By OBAKENG MAJE

The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) was left with ‘an egg’ on its face after yet another court case loss. This comes after the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng, dismissed the municipality’s attempt to get an interdict against striking employees over the R2500 danger allowance.   

The municipality filed for a court order seeking an interdict against striking municipal employees, who mostly belong to South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU). The municipality alleged that these workers threw garbage and feaces in the municipal offices and this has negatively affected the smooth running of the organisation.

The municipal workers embarked on a strike almost a month ago, demanding the R2500 danger allowance. This comes after municipal directors and senior managers allegedly received R2500 monthly as a danger allowance during the COVID-19 pandemic, while general workers only received R1500.

The GTLM’s acting municipal manager, Andrew Makuapane addressed the workers three weeks ago and told them that the municipality won’t be able to pay them because there is no money. However, things took a different turn when the municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, who was also part of the meeting, ‘threw’ Makuapane under the bus and told employees that the municipality has enough money.

This caused mayhem as workers went berserk. They went to the streets and threw feaces and littered the Taung Central Business District (CBD) including municipal offices. 

However, things have since calmed down as these workers returned to work. The municipality will need almost R6 million to pay striking workers.

SAMWU provincial secretary, Vincent Diphoko said: “I think this is a victory for us as SAMWU because the matter was dismissed without any cost from both parties. From our background, this means each and every municipality should not take their issues to court without proper understanding or dealing with them at a local level first.

“If the court granted the municipality an interdict, then we would have known that the municipality was right to bring this matter to court. So, this means the union was correct to defend this matter on the basis that this matter does not see the light of the day.”

Diphoko further said, now it is up to the municipality to go back to the drawing board and address this matter. He added, they still going to engage the municipality to pay the employees what they are to them.

Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said: “Remember, the municipal manager does not speak as an individual, but the council resolution. If the council says there is no money and they would not be able to pay employees, that is the resolution of the council.

“However, where I am sitting as the mayor, I know that the municipality has enough money. But at the same time, it is only the council that should decide on whether to pay employees or not.”

Gaoraelwe said from an individual perspective, it is not fair what is happening to these employees, but he cannot divorce himself from the council resolution. He said the council resolution is binding, even as unfair as it is.  

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By OBAKENG MAJE

FOUR children drowned while swimming in a river at Manthe village near Taung on Tuesday afternoon. It is alleged that, Kabo Tsipane (5), Kagoentle Phiri (6), Oratile Sereo (7), and Omaatla Sereo (7) were playing in the water and drowned.  

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “We can confirm that four boys between the age of 5 and 7 drowned, while they were playing in the water. The water was too deep and they could not swim hence they drowned.

“There is no foul play suspected and an inquest case is under investigation. We advise the public to take heed and apply the safety tips. When swimming, please never swim alone and do not duck and push others into or around water.”

Myburgh further said, the public should ensure that the water depths are appropriate for swimming and diving. She added, people should never dive into muddy or unclear water and should not swim during electrical storms.

“Do not enter the water unless you are a strong swimmer and when swimming in dams, check the edge of the dam for soft mud. Move slowly to the water, if the ground retreat. Weeds may occur in all environments and should be avoided whenever possible.

“If caught in a weed or kelp, swimmers should remain calm, keep all movement to a minimum and remove the weed or kelp before swimming out. Swimmers should also be careful of currents and undertows in fast-flowing rivers,” said Myburgh.

She said extreme care should be taken when entering the rivers due to changing conditions. Myburgh said before people could enter the water, they should check the strength of the current as this will absorb the head and body from serious injury, if caught in a fast-flowing river, travel feet first.

“When you fall into the water, unable to stand and reach the side quickly, you should stay calm. You should keep your head above the water by kicking as if you are cycling and by paddling with your hands at the same time. Also, try not to swallow water and when you swim in open water, it is much harder than swimming in the still waters of a pool,” she said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

More than 30 informal traders in Mamusa Township, near Schweizer Reneke have received machinery and equipment from the Small Business Development department. The deputy minister, Small Business Development, Sdumo Dlamini said, this was part of informal traders’ upliftment.

Dlamini further said, some of the issues raised by SMMEs and cooperatives during his visit earlier this year, were difficulties in accessing tools and machinery to help sustain their businesses.

“So, in response to this impediment, we handed over working tools to informal traders in Mamusa and Greater Taung Local Municipalities. Informal traders play a crucial role in inclusive economic growth.

“Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) have been identified as productive drivers of inclusive economic growth and development in South Africa and around the world,” he said.

Dlamini further said that SMMEs and cooperatives are a critical part of the national economy with the government’s National Development Plan 2030 (NDP 2030), looking to SMMEs to be major sources of employment and drivers of growth in the economy. He added, that SMMEs are feted to be the future of business, representing forty percent (40%) of all businesses in the country.

“They are considered as important drivers for reducing unemployment, especially since the formal sector continues to shed jobs. It is our intention to decisively tackle the lack of employment and productive economic activities in society, especially among informal traders.

“The high levels of unemployment and poverty propelled us to revisit this area as we seek to improve socio-economic development in North West. The Informal and Micro Enterprises Development Programme is a 100% grant offered to informal and micro enterprises to assist them in improving their competitiveness and sustainability,” said Dlamini. 

He said the grant is offered for the purpose of procuring machine tools and equipment.

Amongst other equipment that the beneficiaries received were for carwash, salon, catering services, tuckshop, Jojo tanks, bakery ovens, refrigerators, and chairs.

The Mamusa Local Municipality, Seitebaleng Chelechele expressed her gratitude to the department for assisting the informal traders. Chelechele said, she hopes SMMEs benefit from this initiative.

None of the beneficiaries, Nykallo Gaedume (23) from Glaudina said: “I want to express my token of appreciation. Some of us have been seeking assistance since 2013 without any luck.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 28-YEAR-OLD man is expected to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court today for a formal bail application. Phodiso Serolong was arrested two weeks ago in connection with the murder. According to the North West police, Serolong allegedly assaulted Gosego Mahura (28) at 2bob tavern in Mokgareng village, near Taung on 3 December 2022 at night.

The North West police spokesperson, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The untimely death of Mahura was reported to the Taung Police on 4 December 2022. According to the information at hand, Mahura was at a tavern when he was assaulted and sustained serious injuries.

“He was taken to his parental home after the assault. Later on Sunday, the family discovered that he had passed on. A case of murder was opened and the accused was arrested.” 

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Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Mmueledi wa semolao, Tebogo Letloleng (42) o solofetse go shadikanya matlho kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya selegae ya Taung le go dira kopo ya semolao ya beile mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Go begwa fa Letloleng a ne a tshwarwa ke sepodisi morago ga go fitlhelwa ka kgomo e le nngwe e go belaelwang ele ya bogodu. Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Colonel, Amanda Funani o boleletse ba dikgang tsa Taung DailyNews fa dipatlisiso di tsweletse kgatlhanong le Letloleng.

“Molatofadiwa o tshwerwe ka di 2 Sedimonthole 2022 morago ga go fitlhelwa ka leruo le go belaelwang ele la bogodu. O tlhageletse lekgetlho la ntlha fa pele ga magistrata wa Taung ka Mosupulogo. Go ya ka dipego, go fitlhetswe kgomo ele nngwe e go belaelwang ele ya bogodu go molatofadiwa,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

Letloleng yo o ko ntlo-lefitshwana, go begwa gape a golaganngwa le dikgetsi dingwe tsa bosenyi kwa porofenseng ya Gauteng.

Kgabagare, barua-kgomo mo motseng wa Taung, ba kaile fa bogodu jwa leruo bo tlisa tlhaka-tlhakano mo matshelong a bone, gonne ba itshidisa ka lone. Barua-kgomo bano, ba akgotse sepodisi morago ga go tshwarwa ga Letloleng.

Mongwe wa Barua-kgomo kwa motseng wa Modimong, Brigadier Mothupi wa tlhalosa.

“Rele Barua-kgomo mo motseng wa Taung, re itumeletse go tshwara ga monna wa mmueledi wa semolao mabapi le bogodu jwa leruo. Kgang e, e re isa ko goreng leruo la rona le ntse le ya kae. Kgetsi e buseditswe morago, gonne go sentse go dirwa dipatlisiso. Fela, re tshepa fa dipatlisiso di ka senola sengwe gape.

“Fela, re tlile go nna pelotelele, mme re na le tshepo ya gore molao o tla diragadiwa. Go na le dikgetsi dile dintsi tsa bogodu jwa leruo tse re nang le tshepo ya gore monna o, a ka latofadiwa ka tsone,” Mothupi wa tlhalosa.

O mongwe wa Barua-kgomo, Gaobusetse Kanyane le ene o ntshitse maikutlo a gagwe jana.

“Bogodu jwa leruo ga jwa siama, gonne bo re dirisa dilo tse re sa tshwanelwang le ke go di dira. Ke boatla jo bo tshwanetsweng ke gore bo emisiwe. Tota go ka nna monate, ha mongwe le mongwe a ka tshele ka se eleng sa gagwe. Go fitlha ga jaana, maikutlo a barua-kgomo a ko godimo morago ga go tshwarwa ga monna o,” Kanyane wa tlhalosa.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Most residents at Bodibe village near Lichtenburg in North West, told the EFF leader, Julius Malema that, there is a lack of basic service delivery in their area. They said even though they are not sure, which political party they will vote for on 14 December 2022 during by-elections, change is inevitable.

Malema visited the area on Sunday (11 December 2022) in an attempt to garner more votes for his party ahead of by-elections.  The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality has been dissolved two months ago after it was marred with infights, mismanagement of funds, and poor service delivery.

One of the residents, Masabatha Mothibi said, they are many challenges in their area such as unemployment, lack of electricity, and provision of clean and drinkable water including inaccessible roads, especially during the rainy season.

“It is not fair for politicians to come here only when they want our votes. I have been volunteering for 19 years as a Community Health Worker (CHW) at a local clinic, but they do not hire us,” she said.

Malema said he had a consultative engagement with a local chief, Kgosi Edward Matlaba, who told him about the challenges the community is faced with. He alleged that, ANC leaders have been stealing from the Ditsobotla and working together with mines.

“All the mines operating here in the area, have signed a Social Development Programme (SDP) to outline their plans in developing the area they mining in. They committed in developing the area by building schools, constructing roads, and ensuring that there is a provision of clean and drinkable water, but they are not doing that.

“They have not done that because ANC leaders like president Cyril Ramaphosa have shares in those mines. So, as EFF, we want to commit that, if we get into power, we will ensure that those mines adhere to their agreement,” he said.

According to Malema, they will also ensure that Bodibe village becomes one of the smart cities because it has natural resources. Malema said the only challenge across the African continent is corruption.

“If we can combat corruption, no person will be unemployed. The problem is, the money that is allocated for service delivery is being pocketed by these corrupt politicians.  

“We have seen clinics being closed at 4pm, but liquor stores being opened. We want healthcare centres that are open 24 hours. This has affected and dehumanised pregnant women because most of them give birth at the back of the bakkies while being rushed to the hospital just because the clinics are closed,” said Malema.

Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson in North West, Dr Tumelo Thiba said: “The IEC is ready for the by-elections in Ditsobotla. The special voting will be on 13 December 2022, while the actual by-elections Day will be on 14 December 2022.

“There are 15 political parties and two independent candidates, who have been registered. We have also seen much interest in special votes because we have received 8453 applications that have been approved.”

*This article was firstly published in Daily Sun

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By CRYIL RAMAPHOSA

As 2022 draws to a close, we can reflect on a tumultuous year. Like for many people around the world, this has been a tough year for many South Africans.

In the first half of the year, we experienced devastating floods in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and North West. The Russia-Ukraine conflict sent shockwaves through global energy and food markets, leading to supply chain disruptions and rising prices that continue to be keenly felt, including in South Africa. The energy crisis has caused misery for South African households and businesses.

The events of the last few years continue to cast a long shadow, with the global COVID-19 pandemic severely damaging an already struggling economy and public unrest causing loss of human life and livelihoods.

With this difficult year coming to an end and several challenges still not resolved, we need to keep closely focused on what needs to be done to make next year better.

But we have good reason to believe things are getting better. Our great country will rise above adversity, as it has done so many times in the past.

Two years ago, when we confronted the fear and uncertainty of COVID-19, I said that if we act decisively and together, the pandemic will pass. It has indeed passed, as will the current misfortunes we are experiencing. We are more than capable of bringing about the recovery our country needs.

The recovery of our economy and society is underway.

Despite the electricity challenges, the economy is recording growth. In the third quarter of this year real GDP grew by 1.6%, and the size of the economy now exceeds pre-pandemic levels. Major industries and sources of job creation such as agriculture, transportation, construction and finance recorded increased economic output. Exports increased by 4.2% percent.

Jobs are being created again. While we haven’t recovered all the jobs lost to the pandemic around 1.5 million new jobs were created in the last year.

A few months ago, the Presidential Employment Stimulus, reached one million participants. More than 3 million youth are registered on the innovative SAYouth.mobi platform that connects them with prospective employers. We are revitalising the National Youth Service to create work opportunities for 50,000 young people.

For more than a decade, South Africa has been confronted with a shortage of electricity, with load shedding now a daily reality. Over the last year we have taken urgent steps to remedy this dire situation by significantly and rapidly increasing the construction of new generating capacity.

We have accelerated the procurement of renewable energy and have removed many of the regulatory hurdles to greater private investment in embedded generation. There is now a significant pipeline of embedded generation projects that are preparing for construction. We are working closely with Eskom to improve the performance of their fleet of power stations.

We are undertaking far-reaching reforms to improve the capacity and competitiveness of railways and ports, to open up our telecommunications industry and to improve the supply and pricing of water.

This year has seen several corruption-related cases enrolled in our courts and some convictions have been secured. Multi-disciplinary units that bring together a range of law enforcement agencies are identifying more implicated individuals and entities and preparing cases against them.

After close to four years, the State Capture Commission has concluded its work and presented its final reports to the President. I have submitted the government’s detailed implementation plan of the commission’s recommendations to Parliament.

These are by no means the only difficulties we face. Crime, gender-based violence, poverty and hunger continue to cause great misery.

And yet we should not make light of the change that is taking place in our country. We are seeing the pride of young people who would otherwise be unemployed being restored as they work as education assistants, conservationists and small-scale farmers.

We are seeing commuters getting onto new trains to ferry them to work on lines that were closed for years. We are seeing new factories being built and existing ones being expanded by investors who see this country as a favourable place to do business.

The road to recovery and to building a better South Africa will be a long one. But we will get there if we act decisively and we act together.

We will overcome our current challenges as surely as we did the pandemic that threatened to lay waste to our nation.

Misfortune has tested us over the past year, but these hard times have brought to the fore once more the traits for which we are known as South Africans.

We are a people of optimism, even as we brace against harsh winds. We are a people who love our country and wish for its success. We are a nation that perseveres, and never gives up.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Three men were arrested for being in possession of a suspected illegal firearm and conspiracy to commit a crime. Tebogo Bojang (43), Masabata Lesolle (34), and Katlego Mantjane (29) brief appearances before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said, the police in Vryburg received a tip-off about three men travelling in a blue Toyota Avanza, driving from Madibogo village towards Vryburg.

“The K9 Unit, Public Order Police and Vryburg Detectives were mobilised and the vehicle was found parked in front of a Pub in Vryburg. Three occupants as well as the vehicle were searched and police found hand gloves, a balaclava, and a 9mm pistol hidden in the vehicle.

“All three suspects were immediately arrested. The trio was remanded in custody until their next appearance on Monday for a formal bail application. Investigation into the matter continues,” Tselanyane said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Most people will be going on holiday to unwind and spend time with their families and friends. However, the North West police urge them to be cautious and safe at all times. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh encourages those who will be travelling or leaving their homes unattended to apply safety measures.

“We have shared some tips on how to be safe at home, on the road and while having fun. This year’s Safer Festive Season Operations commenced on 11 November 2022 and will continue until 31 January 2023. In order to be vigilant, the public is urged to keep their homes safe in their absence or ask their neighbours to take out the post.

“Post left in the mailbox says that nobody is home. Make sure they have good lighting and do not leave the outside lights on during the day. Those who will be travelling, should not let too many people know when are they going on holiday, but to only those whom they trust,” Myburgh said.

She further said, they should ensure that their doors are locked properly and have burglar bars. Myburgh added, if your house is broken into, notify the police immediately.

“If you are going on a road trip, kindly buckle up and should not drink and drive. While on the road, keep a safe following distance and they should not use up their energy on activities, which will increase fatigue. We also advise them to get enough sleep the night before, at least six hours.

“Please plan your trip, the route you will travel and where you will stop and rest overnight. You should also make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy. Motorists should make sure that they have a spare wheel and it is in good condition with the necessary tools to change a tyre,” she said.

Myburgh said, people should make sure their luggage is in the boot and it closes properly. She said it is advisable to stop every two hours and take 15-minute breaks.

“If the driver feels tired or restless, they shall pull over at a safe stop and rest for a little. If they are travelling at night, they should be on the lookout for suspicious-looking people or vehicles.

“Know where you are going and do not use unfamiliar routes to get home. Lock your doors and close your windows. If you are bumped from behind, head to the nearest police station or place of safety. Also, never leave keys in your ignition to open gates,” said Myburgh.

She said it is advisable not to wait for passenger/s, but the driver may rather drive around the block or get out of the car and lock the doors. Myurgh said motorists should not pick up hitch-hikers or get out to assist someone, who seems to be in trouble, but rather inform the police.

“Those who will be shopping should avoid carrying large amounts of money. They also should not leave valuable belongings in the trolley. It is also important not to have your wallet or purse visible. Kindly keep it in a front pocket, instead of the back pocket.

“Do not let money be too visible, especially large amounts. For those who will be shopping with their children, we advise that, they hold the children’s hands and be alert of them at all times. It is best to always accompany them to the bathroom,” she said.

Myburgh added: “If you are part of a stokvel society or group, do not withdraw all the money in order to distribute it. Rather pay it into the different bank accounts of the participants through an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 60 informal traders received equipment from the Small Business Development on Thursday. The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Sdumo Dlamini said these Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) and Cooperatives, received these trade of tools as support measures geared towards the upliftment and empowerment of their businesses.

Dlamini further said, his visit to Taung was part of a provincial roadshow in Taung earlier in the year.

“This is my second visit to the area after I was here in June 2022. Amongst some of the issues raised by SMMEs and Cooperatives were difficulties in accessing tools and machinery to help sustain businesses mainly owned by informal traders.

“In response to this impediment, we handed over working tools to traders in Mamusa and Greater Taung Local Municipalities. It is our intention to decisively tackle the lack of employment and productive economic activities in society, especially amongst informal traders,” he said.

Dlamini added that, the treble challenges such as unemployment, inequality, and poverty propelled them to revisit the area as they seek to improve socio-economic development in the province. He said business people play a crucial role in economic growth.

“I want to acknowledge the SEFA and Seda entities, in particular in their work. This is the district that has produced giant leaders like mme Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, who is also Seaparankwe. Taung needs to be recognized for its cultural aspects.

“This is where the Taung Skull was discovered and that has assisted the world to have a better understanding of humanity. The discovery also confirmed that, Africans have long settled in this area. Taung is a large rural area and its economy lies heavily on community developments, agriculture and tourism,” said Dlamini.

He said they will also come up with other avenues to ensure that they expand the economy of Taung. Dlamini also said this equipment will ensure that the informal traders execute their work properly.

The chairperson of Local Economic Development (LED) at Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Thandi Sebe shared the same sentiments.

“We highly appreciate you for honouring our invitation on short notice. It was in June 2022, when our SMMEs and Cooperatives raised their grievances during your visit.

“You are now here to give them support because you want to see informal traders grow their businesses and take part in economic growth. This will not only assist in growing the economy of Taung, but it will also ensure that SMMEs and Cooperatives grow,” Sebe said.

The Member of Parliament at the National Assembly (NA), Bridget Tlhomelang said: “Today, you are our most important people as beneficiaries. Let me take this opportunity to send a token of appreciation to Dlamini for being a man of his word. You are committed to assisting the people, especially in deep rural areas.

“There is a skill and capacity in Taung, so let’s continue to capacitate them. Our role is to play oversight of the executive and we are happy to see Dlamini coming back to Taung. Let’s ensure that this initiative does not benefit the same people over and over again.”

Tlhomelang also urged beneficiaries to use their equipment sparingly. She said they will embark on unannounced visits to various businesses of beneficiaries to monitor them.

“The aim is to ensure that you are self-efficient and ensure that you use this equipment accordingly. You are capable of creating more job opportunities and that will assist our government in fighting the high rate of unemployment.

“We will visit these businesses unannounced to ensure that, this is not a fruitless exercise. When I look at the list of beneficiaries, 70% are women, so let’s continue to work hard and ensure that there is growth,” said Tlhomelang.  

One of the beneficiaries, Fuziwe Sokupha welcomed the donation. Sokupha, who is a nail technician said, this will assist her business to grow and reach a bigger market.

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