Setshwantsho: Baithuti ba ba bonweng ba iphanya ka thobalano mo setshwantshong sa motsikinyego/Screengrab
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
6 Ferikgong 2025- Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima le tlhalositse fa le setse le emetse pegelo e tletseng go tswa go mogokgo wa sekolo se segolwane sa Kebinelang kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung. Se setla morago ga setshwantsho sa motsikinyego se se tletse-tletseng mo mafaratlhatlheng a boitapoloso mo go bonagalang baithuti ba mophato wa marematlou ba iphanya ka thobalano go nngwe ya diphaphosi-borutelo.
Go begwa fa setshwantsho seo sa motsikinyego se gatisitswe ke bone baithuti bao ba le babedi ka nako ya dikampa tsa go ipaakanyetsa ditlhatlhobo tsa marematlou ka Ngwanatsele 2024. Go begwa fa lekgarebe le lekawana, ba ile ba lelekiwa kwa dikampeng tseo morago ga tiragalo e.
Sebueledi sa Lefapha La Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Mphata Molokwane are dikampa tsa baithuti ba marematlou di rulaganyetswa baithuti ba marematlou ba dingwaga dile 18 le go ya kwa godimo. Molokwane are diphaphosi tsa tlaleletso di diretswe baithuti ba mephato e mengwe.
“Go le gantsi, ke maikarabelo a batsadi ga mmogo le barutabana go tlhokomela baithuti le go ela tlhoko gore ba itshwara sentle. Fela, melao le melawana ya go tsamaisa sekolo (Code of Conduct) ga e tlhoke tlhaloso.
“E shupa fa moithuti o robang molao, a tla sekegwa nakwana kwa dikampeng go fitlhelela a tsenela lekgotlha-kgalemo. Fela mo ntlheng e, baithuti ba ene ele ba marematlou. Jaanong, ga nkitla ba boela sekolong,” Molokwane wa tlhalosa.
Are ka ga jalo, ga gona kgato epe e tla tsewang kgatlhanong le bone. Molokwane are fela mogokgo ga mmogo le lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo, ba solofetswe go neelana ka pegelo e tletseng ya gore go diragetseng ka letsatsi leo, le gore ba tlile go dira jang gore tiragalo e, e se tlhole e direga.
Kgabagare, bontsi jwa bomme ba ba boneng setshwantsho seo sa motsikinyego fa baithuti ba, bane ba iphanya ka thobalano, ba akgotse mosimanyana o. Ba tlhalositse fa a le dithupa dintle, fela a sa itse go di dirisa.
Mongwe wa makgarebe ba ba boneng setshwantsho seo sa motsikinyego, mme a sa batle leina la gagwe le itsiwe wa tlhalosa.
“Nnyaa, tota ke nnete mosimanyana o, o dithupa di dintle fela nna o mmakaditse a tsaya metsotswana (seconds) e kwa tlase ga tlhano pele ga tsholola masole. Fela ene fa a ka tsholetsa dikausu, a ka diragatsa bontle.
“Nna ke bone ngwana wa mosetsanyana a mo gora ekare noga ya tlhware e jele pudi, jaanong fa mosinyana a tshwanetse a iteboge, ebile o setse a tsholola masole.”
Mme mongwe wa motse teng kwa motseng wa Manthe are, o tshogile tota go bona ngwana a lekana le mosimanyana o, a tsamaya ka kgolokwe ya nama e kana.
“Nnyaa, a itse megala e ya letheka ya nyena e maaka. Ga gona gore ngwana a lekana le o, a be a tsamaya ka kgolokwe ya nama e kana-kana. Tota fa ele gore ke nnete, mosimanyana o, ke kotokwe o goletse mo teng.
“Itjhooo, bana ba matsatsi a ga ba bosisi. Lekgarebe le le neng le tsenngwa kgolokwe ya nama, le ne le bontsha fa le sa utlwe sepe, ebile a e tsaya sadi fela.”
Picture: The law enforcement agencies during road block/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 January 2025- As festive season celebrations wind down, holidaymakers are expected to return home, thus an increase in traffic flow is expected. The police in Northern Cape urge road users to adhere to the safety precautions to ensure their safety and prevent the occurrence of traffic related accidents.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said drivers are encouraged to wear seatbelts and ensure all passengers do so too. Sam said they should follow the necessary speed limits and adjust for conditions.
“Avoid any distractions (phones, very loud music, eating, etc.) while driving. Maintain a safe following distance and use the necessary direction signals or indicators for turns and lane changes. Avoid aggressive driving and be cautious in school zones, including construction areas.
“Drive defensively and keep the vehicle well-maintained and roadworthy. Avoid driving when tired or impaired. Avoid drinking and driving or driving under the influence of drugs or medication,” he said.
Sam further said the pedestrians are urged to use designated crosswalks and follow signals. He added that they should make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
“Wear bright or reflective clothing when dark and at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas and use sidewalks. If none, walk facing oncoming traffic and be aware of surroundings. Cyclists are encouraged to wear the prescribed helmets.
“Use designated bicycle lanes or paths and follow traffic rules and signals. Be visible with the necessary lights and reflectors. Wear bright clothing and the motorcyclists are encouraged to wear necessary prescribed protective gear (helmet, gloves, etc),” said Sam.
He said motorcyclists should follow traffic rules and signals. Sam said they should be visible with the necessary lights and reflectors.
“Ride sober and focused. Take motorcycle safety courses. Road users should avoid using phones while driving or walking. Be cautious in adverse weather conditions. Use child safety seats and booster seats.
“Stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals. Follow traffic signs, markings and take regular breaks on long drives. Keep vehicle headlights clean and functional,” he said.
Sam said if you see something, say something. He said people should report all road accidents, reckless driving and criminality to their nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or the MySAPS app.
“All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.
6 January 2025- The police in North West said their efforts to reduce crime and remove criminal elements from the communities through the high-density, multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela, Safer Festive Season 2024/2025, continue to be impactful.
They said this was heightened when 950 suspects were apprehended for different crimes across the province from 30 December 2024 until 5 January 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sam Tselanyane said the arrested suspects included among others, 17 for murder, 22 for illegal dealing in liquor, 34 for driving under the influence of liquor and 22 for burglary at residential and business premises.
Tselanyane further said 27 suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property, 69 for possession of drugs, 4 for dealing in drugs, 7 for rape, 125 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and 73 for assault common.
He added that, 46 undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested for contravention of Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002) and were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“During these operations, police managed to confiscate 3 handguns and 24 rounds of ammunition, 89 tablets of mandrax and heroin, 94 packets of tobacco products and 5 vehicles.
“Furthermore, to curb the crimes in relation to new year celebrations, particularly non-compliance with the Explosives Act through use of fireworks and contravening the Liquor Act, 1599 fireworks and over 2000 litres of liquor were seized,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, extended his words of appreciation to the police and other role players for the successes achieved. Asaneng reiterated that law enforcement agencies will continue to ensure that residents of the province are and feel safe at all times by squeezing the space for criminals to operate.
Picture: NTI employees protesting outside the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management offices in Mahikeng
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 January 2025- The North West Investment (NTI) workers urge the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to ensure that they receive their salaries before the school opening. These workers had a bleak Christmas holiday after they did not receive their salaries.
According to NTI workers’ representative, Patrick Mofamadi, it has been months since they received their salaries. Mofamadi said this matter is excruciating because they are caught between the rock and a hard place.
“This has been happening for a few years. We are caught in between department and Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP). Now, the department alleged that it cannot pay the money into the BRP account. However, they requested him to do undertaking and he did exactly that.
“Now, we want to know what is left because we are suffering as workers. They should not be merciless and pay us with immediate effect. Why should we as workers be affected by court proceedings?” he asked.
Mofamadi further said the appeal can take three years and that means they will be paid after three years.
The South African Workers’ Union (SAWU), General Secretary, Lebusa Mamaregane said they are a little bit happy regarding the stance of the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management that it will resolve this matter within 10 days. Mamaragane said, however, they will only celebrate the day the money is in the accounts of the workers because this has been said numerous times.
“This is a victory not only for SAWU, but for all NTI employees who have been subjected to poverty. These workers have been here since 18 December 2024, and until today they are still here. Indeed, this is a hard pill to swallow.
“This is a situation where we know workers had hardships. It is a reality of the matter that workers have been here for many days. We do not have enough that we can offer them, but we assisted where we could,” he said.
Mamaregane said, personally, he did not enjoy his salary because he had to make sure that workers on the ground had to be fed. He said it was a strenuous process for them.
“We urge politicians and government officials not to be heartless to people they hate so much. This does not affect only workers, but also those who are vulnerable and depending on them for survival,” saids Mamaregane.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “The challenges facing NTI are not and have not been ignored by our department. The entity’s challenges, though going back for several years, had been compounded and exacerbated by the BRP.
“Given the financial difficulties and collapse of governance the NTI experienced, the shareholder resolved to put the entity under voluntary business rescue process in July 2022,” he said.
Morweng said the BRP was supposed to turn the entity around to make it more sustainable and generate income to pay creditors, primarily of whom are employees. He said to do this, the BRP was supposed to have developed a plan within 25 days as stipulated by the Companies Act.
“However, the BRP has since dismissed and suspended most senior managers of the entity with the Group Chief Financial Officer, CFO, being the latest. This act of impunity was not only for senior managers but since his arrival, many other employees have also been sacked.
“As a result of this, there is a vacuum at management level and the BRP’s incompetence has been exposed. Over the last 30 months, the department and the Gauteng Provincial Government have paid over R600 million to the entity without any financial accountability by the BRP,” said Morweng.
He said this amount is not inclusive of the multi-journey ticket sales and other operational revenue collected. Morweng said the department has written numerous letters to the BRP asking for accountability and all the letters went un-replied.
“Following the failure of the BRP to submit progress reports and accounts to the department, the matter of removing him was pursued through the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
“After successfully removing him, the BRP then indicated that he will apply for a leave to appeal the High Court ruling. The department then lodged a Section 18 of the Superior Court Act application seeking an implementation of the initial order for the removal of the BRP,” he said.
He said the purpose of this Section 18 move is to ensure that the court ruling is enforced in spite of the BRP application for a leave to appeal. Morweng said it is for this reason that the posture of the department is not to transfer any money to the BRP, as previously money sent for the purpose of paying employees was prioritised for purposes unknown to the department.
“It has recently been widely reported that the North West Provincial Treasury has allocated R75 million to the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management for NTI. Let me clarify that this is incorrect. As outlined in the official Treasury allocation letter, the actual amount is R65 million.
“It should also be noted that the department has made an advance payment of over R18 600 000 to the entity in June 2024. This advance was provided to cover NTI employees’ salaries,” said Morweng.
He said this was facilitated through LabourNet as it was the only option that could be used with certainty that the salaries will be paid. Morweng said taking these factors into account, the correct available amount therefore is just above R46 379 000.
“This is because the R18m referred to earlier is refundable to the department. The department is still to receive a formal report from the NTI on the specific usage of this R18m.
“This report should include a detailed expenditure breakdown, necessary for confirmation and compliance verification. Of late, the BRP has appointed a service provider who is deducting 2% admin fee from employees, which is unlawful,” he said.
Morweng said from the payroll that was processed by the BRP service provider, a total of R223 000 was deducted from employees, who were paid in March 2024. He said the service provider which is preferred by the BRP is charging this exorbitant service fee and takes two weeks to process salaries of the employees whilst the LabourNet that was used before, to process salaries within a day.
“Some of the NTI employees have alleged that the BRP is selective in paying salaries and has been divisive in his approach. There are employees that have allegedly been paid whilst others are being made to suffer.
“The NTI is a 3-D company which must generate its own income and pay its creditors including salaries of the employees. As the company operates routes in Gauteng Province, it receives a subsidy of about R60 million every month,” said Morweng.
He said the NTI’s income from this subsidy alone should enable it to run profitably, but the BRP priorities are clearly not for the benefit of the entity. Morweng said his department is a shareholder representative of the entity and does not budget for NTI.
“Since the BRP was appointed by the NTI to turn it around, it has not produced even a single report to the department nor account to the shareholder, has refused to appear before the Portfolio Committee, and yet wants money from the government.
“Rightfully, the BRP, as the accounting officer of NTI, must respond to non-payment of the salaries of the employees. It is regrettable that the BRP has been using the desolate state of employees that he had not paid to come to Mahikeng to demonstrate,” he said.
According to Moweng, the buses that he is sending here should be operating and generating money for the entity. He said the BRP has authorised buses to ferry employees to Mahikeng, who had been here since the middle of December 2024.
“This means production at the entity was affected as both the employees and the buses were here. My appeal to all NTI employees is that they should be part of the solution to the entity and not the problem and go back to work as we are busy trying to come up with a permanent solution.
“As the caring government, we can’t leave the entity to die. Our interest as shareholders is to see the employees being paid. Our team is looking into the possibilities of making sure that this is done and within ten days we would have made sure that there is a solution to that challenge of salaries,” said Morweng.
6 January 2025- Five suspects were arrested for alleged kidnapping and murder of Lesego Klaas Makaku (26) in Hartbeespoortdam. This comes after Makaku was accused of stealing a cellular phone at a tavern in Sangiro Informal Settlement, outside Hartbeespoortdam.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that, on 31 December 2024, the deceased was visiting his girlfriend when they both went to a nearby tavern for some drinks. Tselanyane said while there, Makaku was accused of stealing a cellular phone.
“Furthermore, it is alleged that he was forcefully dragged outside the tavern to the street, where he was severely beaten by a group of people. Information received was that Makaku was also dragged to the nearby dam and thrown inside.
“Only his t-shirt was found near the dam and allegedly taken by his girlfriend, who informed the deceased mother. As a result, the mother reported the incident to the police and a missing person’s report was registered,” he said.
Tselanyane further said the police then conducted preliminary investigations to search for the missing person and police divers searched the area at the dam and the body could not be found. He added the enquiries were also conducted around the area about the last people seen with the missing person.
“Subsequently, on 2 January 2025, two people of interest were taken in for questioning. During the interrogation, one of the suspects took the team of investigators to bushes near Sangiro Informal Settlement, wherein the half-naked body of the victim was found in the early stages of decomposition.
“Following the discovery of the body, police went to the shacks of three more suspects. They were also apprehended, but one suspect is still at large. All suspects aged between 19 and 40, are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 6 January 2025, on charges of kidnapping and murder. Investigation into the matter continues.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng condemned the barbaric act and urged owners of taverns and licensed liquor premises, as well as their patrons, to help the police prevent crime and criminality in these public places, which are meant to promote responsible drinking in a safe, secure environment by the government. Asaneng said it is totally unacceptable and intolerable that these places are instead turning into crime hotspots and crime generators where disregard for the rule of law is the norm.
“Many incidents of murder, robberies, assaults, rapes, drunken driving are committed by patrons of some of these unfortunately licensed outlets and worryingly some are committed in full view and in the presence of owners of these establishments and in full view of other patrons, who not only fail to prevent, stop or report these serious crimes to the police.
“Community Policing Forums (CPFs), religious and community leaders are called to rise up and put a stop to this blatant, endemic criminality in the communities,” he said.
Picture: Some of items confiscated during operations/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
6 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape said safer festive season operations will continue unabated. The police said as the festive season celebrations wind down, they will continue to squeeze the space for criminals to operate.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said during week long disruptive actions across all five districts in the province, a total of 230 suspects were arrested for crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault GBH, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and illegal dealing in liquor.
Ehlers said a zero tolerance approach by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with other government departments and law enforcement agencies to address priority crimes resulted in these arrests and confiscation of drugs, alcohol, dangerous weapons and money believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“In Kakamas, two suspects were arrested after dagga with an estimated value of R31 500, was found in their possession. Disruptive actions included roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols, and stop and search actions, which resulted in the search of 8 993 persons and 4442 vehicles.
“A total of 13 arrests were executed for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recyclers. This led to the closure of 20 unlicensed liquor outlets,” she said.
Ehlers further said traffic flow is expected to increase as holidaymakers return home. She added that hence, the police urge all motorists to adhere to road traffic rules and to practice road safety at all times.
“Communities are encouraged to share valuable information and to continue aiding the police by reporting incidents via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111,” said Ehlers.
Picture: NTI employees embarked on protest/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 January 2025- The employees of embattled North West Transport Investment (NTI) said they had a grim festive season. This comes after the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management through its entity, NTI failed to pay their salaries.
The aggrieved employees spent their Christmas and New Year holidays in buses next to the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in an attempt to get attention of those in power.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) in North West said it is utterly disappointed that workers at the NTI company have still not received their salaries. The SACP provincial spokesperson, Jeffrey Lesie said, according to the workers, this has been the situation for several months now.
“While many other workers were on their festive break, these workers and their families were left stranded. The NTI is an important provincial state-owned entity, which provides bus transportation for working-class communities in parts of the North West and Gauteng.
“Unfortunately, due to maladministration, the board was dissolved and the company was placed under business rescue. To add salt to the wounds of the workers and communities that use this service, things have only worsened under the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP) since his appointment two years ago,” said Lesie.
He further said The BRP has sold company assets, workers’ salaries have not been prioritised, transfers given to the BRP from the government and revenue from ticket sales are unaccounted for. Lesie added that they call on the provincial government to appeal the recent court decision that nullified the government’s decision to terminate the BRP’s contract.
“Secondly, we call on the North West Department of Community Service and Transport Management to ensure that the R70 million allocated for workers’ salaries is given to workers through a separate account so that BRP does not misuse it, as recommended by the North West Portfolio Committee.
“We condemn the attempt to collapse this important company of our people by greedy individuals such as the BRP. We applaud the work done by the Portfolio Committee and Provincial Public Accounts Committee,” he said.
Lesie said they call on the law enforcement agencies to act speedily on the criminal case that the Portfolio Committee has instituted against the BRP. He said lastly, the party stands with the workers and appreciates all their efforts in trying to save the NTI.
“We call for the unity of the workers in the NTI regardless of union affiliation. Only through the efforts of the workers and the intervention of the government that this important instrument of transportation for working-class communities can be saved,” said Lesie.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng will update the media today regarding the NTI issue. Morweng said he has come to note that some NTI employees have been protesting near the NWPL precinct since the middle of December.
“Reportedly, over non-payment of salaries. The challenges at the entity are not new and have recently been exacerbated by the failure of the accounting authority to pay employees’ salaries.
“As the shareholder representative, we will be addressing the media to clarify the department’s position, as well as to provide a way forward in bringing some stability to the entity,” he said.
Picture: The Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig village, near Rustenburg/Screengrab
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 January 2025- Patients in the maternity ward at Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig village, near Rustenburg, were affected by flooding. This comes after water entered the facility through the sliding door and disrupted the smooth running of healthcare services on Saturday.
However, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said it is true that the hospital has experienced a flooding incident in the maternity section yesterday due to heavy rainfall that overwhelmed the facility’s drainage system.
Mothibedi said the flooding occurred when water entered through the sliding door and a blocked drain, creating a temporary disruption in the area.
“We are pleased to report that the situation has been promptly addressed. The hospital’s dedicated cleaning team acted swiftly to drain the water, ensuring that the environment was restored to its normal condition.
“Importantly, no patients were affected during this incident, and all maternity services continued without interruption,” he said.
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) spokesperson, Oupa Segalwe warned that heavy rains are expected. Segwale said they want to alert motorists returning to economic activities, pedestrians and the public to be aware of heavy, disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa from this Sunday to at least Wednesday (5 to 8 January 2025).
“The expected persistent rainfall, with associated risks, emphasises the need for caution and preparedness among all road users and the public. Scattered (60%) and widespread (80%) showers and thundershowers are expected on Sunday across the central and eastern regions of South Africa.
“These regions include North West, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Weather forecast for Sunday, 5 January 2025, where scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers can be expected over the central interior as well as the eastern parts of the country,” he said.
Segalwe further said there is a likelihood of a significant increase in rainfall accumulation is suggested, with amounts ranging from 50 to 70 mm. He added that to this effect, road flooding, slippery surfaces, and broad flash flooding are possible. The use of vehicle headlights, while driving at a reasonably low speed, will be useful during the showery conditions.
“Motorists should ensure clear windscreens, as traffic and road markings could be difficult to see during the occurrence of heavy rain, even for vehicles with properly working wipers, in some instances. Further, it is inevitable that some low-water bridges could overflow, with powerful water currents that could sweep away vehicles and lead to loss of lives and property.
“It is strongly advised that motorists do not enter flooded low-water bridges or roads. Projected rainfall accumlations for Sunday (5 January 2025) where amounts of 50 to 70 mm can be anticipated. Usually, summer thundershowers are confined to the afternoon and early evening hours,” said Segwale.
He said, however, the continuous flow of warm moist air (tropical moisture) to South Africa from countries to the north is expected to cause showers at any time of the day. Segwale said this means that ordinary or even heavy showers could be expected even between 6pm in the evening and 1am in the early morning.
“According to the Road Traffic Management Centre (RTMC), these are the critical hours that road users should avoid driving. For this festive season, a higher number of road fatalities than previous years, has already been reported, and the SAWS, in collaboration with the RTMC, would like to urge motorists, pedestrians and the public to be extra vigilant and careful on the roads during these conditions to prevent the further loss of lives.
“The rainfall distribution is anticipated to remain scattered to widespread across the central and eastern regions of the country on Monday, 6 January 2025. These conditions will most likely be accompanied by the persistence of disruptive rain and localised flooding across North West, the Free State, Gauteng as well as the western Bushveld of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.
Picture: Initiates during mass pass out ceremony/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 January 2025- The Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) will this coming weekend oversee the mass initiation pass out ceremony for initiates from 35 initiation schools, including female initiation in nine villages of Batlhaping Baga Maidi led by Kgosi Nyoko Motlhabane.
The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) through the PICC, has been mandated in terms of Customary Initiation Act (CIA) No.2 of 2021 to coordinate all initiation schools, practices and activities within the province.
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi spokesperson, Learto Gambu said, last year, marked the customary initiation year for communities of Batlhaping Baga Maidi villages.
“All initiates will assemble at the Tribal Kgotla during the pass out ceremony and it is expected that Motlhabane will address and give them a regiment name in accordance with the customs and tradition.
“The mass initiation pass out ceremony will commence at the Batlhaping Baga Maidi Traditional Council Offices in Manthe village, near Taung at 5:15am.
“The initiates will assemble near Manthe main road before a procession to Kgotla. At 6am, the mass initiation pass out ceremony programme will commence at Kgotla,” said Gambu.
2 January 2025- Section 6 (2) of the constitution mandates the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation to put mechanisms in place to develop previously marginalized languages (Act 108 of 1996). The use of the official language Act, Act No. 12 of 2012 gives effect to the implementation of language policies, structures, and plans.
The Pan South African Language Board Act (Act 59 of 1995) provides for the promotion of multilingualism. North West Provincial Languages Act 1 of 2015, determines the provincial official languages of Bokone Bophirima regulates and provides for the languages by all organs of the state.
The department said it promotes multilingualism, redresses past linguistic imbalances, and develops the previously marginalized languages by facilitating equitable access to government services, knowledge, and information. It says it will continue to elevate the status and advance the use of South African Sign Language in the province.
“Encouraging the learning and use of other official Indigenous languages to promote national unity and linguistic and cultural diversity. Facilitate the formulation and implementation of provincial language policy and internal language policy of the Arts, Culture, Sport, and Recreation department. “Liaise with and advise various government departments, municipal authorities, and public entities on the equitable use of official languages in the province. Conduct advocacy campaigns on the promotion of multilingualism.”
The department said it also facilitates the establishment of the North West Provincial Language Council. It said this includes facilitating measures for the development of indigenous languages.
“Facilitate the establishment of language units in all government departments. Ensure that people receive information in the language of their choice by translating and editing documents from the source language to the targeted languages used in the province.
“Identify and coin terminology for various fields where there is a lack of terminology. Development and promotion of indigenous literature. Develop awareness programmes on South African Sign Language,” it said.
The department said it will continue to facilitate the development of systems to ensure access to information by deaf people. It said it liaises with stakeholders in terms of promotion and development of South African Sign Language.
“Facilitate the expansion of pool SASL literate employees in all government departments and municipalities. To provide SASL interpreting services, develop emerging interpreters and raise awareness about South African Sign Language interpreters.
“To advise the MEC on any language related matter in the province. Monitor the implementation of the use of official language act 12 of 2012 (UOLA) and the North West Provincial Languages Act of 2015 (NWPLA).”
Meanwhile, the department said the North West Publishing House preserves and promotes indigenous literary heritage. This includes encouraging a culture of reading and writing in all communities.
“To encourage publications of books from a broad variety of subjects in Indigenous languages. To promote the rights of and prevent the exploitation of emerging writers.
“To assist writers to become self-sustainable in marketing and selling their books and to implement skills development programs for the writers.”
The department is working with strategic partners such as Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and its structure. This includes North West Institute of Higher Learning, Provincial Legislature (Hansard Section), municipalities, all government departments, library and archive services, language activists across the province, community based organisations, deaf communities, deaf organisations, dead federation of south Africa (DeafSA) North West, South African National Deaf Association (SANDA) North West, Heritage and Museum Services, North West Communities and publishers.
South African Sign Language (SASL)
South African Sign Language is a language in its own right. It has its own grammatical structures, SASL can be used in every setting and represents cultural identity by deaf people.
Finger spelling
Alphabet chart aims to use a one-handed alphabet method of spelling words using hand movements. Deaf awareness and equitable treatment of South African Sign Language) SASL.
Aims to create awareness among deaf culture. Deafness, status of SASL, SASL, interpreting service. Deaf education and deaf rights. It also fosters parents of deaf children to learn SASL in order to be able to communicate with their deaf children. Language service: (018) 388-2822/25/28/3067
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