Mtshweni-Tsipane calls on parliaments to combat technology-facilitated GBV and Discrimination


Picture: The Chairperson of NCOP, Mtshweni-Tsipane

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 October 2024 – The leader of Parliament’s delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, has called on Parliaments to use legislation to prioritise the prevention, elimination and responses to all forms of technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination.

Mtshweni-Tsipane, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), made the call in Geneva, Switzerland, this morning during the IPU Forum for Women Parliamentarians’ discussion on a draft resolution for the IPU Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights titled: “The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”

She said the world continues to grapple with a significant gender equality problem, and the emergence of artificial intelligence systems holds the potential to perpetrate and exacerbate this issue. Mtshweni-Tsipane further said of particular concern is technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a rapidly spreading problem that evolves with each new technological advancement.

“This poses serious challenges to digital governance and creates a persistent lag in adopting laws and policies to tackle this issue effectively. The legislation should include guidelines on enhanced content moderation, accessible and effective reporting systems and the establishment of content removal processes compliant with international human rights laws.

“A 2024 United Nations report based on a survey encompassing women journalists from 125 countries revealed that 73% of those women had fallen victim to online violence in the course of their work,” she said.

Mtshweni-Tsipane added that this serves as a reminder that the impact of technology-facilitated GBV is pervasive and affects individuals across diverse professions and regions. She said as legislatures, it is their responsibility to confront this pressing issue.

“We must take proactive measures to address the use of artificial intelligence in perpetuating GBV and ensure that our laws and policies effectively keep pace with these evolving challenges.

“So, we urge Parliaments to enact legislation prohibiting the distribution of non-consensual, explicit images and providing the cost to the victims,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.

Meanwhile, the 149th IPU Assembly is held under the theme: “Harnessing science, technology, and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future.” This is the first time a delegation of the 7th Parliament has attended the IPU Assembly, a decision-making body where parliamentarians from 180 national member Parliaments adopt resolutions.

The IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments. What began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, has since grown into a truly global organisation with 180 members and 15 associate members.

The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Safety of women and children vital in conflict-ridden regions


By REGINALD KANYANE

13 October 2024 – The National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker, Dr Annalie Lotriet has called for parliamentarians to advocate for safety zones in conflict-ridden regions to protect expectant mothers and mothers of young children, older people and people living with disabilities. Lotriet spoke during a panel discussion on promoting and preserving women’s and girls’ rights at the 149th assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland.

“As parliamentarians, we must advocate for effective interventions and support the establishment of safe

zones to protect the civilian population, particularly expectant mothers and mothers of young children, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.

“International humanitarian and human rights laws outline specific protections for women in conflict, safeguarding them against various forms of abuse and guaranteeing access to essential necessities,” she said.

Lotriet further said, however, it is deeply troubling that in the present day, numerous countries continue to contravene these laws, leaving millions of women and girls in dire circumstances. She added that they are deprived of essentials such as food, safe water, toilets, washrooms, sanitary pads, and living in inhuman and disease-ridden conditions.

“We urge parliamentarians to work together to ensure that the voices of vulnerable women and girls are heard, and their rights are upheld, as outlined in the existing international humanitarian law.

“Madam President, how many more women and girls must suffer before decisive action is taken to bring peace to the Middle East and other conflict-driven regions?” said Lotriet.

She said it is the duty of every parliament to ensure that these violations are addressed and rectified, to uphold the rights of women and to implement measures that guarantee their access to essential services during times of conflict. Lotriet said it was important that parliamentarians return to their respective parliaments and ensure that necessary legislation is enacted to address human rights not only during conflict but also during peacetime and post-conflict.

Meanwhile, the 149th IPU assembly is held under the theme: “Harnessing science, technology, and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future.” This is the first time a delegation of the 7th parliament is attending the IPU Assembly, a decision-making body where parliamentarians from 180 national member parliaments adopt resolutions.

The IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments. What began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue has since grown into a truly global organisation with 180 members and 15 associate members.

The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two motorists killed each other in a road rage


Picture: Two men allegedly stabbed each other during a confrontation/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 October 2024- Two men aged 32 and 34, allegedly died after stabbing each other in what appeared to be a road rage incident that occurred on Saturday afternoon in Mahikeng Central Business District (CBD). The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police are investigating two separate cases of murder.

Mokgwabone alleged that, the police were summoned to the scene on Martin Street in Mahikeng, at approximately 13:30pm.

“On arrival, they found a man lying on the ground and bleeding from the neck. The ambulance was called, but paramedics declared the man dead. It was further established that the other man, whose relatives transported him to hospital, also died.

“The investigation into the matter is underway and the motive is yet to be established although it appears that the fight ensued following an argument for a parking lot,” he said.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and once more, urged members of the community to always exercise patience and strive to resolve their differences peacefully rather than resorting to violence.

Meanwhile, North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has cautioned community members to stop sharing gruesome pictures on social media platforms. Morweng calls on community members to be sensible and think of family members of the deceased.

“I have been told that the incident started as a road rage, where the two men allegedly stabbed each other. I am pleading with motorists to be tolerant of one another and report bad driving to our law enforcement agencies that are always available on our roads.

“It is indeed a sad loss that could have been avoided as they are fathers, family members, friends and perhaps breadwinners to their families,” he said.

Morweng further said they send messages of heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

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NWU Soccer Institute Manager Made It To The Top


By OBAKENG MAJE 

9 October 2024- The NWU Soccer Institute Manager, Dr Vuyolwethu Sambo (36) said prodigious attributes are required to be a great manager. Sambo said as a manager, one deals with day-to-today issues and good leadership, tactical knowledge and eye for talent will come in handy. 

Sambo, who is a former player and originates from Nelspruit in Mpumalanga Province said he decided to focus on his studies due to uncertainties surrounding soccer players’ career. 

“I was exposed to the North West University (NWU) as a student and also as a player. So, I saw another life through studies and decided to focus on my academics. So, I resisted all offers that came my way as a player and focused on my academics. 

“I looked at the lifespan of football and realised that most of my peers will play soccer, but two years down the line, they will be out of contracts and end up in the wilderness,” he said. 

Sambo said he comes from a poor background and through academics, he can be able to take care of his family. He further said as a manager, they wanted to have stability within the team. 

“We also looked at the recruitment issue. We had an idea of what type of players we needed to recruit to make the NWU Soccer Institute a force to reckon with. We need players who are goal-driven, dedicated, disciplined and dedicated. 

“We need players who will fight for the badge of the institution and die with their boots on the ground. The institute is dedicated to develop not only soccer talent, but also well-rounded individuals who contribute academically and professionally,” added Sambo.

He came to the NWU back in 2007, and enrolled for a Bachelor of Administration Degree after matriculating from the South African Football Association’s Transnet School of Excellence. Sambo’s journey reflects the success of this model. 

“I was one of the first students to join the institute, which opened its doors in 2007, and went on to captain the team that won back-to-back University Sport South Africa (USSA) championships in 2009 and 2010. 

“His teammates included notable players such as Thabo Rakhale, Luvolwethu Mpeta and Boalefa Pule. Since taking over the role of manager, I led the institute to a series of achievements. The team won the Varsity Football title in 2019, reached the final in 2024, and made history by reaching the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup in 2020,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the team also won the North West Province ABC Motsepe League in 2022. Also, under his leadership, the institute has produced several professional players, including Lindani Nkabinde, Mandisi Gadla, and Tshepiso Mahlangu.

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Residents call for accountability over R4m donation 


By OBAKENG MAJE 

9 October 2024- The residents of Dryharts village in Taung, call for a remedial action against allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the R6 million donation. According to one of the community leaders, Goitsione Matubako, eight years back, the Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg, donated R6 million to the community for the construction of a sports facility. 

Matubako said, however, the sporting facility could not be built because there was no tribal resolution from the Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority regarding the land. He alleged that a few months ago, their ward councillor, Kagiso Pudule, convened a community meeting and suggested that the money be utilised.  

“So, we agreed that the money should build a school. However, the idea was rejected by the Sekate Boijane school, as they alleged that the North West Department of Education promised to build them a school. 

“Then, we agreed that some of the money will be used to renovate the Dryharts clinic. Indeed, that happened, but as community members, we were kept in the dark during the process,” he said. 

Matubako further said there are now allegations that R1.8 million is missing. He added that, when he requested Pudule to account, he became arrogant and treated them as if they had leprosy.  

“Accountability is essential and will go a long way towards giving the people of Dryharts deserved answers to what became of the money meant to drive development in their area. 

“There was machinery that was bought, but there is no place to put them. The alleged missing R1.8m was supposed to build two roomed for it. So, there is concerning evidence of corruption that undermined efforts to bring development to the residents,” said Matubako. 

Cagey Pudule refused to comment. 

Meanwhile, the Impala Platinum Mine Group Head: Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Alice Lourens said: “Please note that Impala Platinum Mine cannot confirm any allegations regarding the missing money. However, we have committed to the Department of Minerals Resources and Energy (DMRE) to construct a community hall, but the project was replaced with an access road and capacitation of the Dryharts clinic.

“This change was a joint decision between Impala, the DMRE and the community. The parties could not identify the required land for the construction of the community hall, but also established through engagements that a community hall was built through other means, meaning Impala could do a pre placement project.” 

Lourens said the committed budget of R4 million was used to construct an access road and capacitation of the clinic. She said all the funds earmarked for the project was utilised.

“The total commitment budget was R4m and total spent is R4.4m. Total spent for the clinic is +- R3.3m excluding road works, which increased to R 4.4m when the road works was included,” she said. 

Lourens said indeed medical equipment amounting to +-R1.6m were bought and the launch will take place on 18 October 2024. 

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Molekgotlha o latofadiwa ka go neela ba lelapa la kwa ga bo mosadi wa gagwe diporojeke 


  

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

8 Diphalane 2024- Baagi ba kwa motseng wa Dryharts, gaufi le Taung, ba latofatsa molekgotlha wa bone, Kagiso Pudule ka go sa nne le tirisano-mmogo. Ba re ebile Pudule wa ungwelwa mo diporojekeng tsa baagi, ga mmogo le ba kwa bogogadie. 

Go begwa fa go ile ga nna le porojeke ya mantlwana-boithusetso kwa motseng wa Dryharts, fela Pudule le ene o ungwetswe, le mororo a direla masepala o mogolwane wa Taung. Baagi ba, ba latofaditse Pudule ka go ba ikgatholosa, fela o neela ba kwa bogogadie le ditsala tsa gagwe ke porojeke tsa motse. 

Mosadimogolo Getrude Ngithi (64) are ntlwana-boithusetso ya gagwe e wele, mme o lobaka a itsisitse Pudule. Ngithi are fela ga go tle gore a agelwe ntlwana-boithusetso.  

“Ke tshaba le go e dirisa, gonne ke tla wela mo teng. Ke dula le bana, mme re patelesega gore re ithusetse kwa patlelong. 

“Ke lebaka le le telele ke itsisitse Pudule gore ntlwana-boithusetso yame e wele, fela ga ke bone thuso. Se ke se itseng ke gore, ntlwana-boithusetso yame e tswile gore e agiwe, mme ga ke itse gore e tshwerwe ke eng,” Ngithi wa tlhalosa. 

O mongwe wa baagi le ene o lela selelo sa ga Ragele. Molemoeng Modise le ene o latofatsa Pudule ka go ikaba ka letlhakuri fa a rebola ditirelo. 

“Thebolo ya ditirelo mo Dryharts ke tlhoba-boroko. Erile fa porojeke ya mantlwana-boithusetso e tsena mo motseng, re ne re ikwadisitse. Fela, Pudule o direla lelapa le le lengwe fela, eleng la kwa ga bo mosadi wa gagwe. 

“Rona ba bangwe ra a tlodiwa, mme fela fa o bua le molekgotlha are o tla tla. Kgang eo ga e re tseye sentle, gonne le fa ditirelo di tla mo motseng, o neela batho ba gagwe ditirelo ntle le baagi,” Modise. 

Mongwe wa kemedi ya baagi, Philemon Motsewabone are: “Go bua nnete fela, ga gona tirisano-mmogo magareng ga kemedi ya baagi (ward committee) le Pudule. Re ile ra kwala makwalo re kopa mmusa-kgotlha wa masepala, Grace Moipolai go tla go tsereganya kgatlhanong le maitshwaro a makgasa a ga Pudule. 

“Selo seo se re tshwenya thata, mme fa go sena botsitso magareng ga molekgotlha le kemedi ya baagi, seo se tlile go ama thata ditirelo mo motseng. Jaanong, ga ese re bone karabo go tswa go Moipolai, mme re tshepa fa a ka tla ka tharabololo.”

Kgabagare, Pudule o a neng a angwa fela ke tse a neng a di apereng are, baagi ga ba na dingongorego. Are batho ba ba ntshitseng dingongorego ke maloko a lekoko la sepolotiki la EFF, mme ene ga dire le batho ba go tshwana le bao. 

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Four accused sentenced to 28 years for armed robbery and kidnapping


By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 October 2024- Four accused who were arrested for aggravated robbery and kidnapping, were sentenced to a combined 28 years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court. In June 2018, the complainant was approached by Lopang Molaolwa (34), Mothusi Maele (39), Herbert Obiditse (28) and Kagisho Masala (22), as they requested a hike/lift.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said he gave them a lift and while driving, he was instructed to stop the vehicle and he refused. Mnisi said the driver realised that the person behind him had pointed at him with a firearm and he stopped.

“The group assaulted and forced him into the back of his vehicle. They drove with him to a veld, where they forcefully took his bank card and tied him to a tree with his shoe laces and belt.

“He managed to free himself and went to look for assistance. The victim and the police went to the Grand Hotel and found three accused in his vehicle and the fourth suspect was pointed out by a witness, while he was already inside the Grand Hotel,” she said.

Mnisi further said the police managed to recover the victim’s vehicle, cell phone, spare wheel, car radio, speakers and groceries. She added that a case docket was then transferred to Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team for further investigation which resulted in a successful conviction and sentencing.

“Molaolwa, Maele and Obiditse were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each and Masala was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment on both counts. All accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Mnisi.

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Mbatha, Adams withdrawn from Bafana squad


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 October 2024 – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has confirmed that Thalente Mbatha and Jayden Adams, have been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad to face Congo Brazzaville in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Gqeberha on Friday.

The South African senior men’s national team face the Congolese in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape on 11 October 2024 (7pm) and then they travel to Congo to play the return match on 15 October 2024.

Broos said that Mbatha was withdrawn after scans confirmed a knee injury on Monday morning following his team Orlando Pirates’ participation in the MTN8 final in Durban on Saturday. He said Adams, who also played in the same match, was withdrawn due to discipline.

“Mbatha and Adams will be replaced by Bathusi Aubaas and Sinoxolo Kwayiba. I want to see the real South Africa against Congo, we did not see the real South Africa in our last two games (against Uganda and South Sudan). 

“I was not happy with the performance, but I was happy with the result (won 3-2 against South Sudan). I am a little bit less happy when I speak about the result against Uganda because I wanted to win that game,” said Broos.

Meanwhile, Ticketpro – South Africa vs Congo – 11th of October 2024 – (ticketpros.co.za)

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Monna o latofadiwang ka go bolaya lekau la mokapelo wa lone wa maloba o solofetse go dira kopo ya beile


Ka OBAKENG MAJE

8 Diphalane 2024- Monna wa kwa kgaolong ya Marikana kwa motse-setoropong wa Utlwanang kwa Christiana, Olebile Jan Sereetsi (40), o solofetse go dira kopo ya beile mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Sereetsi o latofadiwang ka go bolaya mokapelo wa lekgarebe la gagwe la maloba. Go begwa fa ka di 26 Lwetse 2024, molatofadiwa a ile a leba kwa ntlung ya mokapelo wa gagwe wa maloba, mme a mo fitlhela a na le lekau la gagwe, Charlie Kati (31), mme go ile ga runya kgotlhang.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani, go begwa fa Sereetsi a ile a tlhaba Kati ka thipa, mme a mo gogela kwa sekgweng se se gaufi. 

“Go begwa fa Sereetsi, a ile a kgabetlhelela moswi ka go mo kgaola maoto le go mo segolola serwe sa gagwe sa senna. Go begwa fa Sereetsi, a ile a latlhela dikarolo dingwe tsa mmele mo molapong, ga mmogo le setopo sa moswi.

“Go begwa fa lekgarebe la moswi, le ile la lotlegela sepodisi ka se se diragetseng, mme a bega fa lekau la gagwe le timetse. Seo, se ile sa lebisa kwa sepodising go ka batlana le moswi,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

Funani are mongwe wa baagi one a loma sepodisi tsebe gore o bone Sereetsi a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme a lebile kwa molapong. Funani are, lekala la sepodisi le le sapang, le ile la bidiwa le go batlana le setopo sa ga Kati kwa molapong.

“Sepodisi se ile sa bona serwe sa moswi sa senna, ga mmogo le dikarolo dingwe tsa mmele di latlhetswe mo molapong,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, o kgadile tiragalo e ka bogale. Kwena are batho ba ithute go rarabolola dikgotlhang tsa bone ntle le ntwa.

“Re rata go akgola sepodisi go ka tshwara molatofadiwa ka bonako. Re kgala tiragalo e ka bogale,” Kwena wa tlhalosa.

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Tanzanian national nabbed for allegedly forgery


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

7 October 2024- A man (48) who is a Tanzanian national was arrested for alleged cyber fraud, alternative fraud, alternative forgery and uttering. Vincent Christian Mkumbo, made a brief appearance before the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court on 4 October 2024.

It is alleged that Mkhumbo manufactures and sells fraudulent vehicle license discs in order to avoid going to the traffic department for renewal. He received old expired vehicle license disc and clients would later collect for an amount of R350.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said he will then give his clients a printout of the same license disc with an extended expiration date or which he renewed.

“On 3 October 2024, a search and seizure disruptive operation was conducted at house number 104/13 Promise Land, in Kuruman. During the search, a red and black USB memory stick and the accused’s cell phone, were seized for further investigation.

“Mkhumbo was immediately apprehended by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team. He was released on R500 bail with conditions of informing the investigating officer his movements out of Kuruman at all times,” she said.

Mnisi said the case was postponed to 5 December 2024.

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