26 Mopitlwe 2025- Sepodisi sa Afrika Borwa mono Taung, se tlhalositse fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya petelelo. Se, se tla morago ga dipego tsa gore lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 21, le leneng le dira kwa lebenkeleng lengwe kwa toropong ya Taung, le betelelwe.
Go begwa fa lekgarebe le, le beteletswe ke mothapi wa lone wa motswa-kwa.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are: “Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka letsatsi la Tshipi. Ga gona o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.”
Kgabagare, ba South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) mono Taung, ba kaile fa ba tla etela lebenkele leo, le go lekola fa le ikwadisitse se mmuso, kgotsa beng ba lone ba tsene mo nageng ya Afrika Borwa go le maleba.
Modulasetilo wa SANCO mo kgaolong ya Taung, Joseph Tanyane are: “Re utlwile ka yone ntlha e, mme ga ya re tsaya sentle gotlhelele. Re ikuela go bo kgaitsadi ba rona gore ba ikele tlhoko, gonne bone ba ya go dira kwa dikgwebong tsa batho ba, ba re ba ile go leka botshelo.
“Fela kwa bofelong, ba feleletsa ba betelelwa. Baagi ba rona ga ba sireletsega. Re utlwile gotwe mmelaelwa o setse a leletswe ke ditshipi. Se se makatsang ke gore go begwa fa lebenkele leo le tsweletse go dira ekare ga gwa diragala sepe.”
Tanyane are ba tlile go etela lebenkele leo, mme ba tla be ba patilwe ke sepodisi, Lefapha la Merero ya Selegae, ga mmogo le Lefapha la Boitekanelo.
Picture: The elderly persons at Lokgabeng Disability Centre/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it condemned the armed robbery that took place at Lokgabeng Disability Centre in Lokgabeng village, near Taung on Sunday, with a strong possible term. The DA Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said they have noted the incident with concern.
It is alleged that ten armed men, wearing police uniform, stormed into the centre and threatened the security guards and staff before stealing laptops, USBs and cell phones.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Yes, the police are aware of the matter. The unknown men were allegedly wearing balaclavas and forced entrance into the centre.
“They tied up all the employees and security guards, before proceeding to take office equipment, cell phones and other valuables. There are no arrests thus far and no one was injured in the process.”
Sonakile further said the public should note that the centre houses vulnerable members of society, including the elders and persons with disabilities and operates solely on donations without holding any significant sums of money. He added that they acknowledge the distress and fear caused by this crime among residents and caregivers, despite no physical injuries being reported.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this heinous act, particularly as it occurred just days after South Africa commemorated Human Rights Day. A time meant to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to human dignity and security.
“We commend the North West Department of Social Development for its swift response, including engaging Project Manager and deploying social workers to support affected individuals,” said Sonakile.
He said they call upon South African Police Service (SAPS) to expedite their investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay. Sonakile said they also encourage any members of public with relevant information to come forward and assist law enforcement in their efforts.
“We reaffirm this house’s commitment to the protection of vulnerable communities and the eradication of crime in all forms,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said they have already liaised with the Project Manager and have agreed to send social workers from Taung Service Point to provide counselling to all the staff and the occupants.
“It is unfortunate that our vulnerable people are being attacked and robbed just a few days after we have celebrated human rights. We call for speedy arrests of those who have committed this crime,” said Siko.
Picture: The ANC MPL in North West Provincial Legislature, Sipho Dial/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
26 March 2025- The ANC Member of Parliament (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature, Sipho Dial on Tuesday applauded the North West Department of Health for conducting 23 279 lifesaving operations in the current financial year. Dial said they commend the North West Department of Health for ensuring that the hospitals are able to conduct successful operations to patients that need serious medical assistance.
Dial further said this is in line with the ANC’s commitment to provide quality health care. He also appealed for proper management of waiting lists in order to ensure fair access to care and improve patients’ satisfaction and outcomes.
“The Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital, which serves as a referral centre managing complex cases for the province, clocked about 42 827,0h hours for the operations, while its orthopaedic department operates on 24 hours and 7 days a week basis.
“We welcome adherence to maintenance plans for theatre equipment to ensure daily functionality as well as filling of specialist surgeon posts, recruitment of theatre-trained staff as well as headhunting of additional specialist nurses to provide optimal theatre services,” said Dial.
He added that they are encouraged by plans to conduct blitz and cataract marathons, with quarterly surgical marathons per discipline in partnership with Mediclinic and other NGOs to fast-track these operations. Dial said of the over 6,7 million patients that visited health facilities across the province in the current financial year, the highest number of patients were served in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality.
“Of these, 135 334 were served at the Tlhabane Community Health Centre (CHC), 99024 at the Bafokeng CHC also in the Rustenburg Sub District, while the Letlhabile CHC in Madibeng Local Municipality Sub District served 98994.
“In the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Jouberton CHC in City of Matlosana Local Municipality served 75043. The highest number of 57718 patients in Ngaka Modiri Molema District was served at Montshioa Stadt CHC in Mahikeng Sub District, while in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District 52957 were served at Huhudi CHC in Naledi Local Municipality Sub District,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said that over R133,4 million was spent on the operations most of which were conducted at the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Tertiary Hospital.
26 March 2025- The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile said they joined the global community to commemorate World TB Day. Mashatile said they unite as a nation with a shared purpose, which is to end tuberculosis (TB).
He further said South Africa bears one of the highest TB burdens in the world, but they also stand on the threshold of real change. Mashatile added that they can end TB and together, they will.
“Two years ago, SANAC embarked on a process to develop Human Rights Charters for key populations in all provinces. These include Human Rights issues identified in communities. That process has now been completed, although some provinces are yet to launch their Charters.
“The Charters emphasise the need to protect TB and HIV-related human rights, particularly the need to address stigma against people with TB. The Human Rights hubs in the provinces, supported by AIDS Councils, will ensure that these issues are followed up and addressed,” he said.
Mashatile said there is a need to develop national-level plans for scaling up and institutionalising HIV, TB, and human rights training for health workers and law enforcers. He said the next financial year will be key in developing those plans.
“TB programmes remain under-served compared to HIV and human rights programmes. There is an urgent need to implement national-level TB stigma and discrimination reduction programmes and to engage community-level networks and organisations in district-level efforts.
“This will also be prioritised in the next financial year.
The Stigma Index Report by People Living with HIV is being finalised, and the recommendations from the survey will guide the country’s response to TB and HIV stigma,” said Mashatile.
He said that he is also aware that SANAC is in the process of developing the next human rights strategy for HIV and TB, which will strengthen and guide the country’s human rights interventions in alignment with Goal One of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs, which speaks to breaking down barriers. Mashatile said TB continues to claim too many lives around the world.
“In South Africa in 2023, around 270 000 people were diagnosed with TB, and tragically, 56 000 lives were lost, which translates to 153 people every day. TB knows no boundaries—it affects people across all communities, but the burden falls most heavily on the poor and vulnerable.
“These are our mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters—people who deserve care and dignity. We must reach them! TB is not just a medical issue. It is a human rights issue,” he said.
26 March 2025- A man Jan Maarman (60) was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment by the Springbok Regional Court, for the attempted murder of his former girlfriend, Lena Swartbooi (46), in Bergsig, Springbok. Maarman and Swartbooi, who have a son (13) together, were previously in a cohabiting relationship.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said, however, their relationship ended when Maarman engaged in multiple affairs. Senokoatsane said on 13 August 2024, after an argument over her new relationship, the accused viciously attacked Swartbooi, stabbing her multiple times on her face, arms, hands, back, and legs.
“He left her with severe injuries, including fractures to her face and permanent loss of hand function. After the attack, Maarman left her for dead, returned home, prepared for work, and proceeded with his day as if nothing had happened.
“Swartbooi was later rescued by bystanders and rushed to Dr Izak van Niekerk Hospital in Springbok before being transferred to Upington Hospital for emergency surgeries. A J88 medical report confirmed that she had suffered life-threatening injuries and would never be able to work again due to the permanent damage inflicted,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said this case underscores the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicides (GBV&F) and ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law. He added the successful prosecution of these cases provides some justice and closure to the victims and their families and removes violent criminals from our streets.
During sentencing, the court noted that Maarman committed this crime while on parole for a previous murder conviction and that his previous victim was also a former partner. The state prosecutor, Basil Kock, emphasized that the accused had shown no remorse and that the crime was driven by possessiveness and an intent to exert control over the victim’s life.
Kock argued for a sentence exceeding the prescribed minimum of 20 years, given the heinous nature of the crime and its devastating impact on the victim.
In her ruling, Magistrate Numfeneko Mbalo stated that this was a clear case of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), where the accused sought to eliminate his former partner simply because she had moved on. Mbalo ultimately sentenced Maarman to 22 years imprisonment, with the sentence set to run concurrently with the remaining term of his previous murder conviction, as his parole had been revoked.
Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 March 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has called on senior managers of the department to ensure the institutionalisation of District Development Model (DDM), to address challenges faced by municipalities in the province. Molapisi was addressing the strategic planning session of COGTA, held recently in Mahikeng to draft plans with clear targets, aimed at changing the face of local government and upscale support to institutions of traditional councils.
He further said service delivery challenges that as experienced by the communities, rest on ineffective local government. Molapisi added that, many municipalities lack the technical skill and resources to deal with unmaintained roads, frequent disruption in the supply of water and electricity, uncollected refuse as well as sewerage that runs in the streets.
“I demand immediate actions on amongst others the filling of vacant funded positions, inputs to the White Paper on Local Government, finalisation of policy on Traditional Leadership, particularly on issues of coronational and tools of trades as directed.
“The department must play a leading role in the institutionalisation of the DDM as the key vehicle for service delivery. We will host the local government focused summit soon to discuss how best we can institutionalise the DDM approach. The DDM is more than a policy. It is a call to honour our constitution,” he said.
Molapisi said they must never tire, but continue to work to resolve key challenges in the municipalities. He said they might consider aligning their strategic documents with One District Plans.
“We must also develop a tool to monitor the implementation of DDM across four districts. We need to take the lead in ensuring full participation of National and Provincial champions. We must ensure DDM champions take the lead in various interventions and programmes within their respective deployments.
“Local Economic Development leg of our interventions will also be upscaled to deal with socio-economic challenges faced by different communities. The priorities of the government include driving inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state,” said Molapisi.
He said, therefore, they need a leverage on this commitment to improve the state of local economic development in the municipalities. Molapisi said all officials were urged to do everything humanly possible to ensure that “Every Municipality Must Work” as local government it is the closest sphere of government to the people. taungdailynews@gmail.com
26 March 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), Mangaliso Matika said libraries play a crucial role in shaping the future of generations. Matika said this during a celebration of South African Library Week from 17 until 23 March 2025.
He further said the celebration was under the theme: “Libraries for Sustainable Communities.” Matika added that this theme highlights the vital role libraries play in fostering sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience within communities.
“Throughout the week, libraries across the province hosted various activities, including library drives aimed at promoting literacy, environmental awareness, and community engagement.
“Librarians across the Northern Cape remain deeply committed to their profession, even in the face of economic, political, and social challenges impacting the library sector,” he said.
Matika said rapid technological advancements, constrained budgets that limit access to modern resources and inadequate security services have resulted in unfortunate incidents of vandalism—factors beyond the library’s control, as they stem from broader community circumstances. He said despite these challenges, librarians continue to fulfil their essential roles, fostering a culture of reading, promoting literacy, and ensuring communities have access to valuable information.
“Working in collaboration with the Department of Education, trained reading coaches have been deployed to schools, allowing librarians to focus on enhancing the library experience within dedicated library spaces rather than being school-bound.
“This approach ensures that learners engage with books in an environment designed to inspire a lifelong love for reading. The library is an inclusive space that caters to individuals of all ages, from young children to the elderly, offering a diverse range of reading materials to suit everyone’s interests and needs,” said Matika.
He said the Library Week campaign was a resounding success, with several officials, who were not previously library members registering for library cards. Matika said to apply for a library card, individuals must provide a valid South African ID, proof of residence in
the form of a municipal utility bill or an official rental letter—other forms of proof of address are not accepted.
“Looking ahead, the department remains committed to upgrading and maintaining library facilities to sustain their role as vibrant hubs of knowledge. Through these
efforts, libraries will continue to inspire communities and reinforce just how incredible books truly are,” he said.
25 March 2025- The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson said the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employees’ contribution will play an important role as they work to reform the programme for future success. Macpherson, who visited Upington said, in the months ahead, they will be visiting many more communities in various provinces across the country to hear about their experiences and hold frank conversations on how they can rethink and reform the EPWP programme.
He further said he understands that by working with communities, they will be able to address the biggest challenges facing society. Macpherson added that they are on a journey to reform EPWP to change the narrative around it.
“We will restore trust in its ability to make a meaningful difference and to ensure that every participant is treated with the dignity they deserve. Because, I am determined that where something is broken in the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, it must be fixed.
“The days of turning a blind eye to failures in the department have come to an end. Shortly after I was appointed the Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure 10 months ago, I emphasised the important role EPWP has to play in poverty alleviation and short-term job creation,” he said.
Macpherson said indeed, in the subsequent EPWP listening tours they have held, it has been incredibly encouraging to hear how the programme has provided opportunities to many who had not had them before.
He said as they have heard today, it is clear that EPWP is an important tool to instil hope, provide work, and bring dignity to millions of South Africans in communities across the country.
“It also plays an important role in addressing service delivery challenges, from road maintenance to grass cutting and, in some places, even library services.
The EPWP programme provides the Government of National Unity with a great opportunity to improve service delivery in communities that need it most.
“However, let me be clear: based on what I’ve heard today from members of this community, it is clear that EPWP has been vulnerable to abuse for, among others, jobs for pals, corruption, and political patronage,” said Macpherson.
He said he simply heard too many allegations in this community to allow the status quo to continue. Macpherson said as so many people today shared courageously, people in this community have often been let down by a programme, which was intended to benefit them.
“It is simply unjust to expect recipients to clean streets, repair roads, or maintain parks while receiving a few benefits at their expense. How will community members ever be able to believe in a programme which was intended to empower them when the abuse and corruption within it are widely known?
“How will people ever want to participate in a programme where their personal dignity has been compromised? Let me be clear: Allegations of jobs-for-pals, intimidation – or even worse – sexual exploitation are unacceptable,” he said.
Macpherson said he will not stand by and allow this conduct to happen, and where any official is found guilty, he will take the strongest action possible. He said this is why it is imperative that they build a better EPWP programme, where these abuses are eliminated.
The Guardian 