Picture: Seventeen illegal suspects arrested by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
4 December 2024- Seventeen illegal suspects aged between 24 and 48, were arrested by the police during Operation Vala Umgodi. On 3 December 2024, the police together with the Department of Home Affairs, acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off about undocumented persons who were allegedly working at a certain business establishment without documentation.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said upon arrival at the identified premises in Kenilworth, outside Kimberley, 17 suspects were found working at the premises.
“The suspects could not produce any documents that allowed them to be in the country legally. The suspects were confirmed to be illegal in the country after their status was verified by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Officer.
“The suspects were subsequently arrested and the owner of the business establishment was issued with a fine. The police warn the public that the harbouring of undocumented persons is a crime and subjected to a fine or incarceration,” he said.
Shemane further said the police continue with their efforts towards policing illegal mining and related activities through the execution of crime prevention operations, stop and search actions, vehicle and foot patrols. He added that, incidents can be reported via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111.
4 December– The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said it has received a briefing from the Minister of Cooperative Governance, and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa on several key issues on Tuesday evening.
The committee said this includes inadequate disaster funding to provinces, an update on resetting electricity meters, the department’s role in regulating spaza shops, and the Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders Bill that is still not in parliament for processing.
The Chairperson of Committee, Dr Zweli Mkhize said they heard that the department made a submission to the National Treasury for disaster funding for five provinces most affected by disasters, and only one province – the Western Cape – received an allocation. Mkhize said the committee then invited the National Treasury and the department to clarify this issue.
“On Tuesday, the minister told the committee that the department asked for R11.9 billion from the National Treasury to assist five provinces hit hard by disasters, but only R1.6 billion was received. According to the minister, the National Treasury decides how much to allocate and where.
“In a letter, the Minister of Finance said that the National Treasury has initiated a review of the assessment and recommendation process for disaster funding and allocation and has contracted the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) to assist,” he said.
Mkhize further said as the process is underway, the Finance Minister asked for the meeting to be deferred to a later date. He added that the committee noted that a further process is underway but remained concerned that there is still no adequate explanation for the decision.
“The fact that there is another process to address problems is welcomed, but it is not quite a response to the issue that we are raising. So, if the Treasury and the Minister of COGTA cannot explain that, it is a matter that remains hanging for us.
“Committee members also sought more information about disaster funding from previous years and issues raised by the department regarding the provinces’ ability to spend the money. We also asked that this information be provided in the new year,” said Mkhize.
He said they need more clarification, and if the matter needs to be corrected, they need a corrective approach.
3 December 2024- Today marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said it is an opportunity to reflect on the progress they have made with respect to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
Ramphosa said it is also an opportunity to consider what they still need to do to implement inclusive policies and to elevate the representation of persons with disabilities in the society. He further said the Constitution and Bill of Rights enshrines the right to equality for all.
“It prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disability. Approximately 3.3 million people in our country live with some form of physical or intellectual impairment. Many of them have to contend with stigma, stereotyping, prejudice and other forms of social exclusion.
“A lack of proper understanding about disability continues in some communities. Some people see having a disability as a ‘curse’ or the result of witchcraft. This sometimes has horrific consequences. People with albinism, for example, have been victims of violence and even murder,” said Ramaphosa.
He added that persons with disabilities face an ‘invisible barrier’ in access to public spaces, amenities and facilities. Ramphosa said the lack of wheelchair ramps, braille signage, suitable toilet facilities and devices that cater for the hearing impaired pose a challenge for persons with disabilities.
“Most South Africans rely on public transportation, and this too can be a frustrating experience for disabled persons. Minibus taxis, for example, have limited capacity for accommodating wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
“As a result of these serious challenges, many in the disabled community find themselves poor, unemployed and excluded. They suffer ill-health and poor quality of life. Under democracy, we have been steadfast in our determination to ensure that persons with disabilities are supported to lead lives of dignity,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the Constitution obliges the state to take legislative and other measures to promote the achievement of such equality, and to protect persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. He said they introduced employment equity laws to promote equal opportunity in the workplace.
“By law, employers have to ensure that at least 2% of their workforce comprises persons with disabilities. We amended labour legislation to broaden the scope under which persons who sustain a temporary or permanent disability at work can apply for compensation.
“The Department of Employment and Labour has labour desks to provide specialist employment advice services for persons with disabilities. One of the most far-reaching legislative reforms is the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act,” said Ramaphosa.
He said among other things, this makes mineworkers and former mineworkers eligible for compensation if they sustained permanent disability in the course of their employment. Ramaphosa said to ensure that measures to advance the empowerment of disabled persons receive attention at the highest levels of government, a Presidential Working Group on Disability was established in 2016.
“It brings together government departments and about 45 civil society organisations from the disability sector. It is tasked with guiding the implementation of policy to advance the rights of the disabled.
“One of the key issues the Working Group has been lobbying for since its inception was the recognition of South Africa Sign Language as an official language. This was achieved in 2022 with a constitutional amendment,” he said.
Picture: The suspected stolen goats seized by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
3 December 2024- More than 126 goats estimated to the value of R315 000, were recovered by the Kimberley Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in Kimberley on 1 December 2024.
It is alleged that the goats were stolen from the Klein Kareem Farm, outside Kimberley.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said it was reported that the complainant noticed that the padlock of the enclosure was believed to be broken and the goats had been stolen. Ehlers said investigations led to the recovery of 19 goats, with an estimated value of R47 000 on the Griekwastad road, outside Kimberley.
“Perseverance by the members resulted in the recovery of 95 goats with an estimated value of R237 000, near Platfontein on 2 December 2024. The owner was informed and positively identified the tattoo markings on the goats.
“Investigations are continuing and no arrest has been made yet. Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Lerato Phiri at 082 495 0736. Information can also be relayed via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111,” she said.
3 December 2024- A man (26) sentenced to eight years for rape. On 5 November 2023, at approximately 2am, the victim was on her way from a nearby tavern when two men accosted her.
They dragged her into their house in Platfontein, near Kimberley threatened, assaulted and raped her. The police were alerted by community members and both men were arrested on the same day.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Andries Antonio (26) and Freddy Dristo (21), were arrested and later received bail. Kock said Dristo is still on the run.
“Antonio was sentenced in the Kimberley Regional Court on 21 November 2024,” he said.
Meanwhile, the SAPS Management commended Detective Constable Ruth Morolong from the Kimberley SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for her meticulous investigation that led to the outstanding sentence, especially as the country is celebrating the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
3 December 2024- Crop production in South Africa is overshadowed by storm clouds, and not the type that farmers crave. A multitude of uncertainties combine to darken prospects for the country’s crop farmers, which include climate change, water shortages, soil degradation, disease, economic instability and infrastructure and energy restrictions.
Prof Jacques Berner, Sub-Programme leader, is an expert in the field of crop physiology and said, that is why researchers at the sub-programme for Crop Production and Soil Management at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences of the North West University (NWU) pursue concerted solutions for the country’s most critical agricultural issues. Berner said to be able to do this, the NWU must remain at the forefront of innovation, and two new agriculture-oriented projects testify to the commitment of the university in this regard.
“The NWU AgriHub and the HVAC Growth Facility with a focus on photosynthesis and the adjustment of ancient grain crops to environmental stress. My expertise lies in the investigation of physiological reactions of crops to drought and extreme temperatures.
“We want to establish the NWU AgriHub of Excellence, which is located just 4km from the NWU Potchefstroom campus, as a centre for agricultural innovation, research and training. This season we are starting a grain-based long-term trial and will focus on diverse agricultural systems to promote sustainable food production,” he said.
Berner further their vision is to develop solutions that will ensure food security and environmental sustainability, while they bridge knowledge gaps between the academic world, the industry, the government and farmers. He added that this centre will serve as a platform for influential research, industry cooperation and the development of agricultural systems that are designed for the challenges of the future.
Berner said the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Growth Facility (HVAC Growth Facility) is being developed close to the Botswana border. He said their HVAC Growth Facility is currently being built at the Mahikeng Campus.
“This advanced facility will offer controlled environments that mimic various climatic conditions, including variations in temperature, light, humidity, drought and flooding. It will create the ideal environment for research on the impact of climate change on plant growth and development.
“By simulating different environmental variables the facility will enable researchers to study how plants react to varying light conditions, temperature stressors and water shortages. This will provide valuable insights into their resilience, adaptability and overall health in changing environmental conditions,” said Berner.
He said this research can potentially make a considerable contribution to agricultural practices and strategies to mitigate climate change. Berner said the university is also looking beyond the immediate future to other possibilities of supporting the agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, the NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said: “We are investigating the possibility of establishing a veterinary school, which will work with, among other institutions, the NWU’s subject group Animal Health, and the agricultural programme to make food security a priority.
“Agriculture plays an important role in the country and in North West in adding economic value, providing job opportunities, promoting rural development and creating food security.”
Tyobeka said, if they look at food security, there is currently a great need in the province and in the country, but the university has the capacity and expertise to make an appreciable difference in this sector. He said they have increased their involvement in the agricultural sector by further developing their partnerships with the government and the private sector.
“In addition to these efforts, the NWU is also looking at cooperation with the struggling agricultural colleges in the province, and considerable progress has already been made in this regard.
“Agriculture is one of the pillars supporting the South African economy, and the NWU is committed to ensuring that this sector is not only healthy, but also grows,” said Tyobeka.
Picture: A horrible car accident leaves two dead/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 December 2024- Two people died in a horrible car accident in Hartwater in the early hours of Monday, 2 December 2024. This comes after two vehicles collided on N18 road, outside Hartswater at around 1:30am.
It is alleged that, a vehicle that was driving from Pampierstad, disregarded the stop sign at the T-Junction and collided with a vehicle that was travelling towards Jan Kempdorp.
According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, a young girl and boy died in an accident.
“The driver (29) of the vehicle traveling from Pampierstad, allegedly sustained serious injuries, a girl (17) and a boy (10), died on the scene. The driver and two passengers in the other vehicle sustained injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment.
“A case of culpable homicide was opened and under investigation,” she said.
2 December 2024– Banyana Banyana are looking forward to giving hosts Jamaica a sterner test when the two nations meet again at the Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay on Monday.
The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team lost the first meeting 0-3 on 29 November 2024, at the same venue and will be determined to make amends in the second international friendly match tonight.
Banyana Banyana will be looking to correct their errors in this second match and Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis said her team will have to be more deliberate when going forward against the Reggae Girlz.
“We had a great video analysis session with the players, and we know that going into the second match we will have to be aggressive upfront. We are good at creating chances and staying compact at the back, but it will be important that we make use of our chances.
“One of the main reasons for these matches was to see new players, and we will continue to give as many players as possible a chance to play, but this is also always dictated by the match itself,” she said.
Ellis said they are looking for an improved performance tonight, as they are still preparing for next year’s WAFCON.
Meanwhile, the match will be live on Youtube and kick off is at 02h30 on Tuesday morning (South Africa time) as Jamaica is seven hours behind South Africa.
2 Sedimonthole 2024- Sepodisi kwa Christiana, se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se se tla morago ga gore setopo sa monna o sa itsiweng se bonwe kwa nageng.
Go begwa fa setopo sa monna o sa itsiweng, se bonwe gaufi le mafulo a leruo kwa nageng kwa motse-setoropong wa Utlwanang, gaufi le Christiana mo letsatsing la maabane.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Sarasanta Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Go fitlha ga jaana, moswi ga itsiwe.
“Ga gona matshwao ape a bontshang fa monna o a bolailwe. Fela, ga se re itse gore loso le ka tswa le bakilwe ke eng. Seo se tla itsiwe morago ga diteko tsa loso.”
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 December 2024- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has noted a preliminary ruling by the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
Morweng said the ruling follows an urgent application filed by a group referring to itself as Mining Affected Communities United in Action.
In the case filed on 30 November 2024, Morweng has been cited as first respondent.
“I have indicated that the department will comply with the court ruling. The department’s legal team is studying the judgement, but has hastened to indicate that they are intending to oppose the ruling.
“The next hearing is on 5 December 2024,” he said.
