimeng, Mothusi Raphadu and Dr Goitseone Pholo, for failure to appear before the committee for the second time to account on the delayed payment of salaries and status quo of the entity.

The committee said the Board previously failed to appear and account in a meeting convened on the 4 February 2025. According to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mpho Khunou, they are concerned about how the acting Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), are appointed and dismissed in a short period of time without following proper procedures.

“There have been six acting CEOs in the last six months as witnessed with Jeff Mabunda, who acted from 1 October to 31 December 2024. Charlene Jacobs from 3-24 January 2025, Dr Goitseone Pholo for less than a month, then we heard that on the 18 February 2025, Jonathan Denga was appointed to act as well.

“According to the available records, the entity does not have funds to pay salaries for February and March 2025. We urge the department to come up with plans to ensure that the salaries are paid on time until the end of the financial year,” he said.

Khunou further said it was worrying that the Board members failed to appear twice to account on the operations of the dysfunctional entity, which has been facing numerous cash flow challenges to pay salaries including for its subsidiaries, creditors and debtors respectively.

He added that Board members have failed on their legal duties to account on the operations and to ensure that there are proper governance systems and sound cash flow through revenue collection.

“The failure to appear before the committee shows that they are undermining the work of the legislature to hold the entity accountable as there are many challenges facing this entity.

“The committee will ensure that the two employees, Mabunda and Jacobs, who presented reports on the state of the operations at the entity and have since returned to their substantive positions, will be protected from victimisation,” said Khunou.

He said the committee was also concerned that a member of the board, Pholo was appointed as acting CEO after the resignation of Jacobs as this meant that she was now a player and referee at the same time. Khunou said they will need a full comprehensive report on the activities of the board, which they also feel was not appointed legally.

“They were expected to bring their expertise through different sub-committees such as governance, risk, finance and related matters to ensure implementation of the core mandate of the entity, but we have not seen any improvement only that the entity is bankrupt as presented by the two former CEOs.

“The committee will propose a full legislature enquiry into the operations of the entity and its subsidiaries. We’re seriously worried as our parks have not been functional enough to generate their own income due to the instability of the entity’s management and are in total disarray and not ready to be one of the chosen G20 platforms,” he said.

The Deputy Chairperson of the board, Prof Vuyo Peach together with another Board member, Kgosi Lencoe who attended the meeting, admitted that proper processes of recruitment of board members were not followed when they were appointed as they said they were just invited to be on the board through emails and phone calls.

Two former Acting CEOs of the entity Mabunda and Jacobs, who were invited by the committee to account on their tenures as acting CEOs, they made a presentation informing the committee that the entity’s annual budget allocation was R221 million divided into four tranches of R55 million per quarter in 2023/24 financial year from department, and was expected to generate additional R97 Million through own revenue collection.

Mabunda said: “Our cash flow challenges started when we only generated about 40% of revenue and had a shortfall of 60 percent.

“We then requested advance payments of R27.3 million in May 2024 from the second quarter’s tranche from the department to meet financial obligations.”

He said the trend continued in the following quarters, but they had a concrete plan to generate enough income through the concessions in the nature and game reserves.

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