By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Premier, Bushy Maape said the Section 100 intervention has yielded positive results and assisted the province to recover from its slumber. This comes after the Office of the Premier registered an improved audit opinion.

Maape said the audit results for the 2020/21 financial year show a continued positive trajectory after five years of decline and stagnation.

“The Office of the Premier has received unqualified audits following Section 100 intervention in the province. The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) was placed under Section 100 (1) (a) and 100 (1) (b) intervention in terms of the constitution for over four years to address maladministration, non-adherence to supply chain prescripts and poor service delivery among others.

“Since the national intervention, we have made some significant strides in addressing the governance and service delivery challenges facing our province. They include improved alignment of planning between departments to deliver on service delivery priorities,” he said.

In addition, Maape said they have also managed to fill key management positions and this is primarily aimed at improving the capacity to deliver services. He further said, they are happy that a moratorium on the recruitment of staff has also been lifted.

“This is going to enable us to expedite the pronouncements made during the State of the Province Address (SOPA). The functions previously centralised in the Premier Office have been transferred back to their original departments.

“Moreover, wasteful and poorly managed outsourcing contracts were also terminated and officials have been empowered to do the work they were employed for,” he said.

Maape added that, as part of restoring financial controls and governance, they have built capacity across departments to strengthen Supply Chain Management (SCM). 

He said the provincial departments have also been re-configured to correlate with national norms and standards.

“Massive reduction of irregular expenditure was achieved and improvement on internal control systems was registered resulting in unqualified audit findings.

“Key services administered by the Office of the Premier include the Youth Advocacy Programme and Skills Training, which contributes to the development and empowerment of youth. The office also provides bursaries for young people from poor backgrounds to access tertiary education through the Victor Thebe Sifora Bursary Scheme,” said Maape.

He said his office has also approved a Fraud Prevention Policy and Implementation plan. Maape said the policy is being implemented through awareness campaigns on a quarterly basis as a control measure to deter any form of fraud and corruption within the government.

“The Office of the Premier also uses the complaints management system to deal with various service delivery complaints across the province through the Provincial Call Centre Toll-Free hotline.

“Through different platforms, collaboration and partnerships we have made significant progress in steering the province in the right direction and strengthening the capacity of government to deliver quality basic services to the people, as well as mending the broken bridges between ourselves, communities and organised labour,” he said.

Maape said his government remains committed to serving the community of North West and strengthening its oversight role in monitoring the implementation of all government plans through provincial departments.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A stock-theft case against a former police officer, Itumeleng Godfrey Setatwe (45) will resume at the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The North West police spokesperson, Aafje Botma said the accused was arrested by Vryburg police, while travelling on N18 road towards Pudimoe on 20 August 2022. 

Botma said, the police spotted a suspicious-looking bakkie and stopped it for a search.

“During the search, 21 goats worth R42 000 were found at the back of the bakkie. The driver was questioned but failed to give a proper account for the possession. It was also established that he did not have transportation documents.

“As a result, he was arrested for stock theft and taken to Vryburg Police Station. Upon arrival, he allegedly tried to run away and assaulted two police officers who were detaining him. He was subsequently restrained and detained,” she said.

Botma said, the livestock was given back to the lawful owner after he was successfully traced. Setatwe, who was stationed at Taung Police Station and working for the stock-theft unit Setatwe was remanded in custody. 

He is expected to do a formal bail application. Setatwe also has a pending case of fraud. According to information at our disposal, he allegedly connived with a murder convict, who lied that his cellphone was lost and he was not at the crime scene when it unfolded as he was at the Taung Police Station doing an affidavit. 

Setatwe allegedly made a false affidavit for the convict, but he was arrested after the police preliminary investigation revealed otherwise.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

A woman, who was found with a gunshot wound in a black Ford vehicle in an open field in Mokgareng village, near Taung was identified as Tsholofelo Dikitlane (35).

According to information, Dikitlane was shot dead by her alleged boyfriend, Jack Motlhabane (49), who was a prominent businessman. It is alleged that Dikitlane, who is a relative to Motlhabane’s wife, was allegedly in a romantic relationship with him. 

However, things allegedly went sour between Dikitlane and Motlhabane after some family members disapproved of their relationship. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, two bodies were found in a vehicle parked in the field on Sunday morning at around 11am.

“An inquest and murder cases are under investigation. A man, who was found seated on a driver’s seat was found with a bullet wound on his head.  Next to him in the vehicle, the body of a woman was found with a bullet wound on her left ear.

“The police also found a handgun inside the vehicle, which is suspected to be used during the commission of the crimes,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

A man (49) from Jan Kempdorp and his alleged girlfriend were found with gunshot wounds in a black Ford vehicle depicting Northern Cape province registration near a cave in Mokgareng village, Taung on Sunday morning.

The bodies of Jack Motlhabane and an unknown woman were discovered by a shepherd, Jakoba Maphatse who immediately called the police. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said the police were informed about the atrocity on Sunday morning at around 11:30am.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the police found a body of Motlhabane and of an unknown woman estimated to be between the ages of 30 and 40. No foul play is suspected and a murder case was opened.

“Only a murder case was registered and the firearm that was found on the scene was confiscated as it was used in the commission of a crime. She said further investigations will determine if additional cases will be opened,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Tourism contributes immensely to enhancing job opportunities and economic significance in the local population. In 2016, the tourism sector directly contributed 2.9% to South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This makes the tourism sector a larger contributor than agriculture, but smaller than other industries such as construction and mining. As tourism is mostly celebrated in September, now on 7 September 2022, the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Kenetswe Mosenogi will be launching the Provincial 2022 Tourism Month at Stonehenge River Lodge in Parys.

Mosenogi said this year’s tourism month will be celebrated under the theme “Rethinking Tourism” which encourages all stakeholders in the tourism industry to reconsider the approach to tourism to be able to respond to global crises, health issues, variations in the tourist market, the transformation agenda, and many other variables that may affect the industry.

“The celebration will also provide an opportunity to unlock the potential of the tourism ecosystem and its extensive value chain. It will also facilitate tourism investment, which can deliver more inclusive and sustainable growth for the local economy.

“In addition, it will provide an opportunity to promote domestic tourism and foster a culture of travel across the country. The national and provincial tourism authorities promote September as tourism, heritage and arbour month as well as encouraging citizens to consume alcohol responsibly,” she said.

Mosenogi said the awareness campaigns are carried out by the department in collaboration with its agencies, the North West Tourism Board (NWTB) and the North West Parks Board (NWPB), as well as the four district municipalities.

She said the launch will also be used to share the provincial tourism month program with the media and will be followed by a media tour program that will give an experience of a variety of tourism activities and

attractions in and around the Vredefort Dome area.

In 2018 at the International Travel Trade Show held in Germany, South African Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona was quoted as stating that tourism is vitally important to the South African economy and the sector should be nurtured for sustained and inclusive growth.

Recent data from Stats SA show how important tourism actually is. The report also provides a picture of employment patterns within the sector. Despite the challenges that tourism has endured over the last few years, it outperformed other key industries in terms of job creation, adding just over 40 000 net new jobs to the economy over the five-year period from 2012 to 2016.1 This is higher than the number of jobs gained in industries such as trade and utilities (electricity, gas, and water).

Tourism also gained more jobs than manufacturing over this period. From 2012 to 2016, the manufacturing industry had a torrid time, experiencing a net loss of 125 000 jobs.

taungdailynews@gamil.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema encouraged his party members to continue recruiting many individuals. Malema, who was addressing the North West 3^rd Provincial People’s Assembly in Klerksdorp said, their target to reach 1 million members is still on course.

The EFF in the province elected the new leadership, where Shakes Botswe was retained as a provincial chairperson, Promise Bogatsu was elected as the new deputy provincial chairperson, Papikie Babuile retained his position as the provincial secretary, Justice Dabampe was elected as the deputy provincial secretary, while Kelebogile Kerileng was elected as the new provincial treasurer.

“Let’s continue to recruit new members as we make tactical moves. You must never think that the leadership has abandoned the strategic objective of the EFF. One million members of the EFF are going to be reached.

“I was very disappointed with the Bojanala region because I thought it was going to be the first one. The region has always been the base and the home of the EFF. The question will be, why one million members, those are one million foot soldiers of the party,” he said.

Malema further said they make recruitment this year and next year, they will workshop all of them in public political education and put them under one roof to politicise them.

He added that, in 2024, they will then unleash one million foot soldiers on the ground and say ‘go and fight for the victory of the EFF’.

“When we leave here, we are going to leave no stone unturned. Every house, street, school, hostel, mine, everywhere else where our people are found – we are going to recruit them to join the EFF.

“There is no ANC in North West and I told you many times. You are contesting against the ghost, but you are defeated by it. The ANC is not dying in North West, it is dead – completely dead,” said Malema.

He also urged his members to be disciplined and work as a collective. Malema said once the members are not disciplined, people must know that the organisation is finished.

“So, fighters, let’s go and rescue the people of North West. They are in desperate need and looking for you. When you wear that beret, you must know that you a wearing the hope of the hopeless masses of our people.

“We must take this opportunity to also greet and thank the Independent Electoral Committee (IEC) that is running the elections here with their staff members, who have compromised their weekend to come and make sure that indeed this 3^rd PPA becomes a success.

“In the EFF, we expect you as the members of the official opposition party in North West to always act in a disciplined manner that you have displayed in this conference when you meet.

“You can only induce the society if you make politics fashionable in your branches. When your branch meets, it must not go away without talking politics,” said Malema.

Meanwhile, the jubilant Papikie Babuile shared the same sentiments. Babuile said, they gathered to deliberate and produce strategies for the advancement of the people’s lives and further develop and groom the organisation to realise economic freedom in their lifetime.

“We have noted the ongoing appalling living condition of the people, the high rate of unemployment, entrenched corruption and maladministration in North West.

“We have also noted the thuggery and hooliganism in the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) under the stewardship and administration of the former liberation movement that is led by a few old individuals, who are hell-bent to milk all the state resources and collapse any anything and everything that seek to restore the dignity of the black child,” he said.  

Babuile said the 3^rd PPA was determined to develop radical inclusive policies and amongst others, they declared that all EFF public representatives will identify and visit all unfinished projects in every municipality.

He said all EFF public representatives will submit motions, statements, and questions to the executive every week.

“All public representatives will convene monthly community meetings in their wards of deployment. They will submit a comprehensive report on the work they have done at their deployed schools, Early Learning Centres, and clinics on Friday of every month end,” said Babuile.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

Five people have been killed on the R510 road near Rustenburg following a head-on collision between a bakkie and a light motor vehicle on Saturday night. The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said, the accident took place between Manamakgoteng junction and Northam.

“Four of the five occupants in a bakkie and one in a light motor vehicle succumbed to their injuries on the scene. One passenger sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital.

“We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. We plead with motorists to be extra cautious when driving at night,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Although it is possible to start a TV channel, sometimes it is a bit challenging. But if you are up for it, it can be a rewarding project. So, this is exactly what Taung Community TV (TCTV) is doing.

This Saturday, all roads will be leading to the Taung Sports Ground for a mouth-watering fund-raising event. The social mogul, Kagiso Kai who is TCTV founder and CEO said, the event is all about raising funds.

“This event will assist us in many ways, so we urge all community members to come in numbers and show their support. We need to raise funds so that we can be able to buy some equipment needed for the TV and for the renovation of the house that was donated by the North West Department of Public Works and Roads to the channel.

“We understand that, when one requests assistance, it takes time for institutions to respond. So, we came up with this initiative in order for us to have funds that will assist us to be operational. This will be an annual event as we also welcome the spring season,” he said.

According to Kai, the gates will open at 10am. He further said all systems are in place as they have roped in award-winning artists to perform.

“There will be high police visibility and the EMS will be on standby in case of any emergency. We expect the people of Taung and its surroundings to come in numbers in support of this event.

“Those who support this initiative will be contributing enormously to this good cause. We would also like to thank the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Paper City Tent Hire, Kebonekatlo, and MMA security services for their contributions,” he said.

Kai also lauded other contributors such as Lesego Plaatjie, Daylight Delight, Boema Purified Water, and many others who came on board. He added that the Taung Community TV project will benefit the people of Taung at large including the whole Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region.

“TCTV will be giving our local artists an opportunity to showcase their talents through our platform. So, we are requesting those who will be attending to contribute towards the sanitary towel campaign too.

“These sanitary pads will be distributed accordingly to various schools after the event. The aim of this campaign is to keep a girl child in school in confidence. Our performing artists are locals, who will be volunteering their services as part of their contribution towards this great initiative,” said Kai.

The tickets for the event are available at the gates and will only cost R50 for adults and R30 for children. Kai said adults are urged to bring along a packet of sanitary pads or R30 as a top-up.  

“We submitted our application documents to ICASA on 30 June 2022 for licensing and we are waiting for the outcomes. However, there is a call on Digital Terrestrial Television that is coming.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: The Taung Community fund-raising event 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The family of Poiho Modise (30) who was kidnapped almost a year ago in Loselong village, near Taung said, they are dejected. According to a family member, Kehilwe Modise, Poiho was abducted by a mob justice that called themselves Mapogo on 20 September 2021 and he never returned home. 

“I have a complaint against the mob justice members, who call themselves Mapogo in Loseng. They abducted our brother after accusing him of stock theft. We do not even know whether he is still alive or not wherever he is.

“We went to the Pudimoe Police Station to report the matter, but we have not received any joy. What triggered this is because the same group allegedly kidnapped a boy (19) a few months ago and killed him,” Modise said.

She further said, those who kidnapped her brother, were supposed to hand him over to the police if he committed any criminal activities. Now, Modise urged the police to intensify their search for the kidnapped Poiho and also call on anyone who can help to track him to come forward.

“What is hard-breaking is that those who kidnapped him are roaming the streets freely without any accountability. So, we also feel unsafe as a family because we do not know who will be next.  

“We only want to know whether he is still alive or not, so that we can have closure. This has affected us all as family and we could not take it anymore. Anyone who has information regarding our brother’s whereabouts, please come forward,” said Modise.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “A case of kidnapping was opened on 22 September 2021 after it was reported to the police in Taung that, Poiho Modise had been kidnapped by a group of men at Leshobo village.

“The investigations were conducted and the victim has not been found yet. The case docket was taken to the Taung Magistrate’s Court for a decision on 4 August 2022 and we are still waiting for the outcome.”

Van Rooyen added that, the investigating officer indicated that he has been updating the family member on a regular basis. She said, if the family is still not satisfied, they can go and see the Detective Commander of Taung so that the progress in the case can be explained.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 850 000 job opportunities have been created through the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI). The Minister for Department Basic Education (DBE), Angie Motshekga said this initiative has done more than providing a chance for young people to gain meaningful work experience.

Many Teaching and General Assistants across the country bid farewell after the PYEI concluded on 31 August 2022.

“The initiative was designed to assist young people’s livelihoods and acts as a means of addressing South Africa’s high rates of youth unemployment. The youth had numerous opportunities to gain more skills through training opportunities offered by partners such as the University of Johannesburg (UJ), NEMISA, Digify Africa, and 2Enable.

“Schools across the country have enjoyed hosting a group of enthusiastic and dedicated young South Africans, whose contribution to teaching and learning have been immense,” she said.

Motshekga further said the end of Phase III of the PYEI-BEEI does not mark the end of the road for the youth. She added that the initiative has created a platform for many to chart a path towards better prospects in the labour market.

“The skills and experiences gained will impact positively on future career prospects of the youth. The department wants to encourage all youth to take advantage of the many opportunities that are available on the SAYouth.mobi platform.

“Through this platform, youth can access earning, learning, and entrepreneurial opportunities that are provided by private partners. The youth can also access other beneficial information such as CV writing and interview tips on the eCubed WhatsApp called Teacher Connect, through this number; 060 060 3333,” said Motshekga.

She added: “The youth can also access scholarship and bursary opportunities that are made available through the eCubed WhatsApp Bot. The youth and their employers have made contributions to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) throughout their tenure as School Assistants in the PYEE-BEEI.

“The UIF is an essential safety net to which employees and employers contribute, and from which employees who become unemployed are entitled to benefits, and in so doing, alleviate the harmful economic and social effects of unemployment.”

Motshekga said applications for unemployment benefits must be made in the prescribed form at an employment office. She said the application must be made within six months of the termination of the contract of employment.

“The UIF payment can only be claimed if a person was previously employed but is currently unemployed. The department thanked all the youth that participated in the PYEI-BEEI for availing their services to schools.

“The department further wishes everyone who was part of PYEI success with their future endeavours. In the main, all provinces have paid stipends for August 2022, however, there are a few cases of outstanding stipends, which Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) are working tirelessly to resolve,” said Motshekga.

She said where the unpaid stipends are identified, the delays are due to the finalization of the validation and verification (V&V) processes to ensure that there is no under or over-allocation of funds to schools.

Motshekga said through the V&V process, the PEDs are working with districts to verify the funds previously sent to schools against the reported number of stipends.

“Schools are required to provide certain documents to provide assurance to the PEDs that all funds transferred to schools for the payment of stipends are in line with the number of youth appointed,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com