Monthly Archives: March 2025

‘Libraries play a pivotal role shaping the future’

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Picture: Pupils in a library/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

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.

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‘Allegations of jobs-for-pals, intimidation or even sexual exploitation within EPWP are unacceptable’

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Picture: Some of EPWP employees at work/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

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.

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Portfolio Committee concerned about high rate of employment amongst youth

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 March 2025– Starting its week-long oversight visit programme in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) yesterday, the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities visited the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) said it is set to assess progress and outcomes on programmes aimed at addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), gender equality and youth unemployment.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Liezl van der Merwe, said even though the two entities have viable programmes and policies in place, there is still room for improvement in order to increase their impact. Van der Merwe highlighted the need for the CGE to be more accessible and visible, especially in rural and peri-urban communities.

She further said the committee expressed its appreciation for the programmes and their milestones in its engagement with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). Van der Merwe added that, they also noted with concern the high youth unemployment figures and called on the NYDA to accelerate its youth development initiatives and strategies.

“Today, the committee will visit Inkosi Albert Luthuli School (a mainstream school for learners with disabilities) and hold an engagement with stakeholders from the disability sector, including with parents of children with disabilities.

“The committee will also conduct a site visit to NYDA projects – Phohlolizile Pty Ltd, Lilitha Othopro Solutions, Zonke Bonke Clothing and Accessories,” she added.

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DA calls for AG probe into petrol card abuse across all North West municipalities

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Picture: The Democratic Alliance supporters during rally/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile said they call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation by the Auditor-General (AG) into the misuse of petrol cards across all municipalities in the province. This follows alarming concerns over potential fraud, irregular spending, and a complete lack of accountability in municipal fuel expenditures.

Sonakile said during the presentation of the 2023/24 municipal audit outcomes to the Legislature’s Provincial Public Accounts Committee, the AG confirmed that petrol card usage was audited in Moses Kotane Local Municipality. He further said given the widespread governance failures across the province, the DA demands that this specialised audit be extended to all North West municipalities to uncover the full extent of possible abuse.

“Not one North West municipality received a clean audit for the 2023/24 financial year—a damning indictment of the province’s financial mismanagement and systemic corruption.

“Reports of fuel card fraud in various municipalities point to a deeper culture of looting, where public funds meant for service delivery are syphoned with impunity.

Municipal budgets are already stretched thin, and every cent lost to corruption means fewer resources for basic services such as water, electricity, and road maintenance,” said Sonakile.

He added that the DA is committed to taking action to ensure that the people of North West receive the efficient and accountable governance they deserve. Sonakile said they demand immediate action from the AG and the provincial government to conduct a full-scale audit into petrol card usage, implement stringent financial controls, and hold accountable those who have abused public resources.

“The DA will continue to fight for clean governance, transparency, and the responsible use of taxpayers’ money,” he said.

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Lack of infrastructure and abuse of power allegations at Nqunde Secondary School put North West Department of Education under scrutiny    

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi  

By OBAKENG MAJE  

25 March 2025- A frustrated teacher from Nqunde Secondary School in Dithakwaneng village, near Vryburg, alleged that the school principal ill-treats him. These allegations were made and recorded by the alleged affected teacher on a video that has since gone viral on various social media platforms.

In the video, the teacher alleged that the classroom that is allocated to him is not in good condition. The teacher alleged that even learners are afraid to go to that specific classroom.

“Look, there is no furniture and the classroom is damaged. Now, learners are afraid to come to this class because they have to carry some desks. That means every time my period will be disrupted because I have to wait close to 20 minutes before everyone settles down. 

“So, that is the strategy that the principal of the school is using to frustrate me and make sure that my learners fail. She will then tell community members that I am not qualified, lacking classroom management and all these other things,” he said.

The teacher further alleged that he knows that the school principal has reserved the position he is currently occupying for one of the residents, who is still studying at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley. The teacher added that, currently, he is only teaching in this shandy because the principal alleged that he is not qualified to teach in high school. 

“This is actually a human rights violation because you will find that I’m in one class for six periods, where I’ll be teaching Natural Sciences, Creative Arts and Technology.

“So, this is the kind of frustration that I am subjected to. The high school that I’m appointed to teach does not have a building. You will find the principal always in the kitchen making sure that she monitors all those who are cooking,” he said.

The teacher also accused the principal of being a gossip monger and always surrounded herself with women from the township who do not have matric. He alleged that the staff room is in shambles and looks like a pigsty.

“She also tells the AA not to open the staff room before 8am. The principal and her crew will sometimes arrive at 8:30am. I have laid complaints to the North West Department of Education, however, no one is doing anything because I am seen as a trouble maker.

“Some teachers also take food from school,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi refuted these allegations. Motsumi said the allegations, which are irresponsible, were shared on social media and have since gone viral.

“They misrepresent the department’s efforts to improve school infrastructure. The department confirms that a request for additional funding to relocate unused mobile classrooms was submitted by the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District office in 2024, with Nqunde Secondary identified as a recipient.

“On 9 January 2025, additional funding was approved, and a site handover took place on 25 February 2025, with the SGB Chairperson signing the handover certificate,” she said. 

Motsumi said by 13 March 2025, the project had been completed, with mobile classrooms assembled, renovated, and furnished. She said a completion certificate was signed by both the principal and the SGB Chairperson, confirming that the necessary infrastructure improvements had been made. 

“We strongly caution against the irresponsible use of social media to spread misinformation and discredit the efforts of the department. It is deeply concerning that some educators, instead of focusing on their core duty of teaching and uplifting learners, are engaging in the deliberate spread of falsehoods.

“The department remains committed to transparency and service delivery, and we urge teachers to follow proper channels to address concerns rather than resorting to social media theatrics,” said Motsumi.

She said the department urges all educators to uphold their professional responsibilities and refrain from misleading the public by distorting facts. 

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A body of a man retrieved from a dam

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Picture: Police divers retrieved a body of a man from the dam/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 March 2025- A man (21) allegedly drowned at Kareenpan Dam in Postmasburg on 23 March 2025. The body was retrieved today at 10:45am by the Northern Cape SAPS Search and Rescue Unit and North West SAPS Diving Unit.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the Postmasburg SAPS are investigating an inquest. Shemane said anyone with information can contact the Postmasburg SAPS detectives on 082 302 0391or 082 878 0920 or the SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or report it on the MySaps app.

“All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues,” he said.

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NWPL to conduct Public Hearings on North West Appropriation Bill 2025

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Nathan Oliphant/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 March 2025- On Wednesday, the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance, will be conducting public hearings on the North West Appropriation Bill 2025 at White Hall in Brits, Madibeng Local Municipality, Tigane Community Hall in Tigane, Matlosana Local Municipality, Bona Bona Community Hall in Bona Bona, Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality and Delareyville Municipal Hall, Delareyville, Tswaing Local Municipality at 10h00.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Nathan Oliphant said the North West Appropriation Bill 2025 aims to effect the appropriation of money from the Provincial Revenue Fund for the requirements of the Province in respect of the 2025/26 financial year, and to provide for matters incidental thereto. Oliphant said relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend the public hearing.

The public hearings will be streamed live on the North West Provincial Legislature Facebook page.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his girlfriend’s younger sister

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Picture: A man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 March 2025- A man (37) sentenced to life imprisonment for rape. On 18 September 2022, the girlfriend left her boyfriend with her younger sister and visited her mother in hospital in Postdene, near Postmasburg.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, however, the boyfriend raped the younger sister (13). Shemane said that evening when the sister returned from the hospital, she found the child extremely upset.

“The victim reported the incident to her sister, who subsequently contacted the police and a case of rape was registered the same night. The accused was arrested the following day, 19 September 2022.

“On 17 March 2025, the Postmasburg Regional Court found accused guilty and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment for rape and life imprisonment for rape. Count 1 to run concurrently with the sentence of count 2,” he said.

He further said the boyfriend who was entrusted to look after a girl, rather took advantage of the situation and sexually assaulted and raped her. He added that the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name is to be entered into the National Register of Sexual Offenders.

“He was also declared unfit to work with children,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, has embraced the hefty prison sentence handed down to a child rapist. Otola applauded Detective Sergeant Gaolatlhe David Mongake of Postmasburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for the meticulous investigation conducted in ensuring the accused is removed permanently from society.

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Job for pals’ scandal rock MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung

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Picture: MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 March 2025- The MM Sebitloane Special School in Lokaleng village, near Taung, has been rocked by an alleged job-for-pals scandal involving the school principal, Boipelo Gloria Mmokwa. This was after community members embarked on a protest at the school on Monday and demanded to be appointed.  

According to some community members, Mmokwa appointed her cronies on various posts without even advertising. They alleged that those who were appointed come as far as Zeerust, Hartswater and Limpopo, while they are not being considered.

One of the community members who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We have seen those posts a few months ago, but they were cancelled. However, we only realised now that there were people who were subsequently appointed.

“Those posts were not advertised. So, we demand fair treatment as a community of Lokaleng. We all meet the necessary criteria for those posts. So, we are not going to allow Mmokwa to run this school to the ground and undermine us,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “According to the information provided by MM Sebitloane, the School Governing Body (SGB) advertised positions for sports-related roles in response to a decline in sports participation. The SGB aimed to recruit individuals who could engage learners in various sports activities after school hours.

“Members of the community were given the opportunity to apply for these positions. All appointed individuals reside in Taung, a village in close proximity to the school.”

Molokwane said Mmokwa also refuted allegations that individuals were recruited from Hartswater, Zeerust areas and Limpopo Province. He said the SGB, as a legal entity, possesses the authority to appoint personnel and utilise their fundraising efforts to compensate for the services they require.

“Typically, SGBs provide stipends rather than salaries, as their budget does not permit such expenditures. In hostel schools, positions are created based on household needs, implying that the roles are defined according to the specific requirements of the hostel.

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‘Digitalise housing beneficiary lists’

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Picture: RDP houses in South Africa/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 March 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements has raised concern about the management of the housing beneficiary lists for the Hillside View project in Mangaung in the Free State and called on all levels of government to work together to find urgent solutions. The committee yesterday concluded the first day of its week-long oversight visit to the Free State.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Nocks Seabi said it is concerning that the committee was informed that due to a contractual impasse, a contractor was responsible for the management of the list of beneficiaries, which has left the Department of Human Settlements with dual beneficiaries. Seabi said the committee has always maintained that an electronic list is critical to ensure that the right beneficiaries receive houses.

“It is completely unacceptable that the title deed registration was a contractor-driven process, which has led to discrepancies. The current challenges identified in Hillside View are the reason why the department must streamline its systems to ensure that the correct beneficiaries receive houses.

“The committee has, meanwhile, also raised concerns about the conflicting reports between the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and the provincial Department of Human Settlements about the Caleb Motshabi informal settlement,” he said.

Seabi further said, while the committee welcomed the assurance that an audit will be done to assess the project’s progress, it is concerned that the municipality says the project is at 66% completion while the province says the project is complete. He added that the fact that there is this disparity highlights a somewhat smell of corruption, but they will have to wait for a full audit report to reach a conclusive finding.

“We urged the provincial department to improve its project management and monitoring to ensure that such disparities do not develop in the future.

“The committee finds it extremely unacceptable that two spheres of government could have such disparities on project implementation. What worries us more is the working relationship between the two spheres, post the oversight visit by the committee,” he said.

Seabi said they also remain worried about the reported infrastructure vandalism and illegal connections in Mangaung, which destroys infrastructure and leads to additional expenses. He said the committee emphasised the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the provincial Department of Human Settlements to prosecute those that are at fault and are destroying critical infrastructure.

“Meanwhile, we also raised concerns about the challenges military veterans face in accessing quality houses in the province. While we acknowledge that the current departmental leadership has made great strides in strengthening relations with military veterans, it remains concerning that the department largely ignored the veterans’ concerns about the types and quality of the houses.

“The current leadership must ensure accountability because officials are hired to serve the people and not to stonewall them. The committee also reiterated its concerns about the appointment of inadequate and incompetent contractors to deliver projects,” said Seabi.

He said the committee’s concerns are based on the fact that these appointments lead to substandard housing and delays, as well as subsequent challenges like vandalism, financial loss due to rectifications and unauthorised occupation of the units.

“It remains important that the department appoints competent contractors that are able to deliver projects on time and to the requisite standards. The continued appointment of incapable contractors is tantamount to dereliction of duty.

“The committee will today continue with site visits in the Greater Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality,” said Seabi.

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