Monthly Archives: February 2025

North West MEC for Education applauds Are-Fadimeng Secondary School for Improved Matric Results

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Picture: Are-Fadimeng Secondary School logo

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 February 2015- As part of her extended Education Month programme, North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, visits Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School in Jouberton, Klerksdorp on 3 February 2025, to engage with school leadership, teachers, and learners following the school’s commendable improvement in the 2024 matric results.

Motsumi’s visit forms part of her broader strategy to assess and support underperforming schools, as well as those that have shown significant progress. She said Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School achieved a 73.9% pass rate in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, reflecting a 6% improvement from the 2023 academic year.

“We would like to commend the school’s leadership and educators for their dedication, and urge them to intensify their efforts toward achieving a 95% pass rate by year-end. We acknowledge the crucial role played by the community in supporting the school’s progress.

“I am indeed pleased that Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School has improved its pass rate by 6% and had learners who ranked among the district’s top 20 performers. Credit must be given where it is due,” said Motsumi.

She further said the Are-Fadimeheng community took a firm stand against gangsterism and criminal elements that previously plagued the school. Motsumi added that their unwavering support has boosted learner morale and this is reflected in the school’s improved results.

“The school’s proactive approach is exactly the kind of progress I want to see across all our secondary schools. With continued support from district and community levels, I am confident that Are-Fadimeheng can achieve a 95% pass rate come 2025 results,” she said.

Meanwhile, expressing confidence in the school’s curriculum strategy, Principal Leatile Moromane, assured Motsumi of their commitment to further enhancing learner performance.

“We are pleased to inform the MEC that we are refining our curriculum delivery strategies to build on our recent success. Our teacher files are in order, implementation has begun, and we remain focused on continuous improvement.

“More than anything, Motsumi’s visibility at our school has bolstered our confidence. With an overall enrolment of 1,650 learners, inclusive of 202 Grade 12 learners ,Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School remains committed to sustaining and exceeding its current performance,” said Moromane.

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Local Hip Hop artist ready for the world

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Picture: The Hip Hop artist, Gabriel “Young Sniwt” Senwedi/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

5 February 2025- Even though young and upcoming Hip Hop artists continue to be overwhelmed by pressure and uncertainties, Totso Gabriel Senwedi is happy to finally find his niche in the music industry. Young Sniwt as Senwedi is affectionately known in the music industry, said there are other certain challenges such as lack of financial support and piracy, but he is ready for the competition. 

Young Snwit who was born in Extension 7, near Taung, said he is passionate about music and he was inspired by his older brothers, who are also into music. 

“I hung out a lot with them and the rest is history. I started to embark on a musical journey at an early stage and never looked back. I have released a few singles that are on high rotation across various community radio stations in the North West such as Vaaltar FM and Radio Mafisa in Rustenburg. 

“Even though I have not reached my true potential, I am happy with the progress that I have made. I will be releasing a new single called Don’t Panic this month. As an upcoming artist, I would like to share the stage with American superstar, Drake one day,” he said. 

Young Sniwt further said he used to watch a lot of Drake’s music videos on TV and got inspired. He added that he was also introduced to the late 2PAC’s music. 

“I also like Motswako Hip Hop artist, Notshi. Currently, I have not released an album. It has not been easy to find the right music producer that I can work with, but so far so good. 

“There are so many challenges in the music industry and anyone who would like to embark on this journey, must be cut out for it. I have been recording a lot of demo tracks that are not official,” said Young Sniwt. 

A North West University (NWU) student said he also decided to further his studies as part of empowerment. Young Sniwt said education is imperative because he can fall back on it when things get tough. 

“I am great at multitasking hence I can easily juggle my music and studies together. I also believe that, as an artist, it is important to have multiple streams of income. 

“Music is not only the dream that I want to build. I am a visionary and believe that, through discipline, dedication and determination, I can make it through. So, my advice to aspiring artists is, focus and work hard,” said Young Sniwt. 

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Monna o latlhegetswe ke botshelo mo kotsing ya sejanaga

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

5 Tlhakole 2025- Sepodisi sa Pudimoe se boloditse dipatlisiso mabapi le go bolaya ntle le maikaelelo. Se se tla morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di 27, a tlhokafale mo kotsing ya sejanaga kwa tseleng e golaganyang motse wa Matalapaneng ga mmogo le Mase, mono Taung ka letsatsasi la Tshipi.

Go begwa fa dijanaga di le pedi di thulane ka dinko ka masa a letsatsi la Tshipi, mme monna mongwe wa mopagami a tlhokafala.

Go ya ka sebueldi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, sejanaga sa modiro wa Opel Corsa le sa Toyota Fortuner, di thulane ka dinko.

“Sepodisi sa kwa Pudimoe, se ile sa tabogela kwa lifelong la tiragalo, mme go begwa fa ba ne ba fitlhela fa bakgweetsi ba dijanaga tseo ba le mo ditlhabing. Ba ile ba tabogisetswe kwa bookelong jwa selegae go bona thuso ya potlako.

“Fela, mopalami wa sejanaga sa Opel Corsa, one a tlhokafalela kwa lifelong la tiragalo. Sepodisi se ile sa bula kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha la Tshireletso ya Baagi ga mmogo le Tsamaiso ya Dipalangwa mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Wessels Morweng, o tlhalositse fa batho ba le 100 ba tlhokafetse mo dikotsing tsa dijanaga di le 98 ka motsi wa matsatsi a khunulogo. Morweng are le fa go nnile le koketsego ya dintsho, porofense ya Bokone Bophirima e nnile nngwe ya tse di dirileng sentle mo go thankgololeng letsema la go kgweetsa ka tshireletsego mo nageng.

“Re thankgolotse le nane la rona la thibelo-tseleng le le bidiwang Provincial Road Safety Campaign kwa Zeerust ka di 13 Sedimonthole 2024. Se ene ele karolo ya lenaneo la puso la go isa ditirelo kwa bathung le le bidiwang Thuntsa Lerole.

“Fela jaaka ene e tlhalositswe ke tona ya dipalangwa ya bosetshaba, Barbara Creecy fa a ne a tlhoma semmuso letsholo la thibelo tseleng, o tlhalosistse fa le ne le ikaegile ka dipilara di le nne jaaka go kgweetsa ka kelotlhoko, tshireletsego ya batsamaya ka dinao, go tsenya tirisong le go ruta badirisi ba tsela ga mmogo le tirisano mmogo,” Morweng wa tlhalosa.

Are porofense ga ya bega ka dikotsi tse di masisi tsa mogosho. Morweng are mebila megolo e farologaneng jaaka N4, e golaganyang Brits le Gauteng, ga mmogo le motse wa Dinokana gaufi le bodara ya nagaya Botswana, e nnile tlhoba boroko.

“Ditsela tse dingwe jaaka N12 le N14, le tsone re iponetse tatlhegelo ya matshelo mo go tsone,” Morweng wa tlhalosa.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi’s fake resignation letter a propaganda

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi  

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 February 2025- The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) said it wishes to caution members of the public and the general populace about fake resignation letters that have been attributed to the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and some Members of the Executive Council (MECs).

Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “The provincial government wishes to advise the public to ignore these letters as they are nothing, but an attempt by some unscrupulous individuals to cause panic and instability in the day-to-day running of government. 

“The Executive Council as led by Mokgosi, continues to execute its Programme of Action as guided by the 2024/25 policy statement as well as the government’s Medium Term Development Plan.”

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Mokwadi wa dibuka o rotloetsa basha go buisa 

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Setshwantsho: Mokwadi wa dibuka o diphatsa, Kgotlhaetsile Mokabeng

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

5 Tlhakole 2025- Mokwadi wa dibuka tsa Setswana o diphatsa, Kgosietsile Mokabeng, wa kwa motseng wa Khibicwane, gaufi le Taung, o rotloetse batho go bala dibuka, mme segolo thata jang basha. Mokabeng are go bala dibuka go matlafatsa tlhaloganyo le kitso ya motho, mme gape e mo rute le go buisa mafoko sentle. 

Mokabeng are basha ba le ba ntsi ba dirisa nako ya bone botlhatswa ka go tlhola ba le mo metsweding ya boitapoloso e farologaneng. Are fela seo, ga se ba thuse ka gope fa ba sa dirise metswedi eo sentle jaaka go bala dibuka. 

Mokabeng yo o golotseng buka e e bidiwang Ke Tsa Botshelo sesheng jaana, are go bala dibuka go ruta motho go nna le dikakanyo tse di farologaneng tsa botshelo, ga mmogo le go leba botshelo ka mokgwa o farologaneng. 

“Ke sa tswa go ntsha buka ya boraro e eleng gore ke padi. Padi e, e rotloetsa basha gore thuto e botlhokwa. Thuto ke yone fela e e tla ba thusang go fetola matshelo a bone. 

“Jaaka mokwadi, ke dirisitse mosha, mme ka mo tsenya mo tlase ga dikgwetlo tsotlhe tsa botshelo. Ke ile ka mo isa kwa unibesithi, mme go boa kwa, a tla go tsaya karolo a nna le seabe mo phetolong ya matshelo a bao a tshelang le bone,” Mokabeng wa tlhalosa. 

Mokabeng are le lerato la botsadi leo leleng teng, le shupa fa tshegetso ya botsadi le yone e tsaya karolo e tona thata gore mosha o, a tsoge a fitlheletse tseo a di batlang. Mokabeng are leina la buka Ke Tsa Botshelo, mme e raya gore dikgang tse, ke tsa botshelo tse eleng gore ba tshwanetse ba emelana le tsone. 

“Sengwe le sengwe se se diragalang mo botshelong jwa gago, se direga ka lebaka. Sa gago ke gore o tshwanetse go nna le maatla a gore o fenya jang dikgwetlo tse o kopanang le tsone. Dikgwetlho tse di a go ago, di a go tiisa gore o kgone o fithelele ko o batlang teng. 

“Fa o batla buka e, o tla e iponela yone fela ka R100. Botlhe ba ba e batlang, ba ka golagana le nna kwa bukeng ya sefatlhego eleng Facebook. Ba ka golagana le nna mo kabeng ya Kgotlaetsile Mokabeng, kgotsa go nteletsa mogala,” Mokabeng wa tlhalosa. 

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HRD Officer at Taung Hospital accused of soliciting bribes from interns

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Picture: The HRD Officer, Abednigo Nako at Taung District Hospital 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

5 February 2025- The embattled Taung District Hospital employee, Abednigo Nako, is accused of demanding bribes from individuals who are part of an internship at the hospital. Nako, who is Human Resources Development Officer and responsible for the recruitment process, allegedly demanded R1000 bribe each from 60 individuals who were recruited for the internship. 

Some of the individuals who are part of the internship said, they are apprehensive to alert the hospital management because they might be victimised. They alleged that Nako would come and harass them in demand of the money. 

One of the alleged victims, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We are seriously concerned regarding Nako’s behaviour. We fail to understand why he would abuse his power in this manner. We do not get enough out of this internship, but here he is demanding R1000 from each of us every month. 

“We urge the hospital to probe the matter and ensure that it addresses it. This is an ethics problem and corruption at its best. Now, we are living in fear because if we refuse to give in, he threatens to take the internship away.” 

The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said even though they have not received any formal complaint regarding allegations, they are in the process of verifying them.  Mothibedi said the department would not hesitate in dealing with criminally-minded public servants, irrespective of their stature.   

“No formal complaint has been lodged yet. However, we encourage anyone affected to come forward. In the main, a directive has been given to hospital management to look into this matter immediately and provide a report. 

“The department shall have a clear stance backed by empirical evidence to move this matter forward. Important to say, we remain committed to run a clean department and allegations as serious as this one are attended to and acted upon,” he said. 

Meanwhile, HOSPERSA Branch Secretary in Taung, Morethebe Maruping said they have not received any complaint yet, but if the allegations are true, then the hospital should launch a fully-blown investigation and take harsher punishment against the said individual if found guilty. Maruping said they do not promote misconduct, which in essence is equal to corruption.     

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Implementation of MTbBE in North West hit a snag 

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

5 February 2025- The implementation of Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education (MTbBE) pilot programme for Grade 4 across North West was supposed to be smooth sailing, however, it seems there are still more challenges to be addressed. According to some of the principals across various schools in the province, the programme has been marred with challenges. 

One of the principals said: “We understand that the North West Department of Education wants to bring changes into the sector, however, I believe this was premature. The educators who were supposed to teach learners in various official languages, especially Setswana, are yet to be given necessary training. 

“We have not yet received text books in indigenous languages for various subjects such as Mathematics, Life Skills, Natural Science and Technology. It was suicidal for the department to roll-out the programme without concept development, advocacy and proper translation.” 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said, the department, through its Transformation Programme Branch, has put together a MTbBE programme to transform the landscape of education from the General Education and Training (GET) to the Further Education and Training (FET) bands. Molokwane said the department is implementing MTbBE in 650 schools out of 1131. 

“Advocacies were done in 2024, in all districts and participants were subject advisors, principals and teachers who are expected to teach NSTECH and Mathematics Grade 4 in 2025. 

“All relevant documents provided to districts for dispatch to schools such as electronic copies of both NSTECH and Mathematics ATP, Worksheets and workbooks,” he said. 

Molokwane further said there is a plan to train the concerned teachers on teaching the said subjects in African languages and the course is ETDP SETA compliant. He added that the teachers are excited to implement as they indicate that it is going to improve learner performance.

“Learners perform better when taught in their mother tongue even systemic evaluation and research proves that. Learners also receive it in good spirit as it will be a continuation of what they did in the foundation phase. 

“It is just a continuation of the language already used. Various schools that are part of the pilot project have enough support. They were all taken through during the advocacies conducted and Professional Support Forums conducted. Teachers are provided with relevant documentation and there was a meet and greet interaction session conducted on 28 January 2025,” said Molokwane.

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A man nabbed for possession of suspected stolen goats

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Picture: The goats seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 February 2025- A 58-YEAR-OLD man was arrested by the members of Mahikeng Public Order Police (POP) for possession of suspected stolen livestock on Friday. The police were on routine patrol duties along the N18 (Vryburg / Mahikeng) road when they noticed a white Toyota Hilux bakkie with a canopy near a filling station in Montshioastad.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said ultimately, the police stopped the vehicle for a search that led to the discovery of 18 goats.  Mokgwabone said the driver, who was alone in the car, was arrested after failing to give a proper account of the goats worth R27 000.

“Tshokolo Kolobe was remanded in custody upon appearance before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 3 February 2025.  Kolobe is due to re-appear on 10 February 2025, for bail application.  Investigation into the matter continues,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, praised the police for their vigilance, which led to the success.

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A man jailed for raping his ex-girlfriend  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 February 2025- A man (41) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court for rape. The accused, Thapelo Malekutu raped his ex-girlfriend.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Malekutu was also sentenced to five years imprisonment for sexual assault, two years imprisonment for assault with Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and two years imprisonment for kidnapping. Gunya said the court ordered that, all sentences should run concurrently with the life sentence for rape in terms of Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

“The charge stems from a tragic incident that occurred in Verdwaal near Itsoseng.  Evidence presented in court revealed that Malekutu is an ex-boyfriend of the victim, who cannot be named to protect her identity.

“It is alleged that on 12 October 2022, the accused went to the home of the victim. Upon his arrival, he forcefully took the victim to his place, while assaulting her until they arrived at the accused place around 7pm, in the evening,” he said.

Gunya further said at his home, he raped the victim multiple times while assaulting her with the panga and fists. He added that, the complainant tried to flee but the accused prevented her until the next day when she was let free or released by the accused.

“The following day, the complainant reported the incident, and the accused was arrested and has been in custody since. In court, the accused pleaded not guilty and denied all charges against him,” said Gunya.

During sentencing, state prosecutor, advocate Oduetse Gwai, argued that the accused raped the complainant numerous times and inflicted injuries on the complainant thus life imprisonment was prescribed by the Act.  Gwai emphasized the gravity and prevalence of rape in his arguments for sentencing.

“Malekutu’s actions constituted a violation of the victim’s constitutional rights to bodily integrity and safety, resulting in brutal violence and lasting trauma,” he said.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ndade Maphango, acknowledged the aggravating circumstances of the case. Maphango ruled that the accused showed no remorse and targeted the vulnerable person being a woman.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari welcomed the sentence and lauded the prosecutor, investigating officer and other role players who ensured that justice was served to the victims. Makhari said this will serve as a deterrent to the perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in this country.

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MRM calls for a probe after nine NTI buses torched 

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Picture: Nine NTI buses torched/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 February 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has called for in-depth investigations into the cause of a fire that broke out at the North West Transport Investment (NTI). The fire, which was discovered in the early hours of Monday morning at a sleeping ground in Moretele village, destroyed nine buses at a go.

Morweng said NTI management have opened a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and further investigations will determine the circumstances around the cause of the fire as well as the extent of the damage. He also expressed dismay at the unfortunate turn of events at the entity.

“We have recently turned a new leaf with our intervention at the entity by addressing the leadership instability experienced for some time now. We have also ensured that employees received their salaries as promised. 

“Therefore, we believe that we have made great effort to assist the entity in realising its full potential. This, however, is a set back and overall unfortunate incident,” said Morweng. 

He added that, at this point it is unclear whether this was an accident or an act of sabotage, and therefore they make a call to the authorities to deal with the matter decisively. Morweng said the NTI Acting Group CEO, Dr Dikobe and management at the entity has plans in place to limit the impact of services rendered to commuters in and around the Moretele. 

“At the same time, the department as a shareholder in the company, will continue to play a supportive role in order to ensure that service delivery is not compromised and that commuters are not left stranded,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in North West, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “The MRM expressed concern regarding the blaze. The civil society led movement promoting the Charter of Positive Values (CoPV), suggested that the incident that took place could be an atrocious and despicable act of economic sabotage.

“It cannot be a coincidence that we are losing valuable assets and infrastructure across the province to fires. We therefore call on law enforcement agencies not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible are behind bars.” 

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