Daily Archives: April 23, 2025

Budget allocated for Sanitary Dignity Programme often unspent  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

23 April 2025 –The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities held a meeting to oversee the implementation of the Sanitary Dignity Programme (SDP), the defunding of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) and the ongoing fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The committee said the reason it has convened the meeting today is that it is a continuation of the important work it is doing in overseeing the implementation of the sanitary dignity programme.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Liezl van der Merwe said they know, for example, that monies are allocated to provinces for this project, but often the funds are not spent and when they are spent, the delivery of these products is erratic. Van Der Merwe said they have also established that in most instances, they are not reaching all of the intended beneficiaries of this programme.

“Additionally, the Cwecwe case has put the spotlight firmly on our nation’s crisis as it pertains to GBV. One of the lead departments in the fight against GBV, as per the national strategic plan, is the Department of Social Development. Tied to the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
(GBVF), is also the issue around the defunding of NGOs and NPOs, which provide vital services on behalf of the state.

“So this morning, we will aim to probe all of these issues – the implementation of the sanitary dignity programme, the fight against gender-based violence and the defunding of NGOs and NPOs. The meeting commenced with a presentation from the Department of Social Development (DSD) that provided an overview of the SDP’s implementation and discussed the implications of defunding NGOs and NPOs,” she said.

Van Der Merwe further said the department also outlined the strategies and initiatives currently in place to combat GBV, highlighting the department’s commitment to addressing these pressing issues. She added that, following the presentation, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces, each provided insights into their implementation of the SDP and the status of funding for NGOs and NPOs.

“In addition to the presentations, various stakeholders made inputs, including the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Lisa Vetten and the National Shelter Movement. Responding to the presentations, one of the primary concerns centred around the implementation of the sanitary dignity programme across the provinces.

“The committee found that the programme is not reaching all intended beneficiaries, with inconsistencies in the way it is being implemented and distributed. Provinces shared challenges with procurement processes, supplier selection and the timely delivery of sanitary products, emphasising the need for more localised, women-owned and specialised suppliers to be involved in the programme,” said van der Merwe.

She said the Eastern Cape highlighted the issue of identifying the appropriate beneficiaries, noting that it relies on the Department of Education to provide the list of learners from quintile one, two and three schools, as well as from farm schools and special schools. Van der Merwe said the province also raised concerns about the shortage of social workers, with over 1 100 unemployed social workers in the province, and the impact this has on their ability to provide essential services.

The Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta said the issue of the large number of unemployed social workers is a “sleepless night problem” for the province.  Fanta said the province is unable to absorb all the trained social workers due to budget constraints, despite the high demand for social work services.

Mpumalanga shared that it has challenges with the procurement process, having to re-advertise tenders when the initial bids did not meet the requirements. The province also stressed the importance of ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are involved in supply chain and procurement processes.

The Western Cape provided details about its comprehensive approach, including the establishment of a Sanitary Dignity Project Steering Committee that involves various government departments and civil society organisations. The province also shared its efforts to reach rural and remote schools, as well as its focus on providing education and awareness alongside the distribution of sanitary products.

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Taung Treatment Centre to open its doors to the public

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Picture: Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development visiting Taung Treatment Centre

By REGINALD KANYANE  

23 April 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development said it welcomes swift implementation of its oversight resolutions and notes encouraging progress in the delivery of essential health infrastructure in the North West province. This follows a recent oversight visit that the committee conducted in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, where the Committee raised serious concerns over the Taung Treatment Centre, which remained non-operational due to the absence of an occupation certificate, despite the facility’s completion.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Karabo Magagane said they commend the North West Department of Health for securing the certificate, paving the way for the facility to become fully operational. Magagane said this development comes in response to the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi’s commitment made during the 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA), to ensure the centre begins serving the public this year.

“This progress aligns with the broader goals of the recently signed National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, which seeks to provide accessible, equitable, and quality health care for all South Africans. The operationalization of the Taung Treatment Centre marks a significant step toward achieving the objectives of the NHI and strengthening the public health system at the local level.

“The committee also visited the Ga-Mothibi Community Health Centre, which serves over 16 villages, including Upper Majakgoro. The committee is pleased with the allocation of R56 million in funding to complete outstanding work at the facility. These funds will support the installation and upgrading of essential systems, including electrical and ICT infrastructure, mechanical and air conditioning systems, as well as civil works such as water and sewerage reticulation and pavements,” she said.

Magagane further said the committee had previously raised concerns that due to underdeveloped ICT infrastructure, the facility was reliant on manual systems excluding it from the Health Patient Registration System (HPRS) and the District Health Information System (DHIS), both of which are essential for effective patient data management and health service delivery. She added that, sub-standard work by prior contractors had left portions of the water and sewer infrastructure incomplete, causing leaks and limiting full utilization of the facility.

“This has led to inefficiencies and unnecessary expenditure on services like cleaning and electricity for underused sections of the centre. The committee implores the department to use the new additional funds effectively to bring the facility in line with the “Ideal Clinic” standards and support the broader implementation of Universal Health Coverage under the NHI framework.

“It is imperative that all health facilities are adequately equipped and fully operational to realize the vision of equitable health care for all. The committee will continue to exercise its oversight mandate to ensure that both the Departments of Health and Social Development uphold their commitments and deliver on their constitutional obligations to the people of the North West,” said Magagane.

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Committee welcomes the new NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine

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Picture: The launch of NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 April 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development said it welcomes and celebrates the official unveiling of the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine at the NWU. The committee said this is a milestone that marks the finale of over 20 years of visioning and planning.

The Chairperson of Committee, Karabo Magagane said the historic development not only honours the legacy of Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who was born in Klerksdorp in 1931, but also positions the province at the forefront of academic medicine, health innovation, and inclusive service delivery.

Magagane further said naming the school after Tutu is a fitting tribute to his enduring contributions to humanity and reflects the university’s commitment to social justice, human dignity, and nation-building.

“The Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will be anchored in the core pillars of NWU, teaching, learning, research, and community engagement. It will harness the strength of a growing network of hospitals and clinics across the province, with Klerksdorp/Tshepong Tertiary Hospital serving as a key clinical training site.

“Tshepong Hospital, which previously partnered with Wits University, has already set national benchmarks in health care innovation, including becoming the first institution in South Africa to cure Extreme Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) and successfully performing the first-ever pump cardiac bypass surgeries in its new catheterization laboratory last year,” she said.

Magagane added that they believe that the establishment of the medical school not only aligns with the transformative goals of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act recently signed into law, but also strengthens the province’s health systems in preparation for universal health coverage. She said by equipping future health professionals through high-quality education and immersive clinical training, the School of Medicine will be instrumental in advancing accessible, equitable, and quality health care for all residents of the province.

“Furthermore, the committee sees this development as a catalyst for economic diversification in the City of Matlosana, which has been negatively affected by the decline of the mining sector.

“The growth of the health and academic research sectors offers promising new pathways for local economic revitalization, employment, and innovation. The committee remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen public health infrastructure, education, and service delivery, as part of its ongoing oversight work to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution and the spirit of the NHI Act,” said Magagane.

She said Tutu so powerfully said: “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”

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Tourism partners host Africa’s travel Indaba Media launch

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The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille

By BAKANG MOKOTO

23April 2025- The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille said the 2025 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the most powerful platforms for collaboration, innovation, and transformation for tourism during the official Media Launch of the 2025 Africa’s Travel Indaba held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban today. De Lille said KwaZulu-Natal is not just a province, but a mirror of the continent’s warmth, resilience and potential.

She further said South African Tourism officially launched its latest global brand campaign, ‘South Africa Awaits — Come Find Your Joy!’— a celebration of the country’s boundless energy, rich culture, and extraordinary experiences. De Lille added that this dynamic campaign invites travellers to rediscover their sense of wonder, embracing the joy that travel to South Africa can unlock.

“In this spirit, we cannot wait to welcome various delegates from across Africa and around the globe to the eThekwini Metro in the province of KwaZulu-Natal for this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba trade show.

“The theme for Africa’s Travel Indaba “Unlimited Africa,” is not just a slogan – it is the essence of this all-important gathering because Africa’s Travel Indaba is not just a trade show. It is a celebration of who we are,” she said.

De Lille said a declaration of what they believe. She said it is a declaration that they want to think and act without limits.

“It is a bold manifestation of the African tourism sector that we, together, are further developing and fulfilling our true potential. To speak of “Unlimited Africa” is to believe in an Africa unbound by stereotype, unhindered by the past, and unleashed in its full potential.

“It means imagining a continent where tourism is not just about visitors but about value. Not just about destinations, but about dignity. Not just about business, but about belonging,” said De Lille.

She said it means seeing themselves not through the lens of others, but through their own proud, radiant perspective – and reflecting that to the world.

Africa’s Travel Indaba: Economic Impact

De Lille said Africa’s Travel Indaba is more than an event. She said it is their collective voice and stories echoing across the globe.

“From its origins over four decades ago as a local platform, Indaba has grown into the most vibrant travel marketplace on the African continent. In 2024 alone, over 9000 delegates walked the halls of the Indaba. Over 1200 exhibitors shared their dreams and 24 000 business meetings turned ideas into action.

“R226 million in direct economic activity was generated right here in Durban, with another R333 million rippling across KwaZulu-Natal. Behind these numbers are real lives, more than 1000 jobs created, opportunities unlocked for youth, for students, and for entrepreneurs from all walks of life,” said De Lille.

She said through funding from the Department of Tourism, 120 SMMEs were empowered to showcase their offerings and access the global stage through our Market Access Support Programme. De Lille said this is what inclusive growth looks like.

“This is a transformation in motion. This is what it means to leave no one behind. As we go into Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, we currently have participation from 26 African countries including South Africa.

“We have also seen consistent interest in the number of tourism products from across the continent. With over 1200 exhibitors currently confirmed, this includes 297 tourism products, demonstrating confidence in the event as a marketplace for African experiences,” she said.

De Lille said this also reflects their success in positioning Indaba as a truly pan-African event. She said notably, their floor space is completely sold out, signalling increased demand and enthusiasm from exhibitors.

“A total of 908 buyers have been vetted and approved, with 7 430 meetings already confirmed on the Indaba online diary platform. Interest is surging from major markets including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and India.

“In fact, a total of 55 countries are represented in our buyer profile. As we go to Africa’s Travel Indaba, there is much about South Africa to be celebrated and highlighted as is the case for the rest of the African continent. For example, today we are here at Moses Mabhida stadium recognising the value sport plays not only in our economy but the tourism sector too,” said de Lille.

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Agriculture committee allows department to review APPs in line with MTDP

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Picture: The Chairperson of Committee, Dina Pule

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 April 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture said it received a briefing yesterday from the Office of the Auditor General (AGSA) on its review of the Department of Agriculture and its entities’ 2025/26 annual performance plans (APPs) and budgets. The committee said department and entities also made presentations on their APPs and budgets for the 2025/26 financial year.

The Chairperson of Committee, Dina Pule said during the engagements, the committee told the department to review its 2025/26 APP in line with the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP). Pule said as part of its findings, the AGSA told the committee that seemingly the MTDP indicators and targets are not included in the department’s strategic and annual performance plans.

“The committee heard that MTDP 2024–2029 is a five-year strategic blueprint developed by the 7th administration to drive national development. The MTDP aligns with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and integrates international commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the AU Agenda 2063.

“The committee expressed concern after it learnt from the AGSA that the department has set annual reports as a target without clearly understanding the expected level of performance,” she said.

Pule further said the AGSA highlighted that lack of specificity makes both the indicator and the target unclear and ambiguous. She added that it also renders the AGSA unable to measure effectively, which undermines their usefulness for monitoring progress and evaluating performance.

“The committee told the department to revise its APPs, taking into account the AGSA’s recommendations, for presentation on 6 May 2025.

“The Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen, who led the departmental delegation, said the department met with the AGSA and has already undertaken to make amendments based on the AGSA recommendations,” said Pule.

She said AGSA also presented reviews of the APPs of the department’s three entities – the Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Biological Products and the National Agricultural Council. Pule said as part of the presentation, the AGSA recommended that the committee should ask the department to present a revised 2025/26 APP along with a matrix showing changes made to performance indicators, their definitions and associated date sources.

“In addition, the committee should also ask the department for regular updates on this information. We emphasised that the committee was not rejecting the APPs as presented, but rather allowing the department and its entities to reconstruct the APPs in light of the AGSA recommendations.

“The committee has noted with appreciation the extensive and insightful reviews the AGSA has made. The committee has noted your recommendations and we assure you about our commitment to translating them into progressive actions to take the work of the department to new heights,” she said.

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Baagi ba kwa Sekhing ba latofatsa sepodisi sa Kgomotso ka go itshela moriti o tsididi mabapi le go tshwara babelaelwa ba dipetelelo

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Setshwantsho: Mmelaelwa wa petelelo o tshwerwe kwa Sekhing

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

23 Moranang 2025- Baagi ba kwa motseng wa Sekhing gaufi le Taung, ba tlhalositse fa sepodisi sa kwa Seteisheneng sa Kgomotso ba palelwa k go dira tiro ya bone. Se, se tla morago ga gore go begwe dikgetsi di le tharo tsa petelelo, mem go se tshwaro ope le fa babelaelwa ba itsiwe.

Go ya ka mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Walter Might, ka di 29 Mopitlwe 2025, lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 20, o ile a betelelwa kwa phaphosing nngwe e e sa dirisiweng kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi (tavern) ya ga Piet teng kwa motseng wa Sekhing. Might are lekgarebe le, le ile la utlwiwa ke lekgarebe lengwe le leneng le ile go itlhoma.

“Ene ya re go utlwa motho a gowa, lekgarebe le, le ne la ya go bitsa mong wa tavern. Ene ya re fa mong wa tavern a bula phaphosi eo, o ile a fitlhela mmelaelwa a apotse lekgarebe le, mme a tsweletse go le betelela. Fela, mmelaelwa one a tshaba ka letlhaba-phefo.

“Go begwa fa morago ga metsotso ele lesome, mmelaelwa o ile a boela kwa taverneng. Baagi ba ne ba mo tlhoma dipotso mabapi le tiragalo e. Fela, go begwa fa mmelaelwa ile a tlhalosa fa le ene a sa itse gore one a tsenwe ke eng. Baagi ba ile ba mo tshosetsa ka go bitsa sepodisi,” Might wa tlhalosa.

Might are baagi, motswasetlhabelo ga mmogo le mmelaelwa, ba ile ba leba kwa bookelong jwa Baga-Mothibi Community Healthcare Centre kwa Sekhing. Might are sepodisi se ile sa ikgorotsha, mme mmelaelwa o ile a kaya fa ele nnete gore o beteletse motswasetlhaelo.

“Fela go begwa fa a ile a tlhalosa fa a dirile seo ntle le maikaelelo. Sepodisi se ile sa bitsa batsadi ba mmelaelwa ga mmogo le ba motswasetlhabelo. Go begwa fa motlhankela mongwe wa sepodisi a ile a laela motswasetlhabelo gore a seka a bula kgetsi ya petelelo pele kgatlhanong le mmelaelwa, mme a tlogele malapa a le mabedi a tsene mo di therisanong.

“Go begwa fa motswasetlhabelo a ile a seka a kgotsofalele dipuisano, mme a ya go bula kgetsi ka letsatsi la Moshupulogo. Go ya ka motswasetlhabelo, ga rata se motlhankedi wa sepodisi a se buileng,” Might wa tlhalosa.

Might are o ile ka amogela mogala go ba lelapa, mme ba kopa gore a ba thuse ka go bula kgetsi.  Might are ba ile ba bitsa kopano letsatsi le le latelang, gonne baagi ba ne ba batla go itseela molao mo matsogong.

“Motswasetlhabelo le ene one a le teng kwa kopanong, mme a bolelela baagi gore go diragetseng. One a tlhalosa fa a butse kgetsi, fela a sa newa nomoro ya kgetsi. Ke ile ka letsetsa sepodisi ke botsa gore go baneng motswasetlhabelo a sa newa nomoro ya kgetsi.

“Sepodisi se ile sa ntsenya dikgoro tsotlhe, mme ke ile ka letsetsa motsamaisi wa Seteisheng (Station Commander). Se se utlwisang botlhoko ke gore, mmelaelwa one a tsamaya mo mebileng jaaka a rata, mme seo se ne se tsenya letshogo go motswasetlhabelo,” Might wa tlhalosa.

Might are morago ga metsotso ele lesome a buile le motsamaisi wa Seteisheng, sepodisi se ile sa mo letsetsa, mme ba mo neela nomoro ya kgetsi. Might are gape, ba ile ba tshepisa gore ba tlile go tshwara mmelaelwa.

“Fela go fitlha ga jaana, mmelaelwa ga ise a tshwarwe. Mo letsatsing la maabane, ke ile ka leba kwa seteisheneg sa sepodisi sa Pudimoe, gonne re tlhaloseditswe fa dikgetsi tsa dipetelelo di dirwa ke sepodisi sa koo.

“Ka maswabi, ke ile ka fitlhela gotwe batlhankedi ba ba dirang ka dikgetsi tsa dipetelelo ba setse ba tsamaile. Ke ile ka ba letsetsa, mme ba tlhalosa gore ba amogetse mogala go tswa kwa kantorong ya mokhuduthamaga wa Tshireletsego Ya Baagi ga mmogo le Tsamaiso Ya Dipalangwa, Wessels Morweng,” Might wa tlhalosa.

Might are ba ile ba tlhalosa fa ba tlile go ya go tshwara mmelaelwa mo letsatsing la gompieno kgotsa kamoso.  Are o ile a kopa gore fa sepodisi se ya go tshwara mmelaelwa ba mo itsise, gonne ga ba tlhole ba na le tshepo mo sepodising jaaka baagi.

“Ba bontshitse gore ba dira tiro ya bone fela fa ba ba kwa godimo ba ba laela jalo. Ka di 26 Mopitlwe 2025, go ile ga betelelwa lekgarebe (27), le le sa itekanelang mo tlhaloganyong.

“Go begwa fa banna ba le babedi ba ba neng ba tsamaya le lekgarebe le, ba ile ba mo tsaya kwa gagabo, mme ba leba kwa motseng wa Itireleng le ene, ntle le go itsise ba lelapa la gagwe. Fela pele ga moo, ba ile ba tsamaya le ne go ya kwa lebenkeleng teng kwa Sekhing,” Might wa tlhalosa.

Might are go begwa fa ba ile ba dula kwa lebenkeleng pele ga b aka tsamaya le lekgarebe le go ya kwa Itireleng. Are lebnkele leo le na le dikhemera tse di gatisang ditshwantsho tsa motsikinyego.

“Jaanong, nako e yotlhe e ba ile ba e dula kwa lebenkeleng leo ga mmogo le lekgarebe le, e ile ya gatisiwa. Ba ile ba tsamaya bosigo botlhe kwa Itireleng, mme ba lelapa la lekgarebe le, ba ile ba lemoga gore ga ayo fa nako ya go nwa dipilisi e fitlhile.

“Banna ba, ba ile bowa letsatsi le le latelang le lekgarebe le. Fela ba lelapa la gagwe ba ile ba mo lemoga gore ona le madi mo bosading jwa gagwe. Ba ile ba mo isa kwa bookelong, mme ngaka e ile ya netefatsa fa a beteletswe,” Might wa tlhalosa.

Might are lekgarebe le, le ile la isiwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung go ya go mo tsaya disampole. Are kgetsi e ile ya bulwa, fela sepodisi se tlhalositse fa se se kitla se tshwara babelaelwa pele, gonne lekgarebe le le sa itikanela mo tlhaloganyong.

“Sepodisi se tlhalositse fa se tshwanetse go kopantsha lekgarebe le, le ngaka ya tlhaloganyo pele ga b aka tshwara babelaelwa. Sepodisi se ile sa goga dinao, mme jaaka baagi, re ile ra latela babelaelwa le go ba tlhoma dipotso.

“Ba ile ba tlhalosa fa ele nnete ba beteletse lekgarebe le, le go mo gogisa matokwane. Jaaka re bua le wena jaana, makawana ao ga ise a tshwarwe,” Might wa tlhalosa.

Are ka di 17 Moranang 2025, mosimanyana wa dingwaga di le 17 wa kwa motseng wa Seoding o ile a betelelwa. Go k aka Might, tiragalo e, ke ya di 17 Moranang 2025.

“Go begwa fa motswasetlhabelo a ne a tsamaya le tsala ya gagwe go ya kwa lebenkeleng bosigo. Go begwa fa tsala ya gagwe e ne ya tsena kwa lebenkeleng, mme ene a sala kwa ntle. Go begwa fa motswasetlhabelo, a ile a kgorogelwa ke monna mongwe o a mo itseng, mme a mo ntshetsa thipa.

“Go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ile a tsaya motswasetlhabelo go ya kwa nageng kwa a ileng a mo betelela gone. Go begwa fa a ile a mo laela gore a apole fa ba fitlha kwa nageng, fela motswasetlhabelo a gana,” Might wa tlhalosa.

Might are mmelaelwa one a tshosetsa motswasetlhabelo gore o tla mo lobela dintshi fa gana go apola. Might are motswasetlhabelo o ile a apola.

“Mmelaelwa one a iphanya ka ene, mme a boa a mo tshosetsa ka polao fa a ka bua. Go begwa motswasetlhabelo a ne a boela gaabo, mme o ile a lotlegela batsadi ba gagwe ka se se mo tlhagetseng mo letsatsing le le latelang.

“Motswasetlhabaelo one a sa kgone le go apara borokgwe kgotsa go tsamaya sentle ka ntlheng ya manokonoko a petelelo. Go begwa fa a ne a dula a apere towel, mme a ga kgone le go dula sentle ka ntlheng ya dikgobalo,” Might wa tlhalosa.

Are o ile amogela mogala go ba lelapa, mme ba mo tlhalosetsa ka se se tlhagetseng ngwana wa bone. Might are o ile a makala thata fa a utlwa kgaitsadie motswasetlhabelo a mo bolelela gore batlhankedi ba sepodisi ba ile ba mo laela gore a ye go sheba aterese ya kwa gaabo mmmelaelwa.

“Re ile ra leba kwa seteisheneng sa Kgomotso, mme ra fitlhela motlhankedi wa sepodisi a le mongwe fela. Re ile ra tlhalosa gore re ile koo mabapi le eng. Motlhankedi o wa sepodisi, o ile a letsetsa mokaptein wa gagwe.

“Re ne ra mo tlhalosetsa mo mogaleng gore sepodisi ga se dire sepe mabapi le dikgetsi tsa petelelo, gonne e ke kgetsi ya boraro. Re ile ra mo tlhalosetsa gore fa sepodisi se sa dire sepe, dipetelelo di tlile go ata,” Might wa tlhalosa.

Might are gape, ba ile ba botsa gore go baneng sepodisi se raya kgaitsadie motswasetlhabelo gore a ye go sheba aterese ya kwa gaabo mmelaelwa, gonne seo se ka ba baya ka fa mosing. Might are ba ile ba ba lemotsha fa sepodisi fa se palelwa ke go ba thusa jaaka baagi.

“Gape re ile ra tlhalosa fa baagi ba ja ditlhare ka meno, mme ba tlhalositse fa ba ka tshwara babelaelwa ba dikgetsi tse tsa petelelo, ba tlile go lela selo mo ganong.  Re ile ra bolelelwa gore re kopane le motlhankedi wa sepodisi kwa tseleng.  

“Re ile ra tsamaya le motlhankedi o wa sepodisi go ya go tshwara mmelaelwa. Jaanong, re emetse gore sepodisi se tshware babelaelwa ba bangwe gape,” Might wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Mpho Manyoba are dipaltisiso mo kgetsing e, di tsweletse.

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COGTA Committee calls for review of dept’s target on initiation deaths

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Picture: Initiates from initiation school/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

23 April 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on Tuesday firmly rejected the Department of Traditional Affairs’ targets addressing harmful practices associated with illegal initiation schools. It urged the department to re-examine these targets immediately.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Dr Zweli Mkhize said they have received a briefing on the department’s annual performance plan for 2025/26 and its strategic plan for 2025–2030. Mkhize said the department presents these plans and reports to parliamentary committees to ensure accountability, transparency and effective resource management.

“This enables committees to scrutinise departmental performance and spending and hold them accountable to the public. Members learnt that the department’s strategic plan will centre around four outcomes, including ensuring that institutions of Traditional and Khoi-San leadership are functional, legitimate and governed in compliance with applicable laws.

“Other outcomes focus on transformation, ensuring that traditional leadership structures are inclusive, rights-based and aligned with constitutional values. It was, however, the targets set for promoting safer initiation practices by reducing illegal initiation schools and related injuries and casualties that particularly concerned members,” he said.

Mkhize further said the committee heard that the department plans to reduce initiation deaths from 63 to 13 and illegal schools from 429 to 229 by 2029. He added that, the committee heard that this would be done through increased oversight, community education and regulatory reform.

“The targets for safer initiation practices are inconsistent with the government’s zero-tolerance approach to initiation casualties. We voiced strong objections to any performance targets that imply that anything but zero deaths, penile amputations or illegal initiation schools operating are acceptable.

“The targets are indefensible and aimed at normalising preventable harm under the guise of bureaucratic compliance. The committee urged the department to revise all targets related to initiation harm to reflect this principle,” said Mkhize.

He said the targets are a big problem. Mkhize said all targets should be zero.

“If not, you will be accused of running this programme in a way that allows certain deaths and amputations. You must relook at this. If we say that fewer deaths mean success, we risk legitimising the very harm we are meant to eradicate.

“The only acceptable target for loss of life or amputation is zero. Anything else sends the wrong message to the public. Regarding the Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders Act, the committee emphasised that Parliament, through the committee, must play an active role in amending this legislation, which was found to be unconstitutional,” he said.

Mkhize said the committee also called for a more collaborative approach in the recognition process of Khoi-San traditional leaders, describing it as complex. He suggested sharing relevant information with the department and establishing mechanisms to facilitate interaction with the body responsible for traditional leadership matters.

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ANC welcomes SAPS investigation into incident involving Deputy President, Paul Mashatile

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Picture: The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 April 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has noted the media reports and subsequent confirmation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding an incident involving the convoy of the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The former liberation movement said it welcomes the assurance by the National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, that the matter is under active investigation by a high-level team, with a completed ballistics report and ongoing threat assessments by Crime Intelligence.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said these efforts affirm the seriousness with which their security agencies protect the national executive and safeguard their democratic institutions. Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC is further reassured by confirmation that both the President and the Deputy President remain under the capable protection of the Presidential Protection Service, with the necessary reinforcements effected.

“We commend the Deputy President for continuing to carry out his duties with calm resolve and steadfast commitment. His poise in the face of this incident is testament to the maturity and discipline required of national leadership.

“The ANC strongly condemns any actions that seek to undermine the security of the leadership or destabilise the constitutional order. We call for calm and vigilance, and reiterate our confidence in the ongoing investigation,” she said.

Bhengu-Motsiri further said they will await its final outcome before offering any further comment.

Meanwhile, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola said he wants to assure the nation that the executive of the country, including the President and the Deputy President, are in safe hands. Masmola said Members of the Presidential Protection Service (PPS), who are assigned to both the President and the Deputy President, are trained to a high level of skill and possess the necessary expertise and capabilities to avert any risk and threat.

“The resources assigned to safeguard the executive are also adequate and designed to prevent any direct and imminent threat on their lives. While it is not common practice to discuss safety and security aspects of the executive, we deem it fit to assure the country that sufficient resources are always assigned to safeguard members of the national executive.

“We confirm a shooting incident involving the Deputy President’s convoy. Following the incident, an extensive investigation was conducted and still underway with the ballistics report already concluded,” he said.

Masemola said crime intelligence is also continuing with its regular risk and threat assessment on both the President and the Deputy President. He confirmed the reinforcement of security detail to both principals and has also expressed gratitude with the manner in which members of the PPS safeguard and handle the safety of both principals.

“The incident remains under investigation with a high level team assigned to investigate this case,” said Masemola.

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Ba lelapa la kwa ga Mdi ba batla mmatlisisi le mosekisi mo kgetsing ya maiteko a polao le polao kgatlhanong le Mangwegape ba itokolole

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa mo kgetsing ya maiteko a polao le polao, Tshwaro Mangwegape

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

23 Moranang 2025- Kgetsi ya maiteko a polao le polao kgatlhanong le mong wa lebenkele le le rekisang nnotagi la The Meat Brother’s Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (42) e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 25 Seetebosigo 2025, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. Mangwegape one a tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung ka di 17 Moranang 2025.

Mangwegape o latofadiwa ka go bolaya motshameki o diphatsa wa setlhopha sa kgwele ya dinao sa NWU Institute, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28), ga mmogo le go tlogela tsala ya gagwe ya tlhogo ya kgomo, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (35) ka dikgobalo tse di masisi. Go begwa fa Mdi le Kokwe, ba ne ba le gareng ga batho ba ba neng ba etetse lefelo la The Meat Brother’s Pub ka di 16 Sedimonthole 2023, go ya go ijesa monate fa gone go runya thuntso.

Go ya ka Mangwegape, Mdi le Kokwe, ba ne ba le gareng ga setlhotshwana se seneng sa tsena ka dikgoka kwa lefelo la gagwe le go senya dithoto. Morago ga tiragalo e, Mangwegape one a ineela kwa sepodising. One a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ga mmogo le maiteko a polao.

Kgabagare, go begwa fa ba lelapa la ga Mdi ba kwaletse tlhogo ya bosekisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, mme ba ikuela gore mosekisi ga mmogo le mmatlisisi mo kgetsi e, ba ikgogele morago. Se se tla morago ga dipego tsa gore phetishini e e neng e kwadilwe ke baagi e ntshiwe mo doketeng ya kgetsi ka motsi o molatofadiwa a ne a tsenya kopo ya beile kwa North West High Court kwa Mahikeng. Seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go reng Mangwegape a neelwe beile ya R5000.

Fela, ba bueledi ba molatofadiwa, le bone ba ile ba tlhalosa fa ba tlile go dira kopo ya gore magistrate mo kgetsing e, le ene a itokolole, gonne ba sena tshepo mo go ene.   

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A probe into ‘unauthorised’ security appointment for Matlosana councillor, Wesley Kgang

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Picture: The Matlosana councillor, Wesley Kgang

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Klerksdorp said it will request the Matlosana Council for an urgent investigation into the recent appointment of security personnel for a sitting councillor, Wesley Kgang. The DA said it demanded that the council determine the motivations behind the alleged illegal and irregular, wasteful expenditure, the total cost implications and whether there were any undue influences or conflict of interest.

The DA caucus leader at the Matlosana Local Municipality, Gerhard Strydom said it seems that the appointment of these personnel was carried out without adherence to established municipal protocols, policies, and procedures. Strydom alleged the appointment of security was made without approval by the council, a formal risk assessment, or compliance with procedure and government regulations.

“Under the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, 1998 (determination of upper limits for members of municipal councils), security may be provided to a councillor subject to a threat and risk analysis conducted by the SAPS, and then only two bodyguards per shift of a two-shift system.

“Kgang is provided with six bodyguards at a cost of R179 000 per month from October 2024, which calculates to R1 253 000 by the end of April 2025, while service delivery to our community is close to non-existent,” he said.

Strydom further said questions raised with the Municipal Manager on this issue were not answered other than to acknowledge that no risk assessment by the SAPS was done. He added that, this is a serious breach of municipal processes.  

“Public resources cannot be used at the discretion of unqualified and ignorant individuals. There must be transparency and accountability, especially where taxpayers’ money is involved.

“We demand clarity and assurances that corrective action will be taken and that individuals, who were involved in these illegal actions be held liable for the cost that our taxpayers are expected to pay,” said Strydom.

Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Matlosa Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlophe said: “Remember this thing has emanated from the City Press article. So, my media statement is very simple that, upon receiving that, I then wrote to the Municipal Manager to further probe and request a full investigation report.

“I wanted to know what had transpired. So, I cannot give you facts now until I receive a full report from the Municipal Manager. Remember the executive mayor is not responsible for administration processes.”

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