Daily Archives: August 4, 2025

Mokgosi upbeat about resuscitation of NWHRDC

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 August 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he has recently re-launched the North West Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) at Orbit TVET College in (Mankwe Campus) in Mabele-A-Podi village, near Rustenburg. Mokgosi said the primary objective of the Council is to harness the provincial skills base as a vehicle for socio-economic development to address the scourge of unemployment and poverty in the province.

He further said it forms part of the reconceptualised national HRDC strategy and Master Skills Plan to align the country’s education and training systems with labour market demands. Mokgosi added that the Council will be a multi-sectoral advisory and coordination platform that brings together government departments, municipalities, Higher Education and Training institutions, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Organised Labour and Business, Civil Society and Community Stakeholders.

“The Council will serve as both a strategic and catalytic platform that will accelerate human capital development in the province. Of critical importance is to commit to skills development as part of the province’s continued endeavours to empower young people to grow the economy and create jobs.

“While the province is endowed with natural resources, the low skill levels have deterred the ability of the province to fully exploit its economic potential. We have recently adopted the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy which has identified key economic drivers such as Mining, Agriculture and Agro-Processing, Tourism, Renewable Energy and Green Economy, and Infrastructure Development as our key economic drivers,” he said.

Mokgosi said, however, none of these sectors can grow without the right skills base. He said the HRDC will therefore serve as the engine that drives skills planning, coordination, and implementation to support these sectors.

“The Council which among others will be tasked with strengthening artisan development and technical skills training, expanding workplace-based learning, internships and learnerships, as well as empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities through targeted programmes is composed of MECs and District Executive Mayors.

“This includes the Economic and Investment Advisory Committee under the stewardship of Professor John Lamola and Professor Raymond Parsons, representatives of Institutions of Higher Learning through the capable leadership of Prof Bismark Tyobeka and Dr Pradheep Balkrishen, as well as organised Labour, Business and Civil Society which will be represented by Mr Kabelo Kgoro, Mr Benedict Modise and Ms Dieketseng Diale respectively,” said Mokgosi.

He urged Council Members to lead with integrity, transparency and urgency and ensure that skills development budgets are better spent and better targeted.

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A man sentenced to six years for stabbing a minor

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 August 2025- A man (26) was sentenced to six years imprisonment by the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). On 26 March 2023, at approximately 7am, the accused, Ronald Steenkamp was seen urinating against the fence of a residence on Kgatlane Street in Chris Hani Park, Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a victim (15), who was at home at the time, reprimanded Steenkamp for his behaviour. Shemane said later that evening at approximately 8pm, the accused encountered the victim in the street and stabbed him behind the ear with an okapi knife.

“The victim, accompanied by his parents, reported the incident to the police and the accused was subsequently arrested. The case docket was transferred to the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for further investigation. The Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court finalised the matter and sentenced Steenkamp to six years imprisonment for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).

“The police in Northern Cape remain steadfast in their commitment to combating crimes against women and children. The SAPS Management commends Detective Warrant Officer Lesego Oliphant of the Galeshewe FCS Unit for his thorough investigation and for helping bring closure to the victim and his family,” he said.

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Farmers get R252m support to drive food, jobs and growth

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Picture: The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha

By REGINALD KANYANE    

4 August 2025- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said it has allocated a combined R252.090 million towards strengthening agricultural support, food security, and rural livelihoods in the 2025/2026 financial year. The department said of this amount, R185.227 million has been set aside for the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) Conditional Grant, while R66.863 million is earmarked for the ILIMA/Letsema Conditional Grant.

The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said these allocations will support key priority areas such as agricultural production, agro-processing, infrastructure development and the upliftment of rural communities across the province. Sambatha said this bold investment will be directed towards high-value and fast-growing commodities, including red meat, groundnuts, macadamia nuts, hemp, grains, vegetables, fruits and beekeeping industries with significant potential for rural job creation, agribusiness development, and market expansion.

“By focusing on these sectors, the department aims to unlock meaningful economic impact where it matters most. More than 1,900 smallholder and emerging farmers are set to benefit directly through improved access to essential infrastructure, production inputs, mechanisation, and training opportunities.

“This initiative marks a significant step forward in the department’s mission to modernise agriculture and transform rural areas into hubs of economic activity and food production,” he said.

Sambatha further said this is a significant investment in the agricultural future of their province. He added that, through focused support in key commodities, they are unlocking opportunities for growth, export potential and rural employment.

“This money is not just about supporting farmers, it is about transforming communities, stimulating local economies, and laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector.

“The initiative aligns seamlessly with the strategic priorities of the 7th Administration, which aim to accelerate inclusive growth, deepen transformation, and build a capable, ethical, and people-centred developmental state,” said Sambatha.

He said his department has deliberately prioritised commodities such as red meat, groundnuts, macadamia, hemp, vegetables, fruits, and beekeeping because of their power to revive local economies, boost food sovereignty, and create lasting jobs. Sambatha said this plan will directly support farmers and rural enterprises across all districts. More importantly, it proves that inclusive growth, land reform, and rural development are not just slogans, but they are urgent action points.

“Agriculture is not on the periphery of our economy; it is the heartbeat of our developmental vision. With targeted investment and focused execution, we are building the North West of tomorrow, today.

“Applications for funding for the 2026/27 financial year are now open. Farmers and agricultural enterprises are strongly encouraged to apply before the window closes in two weeks. This is a vital opportunity to secure support that can drive growth, innovation, and sustainability in their agricultural ventures,” he said.

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Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul accused of missing in action amid Ombudsman report  

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Picture: Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 August 2025- Congress of the People (COPE) said it has been five days since the Health Ombud, Prof Taole Mokoena released a damning report into the treatment and deaths of psychiatric patients at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital (NCMHH) and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH). Cope said two patients are dead, while one permanently lies bedridden.

COPE acting national chairperson, Pakes Dikgetsi said the Executive Head of the Northern Cape Provincial Government, Zamani Saul, remains conspicuously silent. Dikgetsi further said no word and where is his conscience?

“The report exposes inhumane conditions: electricity outages lasting a year, broken resuscitation equipment and extreme weather exposure that contributed to patient deaths. At the heart of this crisis is leadership failure. It is not just a matter of dysfunctional hospitals. It is a collapse of governance.

“The Provincial Department of Health has operated for years without a permanent Head of Department or Chief Financial Officer. Supply Chain Management processes are in disarray, replaced by a revolving door of acting officials who cannot deliver basic services but move with speed when tenders for corrupt security contracts arise,” he said.

Dikgetsi added that the Northern Cape Department of Health saw no emergency to procure life-saving infrastructure and equipment.

“In 2019, shortly after his inauguration, Saul made a public commitment to place his desk at RMSH to monitor healthcare service delivery. Six years later, his desk remains a pipedream, absent when needed most. His promise was not just political theatre. It was a commitment to lead from the front. That promise now lies shattered amidst the broken systems and lives lost under his administration.

“The Health Ombud’s findings are horrifying. Cyprian Mohoto died after being admitted with untreated pneumonia. Tshepo Mdimbaza succumbed to the cold—literally—with his post-mortem confirming “exposure to the elements,” he said.

Dikgetsi said another patient, John Louw, remains incapacitated following delayed intervention for a brain haemorrhage. He said these are not accidents, but are the result of systemic neglect, underpinned by failed leadership.

“Leadership, at its core, demands empathy, accountability and courage. Saul has shown none. Not a word of remorse. Not a visit to the grieving families. No plan of action. His silence is not neutral. It is complicated. During the recent by-election in ward 1 in Sol Plaatje Local Municipality and every such election, Saul actively led from the front, mobilising all state resources to advantage his corrupt party.

“When grieving families and the community need his moral leadership, he is AWOL. He prioritises power and self-interest over the needs of the suffering people. The parallels with Gauteng’s notorious Tembisa Hospital are alarming. There, too, a lack of oversight enabled corruption and fatal neglect. Northern Cape is now walking the same path: emergency centres overwhelmed, chronic staff shortages and a health department that responds more readily to political pressure than to human suffering,” said Dikgetsi.

He said it should not take national intervention or media outrage for Saul to act. Dikgetsi said the province deserves more than silence.

“It deserves leadership that values lives, especially those most vulnerable, psychiatric patients without voices or advocates. If Saul cannot show leadership during a time of tragedy, then when will he? If he cannot care for those in the province’s custody, what does that say about the moral fabric of his administration?” he asked.

Dikgetsi said South Africans must demand better. He said accountability must follow and those who turned away when they should have acted—must be held responsible.

“Until then, the silence of Premier Saul speaks louder than any words. This will not go away but shall follow him wherever,” said Dikgetsi.

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Monna o latlhetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong

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Setshwantsho: Mmolai, Vincent Kabelo Mogongwa

KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 Phatwe 2025- Monna o tlhotse a atlholetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Kabelo Vincent Mogongwa (47) o bolaile lekgarebe la gagwe, Tsholofelo Nde Emphukile (38), ka go mo thuntsha ka sethunya se laesense ya sone e fitilweng ke nako.

Go begwa fa Mogongwa a ile a tshwarwa morago ga dipego tse. Go ya ka lephatha la bosekisi, Mogongwa o rerile loso la kgarebe ya gagwe pele ga a ka mo thuntsha.

Go begwa fa lekawana le, le lekgarebe la gagwe, ba ne ba dula botlhe kwa phaphosing e e hirilweng kwa motseng wa Khibitswane, gaufi le Taung. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Aaftje Botma, yo ga jaana a rotseng tiro, moagisani wa monna o, o ile a tlhalosetsa sepodisi fa baratani ba, ba gorogile ka ura ya bongwe mo mosong, mme go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano magareng ga bone.

“Moagisani o kaile fa a utlwile modumo wa sethunya. Sepodisi se ile sa biletswa kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme se ile sa fitlhela moswi mogare ga bophadiphadi jwa madi.

“Sepodisi se ile sa patelesega go ka shaga burglars, gore ba kgone go tsena mo ntlung. Molatofadiwa o ile a tshwarwa, mme one a ganelwa ka beile,” Botma wa tlhalosa.

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JMPD officers pressured to hit R7000 traffic fine target

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Picture: The JMPD during parade

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 August 2025- It is alleged that motorists in Johannesburg are facing increased victimisation due to political interference in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) operations. The Democratic Alliance (DA) said traffic officers have reliably informed them that they are under pressure to each collect at least R7000 in traffic fines daily.

The DA Gauteng spokesperson for Community Safety and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Michael Sun said this effectively turns law enforcement into a revenue-generating system rather than a public safety service. Sun said they strongly condemn this behaviour and demand that Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi intervene to abolish all revenue-based policing targets and restore ethical and lawful policing.

“To incentivise compliance with these targets, officers are reportedly provided with overtime payments, effectively transforming law enforcement into a commission-based revenue scheme. This pushes JMPD officers to aggressively pursue fines instead of focusing on their duties, such as bylaw enforcement, traffic management and crime prevention.

“While disturbing, these revelations coincide with the common sight in Johannesburg, where the JMPD is increasingly engaging in indiscriminate and excessive roadblocks, particularly at high-traffic intersections, not to ensure road safety or enforce the law but to maximise fine collection,” he said.

Sun further said many of these operations are non-compliant with the National Road Traffic Act and SAPS Standing Orders. By reclassifying illegal roadblocks as “roadside checks”, JMPD evades crucial legal requirements, including proper authorisation by a senior officer, clear signage, adequate warning to motorists, among others. He added that these legally indefensible roadside checks exist solely to extract revenue from struggling motorists, many of whom are already facing economic hardship.

“They do not contribute to regulating traffic flow, reducing accidents, or ensuring public safety; instead, they foster abuse, selective enforcement, and an erosion of public trust. A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would put an end to revenue-based policing targets, restoring integrity to JMPD operations. It would ensure that all traffic and metro police activities comply with the National Road Traffic Act, with roadblocks being properly authorized, documented, and justified.

“The focus of traffic and metro police would shift towards accident prevention, crime deterrence, and alleviating congestion, rather than serving as a mobile cash register. The DA has already submitted written questions to Lesufi, requesting a comprehensive response to the alleged unlawful instructions given to JMPD, the legality of the roadblocks and the use of public resources for these questionable operations,” said Sun.

He said they are currently awaiting a response regarding this matter. Sun said Johannesburg residents deserve a law enforcement service that upholds the law, not one that abuses its powers.

“The DA is committed to ensuring that they get exactly that and are not turned into ATMs to fund a failing Lesufi-led government,” he said.

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Monna o latofadiwang ka petelelo le polao o solofetswe go dira kopo ya beile

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa, John Motsoathebe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

4 Phatwe 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 26 o solofetswe go dira kopo ya go gololwa ka beile kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa mo letsatsing la gompieno. Molatofadiwa, John Motsoathebe, one a tshwarwa mabapi le ditatofatso tsa petelelo le polao.

Go begwa fa Motsoathebe a beteletse le go bolaya mosetsanyana wa dingwaga di le 6, Bokao Gaseimelwe, kwa motseng wa Tseoge, gaufi le Ganyesa ka 28 Phukwi 2025. Go begwa Gaseimelwe a ne a tsamaya le mmagwe ka Lamatlhatso fa sejanaga se ba neng ba se palame se ema kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi ya Hlokoloza.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go begwa fa mmagwe ngwana a ile a lemoga fa mosetsanyana o a seo, mme ba tshimolola go batlana le ene. Mokgwabone are tiragalo e ke ya bosigo jwa 28 Phukwi 2025.

 “Se, se bontsha fa go nnile le itlhokomoloso ya ngwana, mme sepodisi se tlile go samagana le kgetsi eo. Re ikuela go baagi go se itseele molao mo matsogo, mme mmelaelwa ene o tshwerwe ka Labobedi.

“O lebagane le tatofatso ya petelelo le polao. O tlile go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa mo letsatsing la gompieno. Dipatlisiso di a tswelela,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Setopo sa ga Gaseimelwe se seneng se a apara ka bontlhabongwe, se bonwe kwa ntlwana boithusetso mo letsatsing le le latelang.

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Kgetsi ya polao e boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa mo kgetsing ya polao, Vincent Kabelo Mogongwa

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

4 Phatwe 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa dingwaga di le 47 wa kwa motseng wa Khibitswane, gaufi le Taung, e tla boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo mo letsatsing la gompieno. Go begwa fa molatofadiwa, Kabelo Vincent Mogongwa, a bolaile lekgarebe la gagwe, Tsholofelo Nde Emphukile (38), ka go mo thuntsha ka sethunya se laesense ya teng e e fitilweng ke nako.

Go begwa fa Mogongwa a ile a tshwarwa morago ga dipego tse. Go ya ka lephatha la bosekisi, Mogongwa o rerile loso la kgarebe ya gagwe pele ga a ka mo thuntsha. Go begwa fa lekawana le, le lekgarebe la gagwe, ba ne ba dula botlhe kwa phaphosing e e hirilweng kwa motseng wa Khibitswane, gaufi le Taung.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Aaftje Botma, yo ga jaana a rotseng tiro, moagisani wa monna o, o ile a tlhalosetsa sepodisi fa baratani ba, ba gorogile ka ura ya bongwe mo mosong, mme go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano magareng ga bone.

“O kaile fa a utlwile modumo wa sethunya. Sepodisi se ile sa biletswa kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme se ile sa fitlhela moswi mogare ga bophadiphadi jwa madi.

“Sepodisi se ile sa patelesega go ka shaga burglars, gore ba kgone go tsena mo ntlung. Molatofadiwa o ile a tshwarwa, mme one a ganelwa ka beile,” Botma wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Magistrate Thabo Letsapa one a kaela Mogongwa fa mabaka a a ntshitseng mo ditheetsong tsa kopo ya beile ese a nonofileng, mme lekgotlha le mo ganela ka beile. Dipatlisiso di a tswelela mo kgetsing eno.

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SA must adapt quickly in a turbulent trade environment

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 August 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the decision by the United States to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports highlights the urgency with which they have to adapt to increasingly turbulent headwinds in international trade. Ramaphosa said the US is South Africa’s second largest trading partner by country and these measures will have a considerable impact on industries that rely heavily on exports to that country and on the workers they employ, as well as on fiscus.

He further said domestic sectors such as agriculture, automotive and textiles have historically benefited from duty-free access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Ramaphosa added that their trade relations have historically been complementary in nature.

“South African exports do not compete with US producers and do not pose a threat to US industry. It remains our aspiration that this should continue. Largely, our exports are inputs into US industries and therefore support the United States’ industrial base.

“South Africa is also the biggest investor from the African Continent into the US, with 22 of our companies investing in a number of sectors including, mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and the food chain. South African imports ultimately benefit US consumers in terms of both choice and cost. By way of example, citrus production is counter-seasonal and does not pose a threat to US production,” he said.

Ramaphosa said production by US companies has been on the decline for a number of years as the US sector grapples with low yields, a citrus greening disease and other factors unrelated to competition from imports. He said imports from South Africa, the world’s second largest citrus exporter, have filled a gap and contributed to stable supply and prices for US consumers.

“As government, we have been engaging the United States to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US.

“Our foremost priority is protecting our export industries. We will continue to engage the US in an attempt to preserve market access for our products. We must also accelerate the diversification of our export markets, particularly by deepening intra-African trade,” said Ramaphosa.

He said with a view to helping their producers and exporters aggressively explore alternative markets, they have established an Export Support Desk to assist affected producers. Ramaphosa said they will in due course be announcing the modalities of a support package for companies, producers and workers that have been rendered vulnerable by the US tariffs.

“This intervention will also play a key role in guiding industries looking to expand into new markets in the rest of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and markets we already have trade agreements with. Strengthening regional value chains will be key to building resilience for our export markets in the longer term.

“Much as strengthening and establishing alternative value chains will take time, this moment presents us with an opportunity to push forward with the implementation and expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Reducing over-dependence on certain markets is a strategic imperative to build the resilience of our economy,” he said.

Ramaphosa said it will also enable them to expand the frontiers of opportunity for South African businesses, goods and services. He said in the coming months, they will be scaling up their trade missions into new markets in Africa and beyond, as well as the National Exporter Development Programme whose aim is to grow the pool of export-ready companies.

“It is important to understand that South Africa is not alone in facing high tariffs from the US. A number of export-reliant developed and developing economies, including several on the continent, are also grappling with these measures.

“The international trading system is changing. Complacency will not serve us, and building resilience is imperative. As a government we remain committed to ongoing engagement with the US and building trade resilience,” said Ramaphosa.

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Committee welcomes bold steps taken against oxygen tender scandal

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By REGINALD KANYANE

4 August 2025 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency, Rikus Badenhorst, welcomes the decisive and responsible actions taken by Minister Dean Macpherson and the newly appointed Board of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) in response to the findings of the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) forensic investigation into the R800 million Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Plant tender.

Badenhorst further said the suspension of IDT Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tebogo Malaka as reported in the media and affirmed by the IDT Board’s ongoing internal processes, signals a serious and long-overdue commitment to consequence management within this crucial public infrastructure entity. He added that the PwC report, which uncovered troubling allegations of procurement irregularities, South African Health Products Regulatory Authority non-compliance and the use of fraudulent documentation, makes it clear that urgent reform is not only necessary, it is non-negotiable.

“Macpherson must be commended for initiating the investigation in January, shortly after disturbing allegations first came to light. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional renewal stands in sharp contrast to the culture of impunity that has plagued entities like the IDT for far too long.

“Equally, the new Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Ms Zimbini Hill, has demonstrated commendable resolve in handling this matter with the seriousness it demands. Their promise of a lawful, fair, and transparent response, in line with their fiduciary duties, is a critical first step towards rebuilding public trust and restoring the IDT’s operational credibility,” said Badenhorst.

He said the committee will continue to monitor developments closely. Badenhorst said they expect not only disciplinary action, but also a full review of internal controls and procurement systems to ensure such abuse of public funds can never happen again.  

“This is how we begin to restore integrity to public infrastructure delivery. This is how we begin to turn South Africa into the construction site it deserves to be,” he said.

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