Author Archives: The Guardian

Newly-formed committee set to monitor initiation schools  

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Picture: The Executive of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Cllr Tshepiso Mphehlo (Middle front row) with the Convenor of MRM North West Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele (Third from the left back row) and nominated members of the Mahikeng Local Municipality committee of Principals of Initiation Schools/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West said it welcomes the establishment of a local committee to bolster the capacity to monitor initiation schools ahead of the winter initiation term. This follows the deaths of four initiates at a bogus school that operated within the jurisdiction of Mahikeng during summer season.  

The inaugural initiation school Lekgotla was hosted by the executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo on Friday. According to the convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, the committee aimed at ridding the municipality of unscrupulous swindlers. 

“The Lekgotla brought together over 50 principals of initiation schools and other stakeholders. We are encouraged that there is consensus that initiation is supposed to be a healthy, safe, positive learning as well as a bonding experience. 

“It was supposed to be a portal into manhood that is not associated with criminality, human rights abuse and loss of lives. Strict compliance with the Custom Initiation Act, No. 2 of 2021 is not negotiable, if customary practices are to be protected and the lives of innocent young people saved,” he said.

Kgwele further said that chancers and those who commit atrocities through bogus initiation schools undermine tradition, as well as culture and should be reported to authorities. He added that they applaud the commitment by the nominated committee to silence initiation songs sung by bullies, who have taken the character of gangsters that are undermining educators and school authorities at some of the schools. 

“These tyrants cannot force to be the first on the National School Nutrition Scheme queues ahead of uncircumcised learners at our schools. The MMR will work with the department of basic education towards School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to entrench a culture of human rights within value-driven schools,” said Kgwele.

Meanwhile, Mphehlo pointed out that, the immediate task of the nine-member committee is to establish cluster committees to cover all wards in order to assist the PICC with its vetting processes. He said this will assist in combating fronting and visit troubled schools to call bullies to order.

“The future generation of leaders should be brewed from traditional schools without discriminating against others, who by many beliefs and practices hold a different opinion than theirs. 

“The individuals nominated to serve on the committee have the requisite experience and share our vision to uphold the rule of law, as well as restore our cultural and community values,” said Mphehlo. 

He said they trust that all individuals will support the initiative, as it is part of their effort to better communities. 

The Chairperson of the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) who also represented the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Andries Stemmer said: “The best practice in terms of compliance with the 40 years’ minimum age requirement for principals of schools and the ten years after graduation was observed at Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, where the average age of principals is 59.

“We urge other municipalities to follow the example set by Mahikeng Local Municipality.”

Meanwhile, Keletso Leburu said that the North West Department of Health, will conduct screening of new initiates, advice of risks before admissions for registered schools are finalised. 

Leburu said they will also conduct unannounced inspections and regular check-ups for bleeding, dehydration and malnutrition.

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Two Nigerians nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Two Nigerian foreign nationals were arrested for being in possession of drugs. The suspects were arrested by the Limpopo Organised Crime: Narcotics, Head Office Organised Crime: Narcotics and Limpopo Crime Intelligence on 21 March 2024. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects’ vehicle, a white Hyundai, was monitored on the N1 between Limpopo and Gauteng Province following an investigation that commenced in Limpopo in September last year.

Mokgwabone said the police allegedly followed the vehicle with two occupants on the N1 road, then the N4 and finally stopped it at Hartbeespoort Dam for a search. He further said during the search, 10 balls containing 100 pieces of nyaope were found in the car. 

“The driver further took the police to a place at Scheerpoort, outside Hartbeespoort Dam, where a search led to the finding of 39 balls containing nyaope and 200 grams of heroin. 

“The estimated street value of all drugs seized is R250 000. The police also confiscated the vehicle and investigation into the matter is ongoing. One of the suspects is likely to face charges relating to contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002),” added Mokgwabone. 

He said the suspects are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 25 March 2024.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded all involved team members from both Limpopo and Head Office for their concerted efforts. Kwena said with so much commitment from the police to rid communities of drugs, more drug traffickers will find themselves behind bars.

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Zimbabweans arrested for business robbery, possession of counterfeit notes worth R24 000 in Bloemhof 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

Five suspects were arrested for allegedly robbing a certain business in Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof on Friday. Two Zimbabwean foreign nationals aged 36 and 35, two men aged 34 and 32 and a woman (22) were arrested. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the Bloemhof Visible Policing police were summoned to a business robbery, while on patrol around Boitumelong Township vicinity. He said the police allegedly spotted the suspects’ vehicle and approached it. 

“Although two of the occupants attempted to run away, they were quickly stopped by community members who witnessed the incident. All five suspects were arrested and during the search, the police allegedly found 120 x R200 counterfeit notes and approximately R1400 cash in the vehicle.  

“All five suspects are due to appear in the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on 25 March 2024, facing charges of armed robbery, possession of suspected stolen goods and possession of counterfeit notes,” said Mokgwabone. 

He said the Zimbabwean foreign nationals will also be charged for contravening the provisions of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002)

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Three suspects who allegedly robbed a supermarket in Veertien nabbed  

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Picture: One of the vehicles confiscated by the police

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Three suspects aged 30, 37 and 47, were arrested for business robbery, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition amongst others in Veertien village, near Taung on Thursday. 

This comes after these suspects allegedly robbed a supermarket of an undisclosed amount of money. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the police were summoned to the scene. 

“Upon arrival, they were briefed about the incident in which five armed men wearing balaclavas robbed the store of an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes. The suspects’ vehicles, a white Renault and a silver Volkswagen Polo, which were still in the vicinity, were spotted. 

“That led to a car chase and the suspects allegedly shot at the police, who returned fire. One of the vehicles came to a halt after its tyre was deflated, while the other capsized after the driver lost control,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said three suspects were arrested, whilst the vehicles used in the commission of the crime and the stolen items were confiscated. He added that the suspects are expected to appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 25 March 2024. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police in Taung for their swift reactions to the crimes. Kwena also lauded them for ensuring that the alleged perpetrators are apprehended. 

“We would also like to thank community members for the role they played to ensure the arrests of the suspects,” he said.

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Livestock Auction Pens To Link Farmers To Formal Markets

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Picture: The auction pens will benefit Mogopa and seven other villages within the area

By OBAKENG MAJE 

North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Desbo Mohono has officially launched and handed over the Mogopa Livestock Auction Pens in Mogopa village near Ventersdorp. Mohono said she believes that the village, under the jurisdiction of Bakwena Ba Mogopa Trust, will use the pens with seven other villages within its vicinity. 

She further said the project is fully-equipped with a security fence, office and ablution facility, borehole siting and drilling, auction kraals, pavilion, eight-sided cattle scale and a solar system. 

Mohono added that the pens were established in 2023 by the department as part of an intervention to link livestock smallholder farmers to formal markets. 

“The 10% commission charged was paid by the department to the auctioneer. The monies saved can be used by farmers for other needs such as fodder, medication, etc. 

“We are aware of the challenges faced by farmers during auctions, hence we saw it befitting to fully support and encourage farmers to participate in this auction that will see them using these facilities in future to sustain their businesses,” she said. 

Mohono said this will also boost the local economy and increase the household disposable income that will curb food insecurity in Mogopa. She said the pens will ensure that farmers meet the increased demand for functional marketing infrastructure and to serve as a deterrent to current and prospective livestock speculators. 

“To support previously disadvantaged business owners in the agricultural sector, the Ga-Mogopa Livestock Auction Committee contracted a reputable black auctioneer registered with the South African Institute of Auctioneers. 

“Boitshenolo Auctioneers performed auctioneering services during auction sales of pigs, sheep, goats and cattle. In addition, strict biosecurity measures were followed by the Veterinary Services Directorate to ensure that all livestock adhered to the required health protocols and were disease-free,” said Mohono. 

She said the three auction pens in Ganyesa, Khunwana, and Mogopa, are part of her pronouncement during the 2023/2024 budget speech. Mohono said the auction pens will benefit Mogopa and seven other villages within the area.

Meanwhile, one of the smallholder farmers from Ga-Matlala village, Humphrey Motswatswe said: “We are excited as farmers in JB Marks Local Municipality to have kraals nearer to us. In the past, we had to spend money on transportation and other logistics to ensure that livestock got to auctions that are always far from our area. 

“Jobs have been created through the construction of these pens, families and the communities around Mogopa, will continue to benefit from the launch. From now on I will be part of the farmers that take care of this project that we have been supported with.”

Motswatswe, who is also a local bonsmara stud breeder said, the commitment displayed by the department in empowering black farmers is amazing. He said that will bring the much-needed auction kraals closer to farmers who use auctions as a market. 

“This will relieve them from the strain and challenge of risking their livestock not being bought, but spent monies on logistics or being exposed to possible theft due to trading their animals at distant auctions.

“A guaranteed opening special offered to sellers by the department saw farmers not paying a commission and assisted with logistics to have their livestock at the auction,” said Motswatswe. 

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SEFA finally pays additional grants of R7000 to tuckshop owners in North West   

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Picture: One of the tuck shops visited by the committee in Mahikeng

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, Faiez Jacobs said they are grateful that, there is a progress by the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) in implementing the committee’s recommendations made concerning the Spaza Shop Support Programme (SSSP) and Intellimatch Financial Services (Pty) Ltd (IFS). 

The committee raised concerned during an oversight visit to the North West, it was discovered that, although all the identified clients (spaza shop owners) received their R3500 COVID-19 relief grant between 2020 and 2021, a lot of them did not receive an additional grant of R7000, 00 which was disbursed in 2022. 

Jacobs said the committee recommended that SEFA should follow up and provide feedback. He said according to SEFA, all outstanding beneficiaries in North West were traced and subsequently received their R7000.

“The agency briefed the committee that only 60 out of 5440 nationally are yet to receive their grant, which amounts to a 99% disbursement rate. SEFA said that efforts are ongoing to trace the remaining 60 beneficiaries nationally.

“Although there is still room to improve, the committee has welcomed the progress in implementing its recommendations. This progress has highlighted the importance of oversight, which results in meaningful interventions and policy change,” said Jacobs. 

He further said they want to see spaza shops owned by South Africans and are looking forward to seeing the implementation of a national programme that will ensure bulk buying from manufacturers to create distribution centres that will supply South African-owned spaza shops in provinces and districts. Jacobs added that the government should also protect spaza shops from encroachment by multinational corporations. 

“On the IFS, an agreement was made between SEFA and IFS for it to provide wholesale funding to clients in the manufacturing sector. It received R30 million from SEFA by March 2022, which was guaranteed by its holding company, namely Tautona Holdings. 

“However, funds were misappropriated and did not reach the intended beneficiaries. The committee then recommended that SEFA make a follow-up and provide feedback,” he said. 

Jacobs said against this backdrop, SEFA briefed the committee that legal proceedings have commenced to recover the whole R30 million against IFS and Tautona. He said that the committee welcomes SEFA’s interventions as it wants to see zero tolerance for corruption. 

“There should be consequences for stealing from the state because we want to see clean governance and accountability. 

“The committee will continue watching the space around micro-finance to ensure that loans continue to be disbursed at an affordable 5% interest. We encourage recipients to repay their loans so that other entrepreneurs can also benefit,” said Jacobs.

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Embassy of South Africa welcomes Bafana in Algiers

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Picture: SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Bafana Bafana were given a warm welcome by officials from the Embassy of South Africa in Algeria after arriving in Algiers on Saturday. The South African Football Association (SAFA) delegation led by president, Dr Danny Jordaan, Head of Department (HOD), David Molwantwa, coach Hugo Broos, the technical team, the players and staff was welcomed by Bernard Legodi, chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of South Africa in Algiers, political councillor, Louis Nteko, First Secretary Dumisani Molawo and Third Secretary, Puff Dinalo.

SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan said: “The group made the short one-hour trip from Annaba to this North African country’s capital ahead of the next leg of the FIFA Series. The South African senior men’s team have been based in the Mediterranean port city of Annaba since their arrival from Johannesburg on Monday. 

“The Africa Cup of Nations bronze medalists drew 1-1 with Andorra in their first match of the FIFA Series on Thursday night and will get an opportunity to test themselves further when they face hosts Algeria on Tuesday.”

Jordaan further said the FIFA Series has seen the world football’s governing body supporting its member associations in organising international friendly matches comprising four national teams from different confederations in a single host country. He added that the initiative will provide member associations with a more regular opportunity to face national teams from other continents, which will serve to unlock technical development opportunities previously unavailable to many of them.

Meanwhile, the Algeria leg of the FIFA Series comprises Bafana Bafana, Bolivia, Andorra and the North African hosts.

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Baagi ba latofatsa mosadi mongwe ka go gweba ka dirwe tsa batho kwa Majaneng

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Setshwantsho: Baagi ba Majaneng ba ntsha mongwe wa balatofadiwa ba polao ka motse 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Baagi ba motse wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung, ba re ba tlile go tlisa molao le tolamo kwa motseng wa bone. Seno se tla morago ga gore, ba belesetse mongwe wa balatofadiwa mo kgetsing ya polao.  

Go begwa fa Ntobizodwa Kwata ga mmogo le balatofadiwa ba le bararo, ba ile ba bolaya monna mongwe kwa motseng o, mme ba gweba ka dikarolo dingwe tsa mmele wa gagwe. Go ya ka mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Tebogo Vincent Kgwatela, Kwata o dirisa dirwe tsa batho jaaka meshunkwane.

“Re itemogela dipolano tse di dirwang ka bomo ke batho ba eleng gore ba gweba ka madi a batho. Go na le motho o teng mo motseng, mme fela fa motho a fetsa go tlhokafala, ene o tsaya madi ao, mme a boele Gauteng. 

“Fa a fetsa, o dira mpho ya badimo. Ke sengwe se re se boneng ka matlho, ebile ga re re gatwe. Mo polaong ya ntlha, motho o bolaetswe kwa ga gagwe, mme one a thapa batho gore ba mo bolaye,” Kgwatela wa tlhalosa. 

Kgwatela are, Kwata one a tsaya serwe sa moswi sa senna, mme ba mo lokolola thamo ga mmogo le dinao, ba be ba mo latlhela mo lekadibeng. Kgwatela are, jaanong mo bekeng e e fetileng, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk, one a gagolwa pelo ka thiba, mme Kwata one a go tabola madi a gagwe. 

Rragwe Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk, eleng Boitshoko Tlhareseng are, o utlwisitswe botlhoko ke loso la morwae. Tlhareseng are, batho ba ba tseneletseng batho ba ba bolaya ke bana ba teng kwa Majaneng. 

“Jaanong, ba feleleditse le nna ba mpolaetse ngwana. O ile a bidiwa ke Motseothata Boikie Seoleseng (35), mme a mo kopa gore a ye go mo thusa go kgalemela bo monnawe. Fela fa ba fitlha kwa, Seoleseng o ile a betsa bo monnawe, mme fa ngwanake a mo kgalemela o mo tlhaba ka thiba. 

“Ngwanake o ile a sia, mme ka maswabi one a wela mo setlhatshaneng. Re ne ra mo rwala ka kereibaye, le go mo batlela sejanaga se se mo isang bookelong. Fela, re ne ra bona mogala go tswa kwa boookelong ka ura ya boraro mo mosong o re itsiseng gore ngwanake o tlhokafetse. 

“Jaanong, morafe wa ipelaetsa gonne batho ba ditiro tse di maswe tse, batla fela mo motseng wa rona ntle le tetla. Ba itse gore ba tshwanetse batle le mapodisi fa gona le sengwe se ba se batlang. Fela, Kwata le Seoleseng ga senke ba tsamaye ba ikobele molao o,” Tlhareseng wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le Kwata ga mmogo le balatofadiwa naye, e tsholotswe nakwana ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung, fa kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le Seoleseng, e buseditswe morago go fitlha 26 Mopitlwe 2024. 

Maiteko a Taung DailyNews go ikgolaganya le Ntombizodwa Kwata go mo neela tshono ya go ikarabela kgatlhanong le magatwe a, a retetse mme karabo ya gagwe e tla tsenngwa mo fa e setse e bonwe.

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Symposium to empower cooperatives and SMMEs owners 

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Picture: The president of the NGO, DRRSM Women and Youth in Business 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The president of DRSM Women and Youth in Business, Masego Twabile said, she has realised that many individuals do not know how to distinguish between effectuation and causation. Twabile said she has examined most entrepreneurs’ approach when faced with entrepreneurial challenges, especially in deep rural areas. 

Twabile, organised a symposium at Longstreet Lifestyle in Taung on Thursday, where she invited business owners to share their entrepreneurial journey with individuals, who are either potential business owners or having existing businesses.  

She further said there is uncertainty surrounding entrepreneurship, particularly with respect to challenges involving undefined end goals. Twabile added that many businesses collapsed because they are characterized by turbulence and uncertainty. 

“This is happening because most business owners do not have necessary skills. Either you are cooperative or Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) owner, you will need a necessary skill to be self-sufficient. 

“So, we came up with this initiative to empower our people, especially in deep rural areas. The aim is also to address treble challenges such as poverty, inequality and unemployment,” she said. 

According to Twabile, there are job opportunities that are being created by the government, but they are not enough. She said embarking on entrepreneurship is an enormous opportunity because many people could be turned into employers rather than employees. 

“Our people continue to live in abject poverty and learning the entrepreneurship languages is the only way to go in this ailing economy. We will bring all these business ideas together and create as many job opportunities as possible. 

“We do have the land and let us cultivate it and produce food. Our government poured millions of rands into cooperatives, but there is no monitoring. Now, what we are going to do, we will ensure that all SMMEs are registered in our database to ensure that they are productive,” said Twabile. 

The AgroVest Group founder, Lesedi Moseki said entrepreneurship journey is not for the fainted-hearts. Moseki said that success is not easily achieved, but by only those who have strategy.

“Entrepreneurship journey needs a strategic leader with innovative ideas. A leader who believes that they are in control of their own destiny. As AgroVest Group, we specialize in castor oil and we plant and process it. 

“Also, we have five pillars in our company which are seedling, farming, agro-processing, bio-technology and marketing. We offer training too and one of the things we do is to empower SMMEs, especially in local communities,” he said. 

Moseki said they empower local communities by providing seeds to plant and sell back to them. He said they are busy setting up a manufacturing plant for the project and their aim is to turn Taung into the first area that produces oil. 

“For many years, South Africa has been importing oil to manufacture castor oil. So, we want to tap into that space. There are many different kinds of oil that we are creating and some of our products can be found in various pharmaceutical areas,” said Moseki.

Meanwhile, the founder of Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce, Siphiwe Millicent George said: “Since 2017, I have been coordinating local businesses and sharing necessary information regarding compliance, business registration and policies in place. 

“So, after realising that many potential business owners are not well equipped, we decided to come up with the Hustle School in order to educate them how things are being done.” 

She said the aim of the symposium was to capacitate business owners and ensure that they break-through the barriers. George said they will have a warehouse here in Taung in order to assist all SMMEs to reach their target markets. 

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The committee emphasises the importance of enhanced voter education ahead of 2024 General Elections 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has emphasised the importance of enhanced voter education, especially given the new voting regime with three ballots. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mosa Chabane said, the committee has received an update from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) yesterday on preparations for the upcoming national and provincial elections.

“It is important that the Electoral Commission of South Africa enhances its voter education initiatives to ensure that people are capacitated on how to vote during the elections, taking into consideration the three ballots that will be used during these elections.

“The committee heard that the IEC has planned extensive voter education initiatives that will focus on the three ballots, on special votes and voting where registered. These initiatives will focus on face-to-face education, social media platforms, television, radio, and printed information factsheets,” he said.

Chabane further said, the committee has called for the effective implementation of these plans to ensure that voters are adequately capacitated to vote correctly. He added that, meanwhile, the committee welcomed the assurance that recruitment of about 200 000 voting staff is underway. 

“Also, the information that the training of Presiding Officers, Deputy Presiding Officers and Voter’s Roll Officers will commence this month. The committee reiterated that training is important to make the voting process seamless. 

“It has called for the conclusion of the recruitment process of the 200 000-voting staff to ensure that they are also trained and equipped with information especially in view of the new system which will be implemented for the first time in 2024. It is also worth noting that the procurement process for electoral materials have been finalised,” said Chabane. 

He said also important is that, ballot paper printing capacity is in place and only awaits the finalisation of candidate nomination process and printing will happen between 10 April and 8 May 2024. Chabane said the committee welcomes the assurance that the IEC has put in place contingency plans to mitigate the impact of load-shedding on the voting and counting process.

“The committee appreciated the plans of mitigation that are in place for risks such as longer ballots which might result in longer queues. The IEC informed the committee that they will have queue walkers to ensure that voters are in the right voting stations and ballot orientation posters to help with orientation of ballots, and minimise the risk of miscast or spoilt ballots.

“Similarly, the committee accepted the assurances that the IEC is working well with the security cluster to maintain peace and stability prior and during elections. The clarification by the IEC that the invitation of election observers falls squarely under it,” he said. 

According to Chabane, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has reaffirmed the committee’s strong belief that opportunism around this matter is unacceptable and has a potential to undermine the good name of the IEC. 

“The committee welcomes the clarification as it demystifies the assertions that political parties can invite electoral observers. South Africa’s electoral systems have been observed since the democratic electoral process started and the assurance that over 52 organisations have been certified to observe the elections is welcomed. 

“The committee is assured that the IEC is ready for the elections and the presentation it received reaffirms the confidence it has on the capacity of the IEC and systems within the IEC to deliver a credible, free, and fair electoral process. 

“Despite this, it has cautioned political parties against acting outside the set code of conduct and it has emphasised the need to utilise dispute resolution mechanisms in cases of disputes. The committee was unanimous in denouncing political parties fuelling violence and mayhem around democratic electoral processes,” said Chabane.  

He said the committee has resolved to undertake an oversight visit to the IEC to witness first-hand the preparations for the elections. Chabane said the date for that visit will be communicated in due course.

“The committee also received a briefing on the Marriage Bill [B43 -2023] introduced on 13 December 2023. The committee resolved that the IEC will in most probability not meet the Constitutional Court deadline of 27 June 2024. 

“An application to the Constitutional Court should be made for an extension of further 24 months to allow Parliament to conduct extensive public hearings. While the application for extension is underway, the committee will open the call for public comments on the Bill,” he said.

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