Category Archives: NEWS

Molapisi prioritises service delivery despite budget cut

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Picture: North West MEC COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 October 2024- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said the Presidential District Development Model (PDDM) programme, remains key in delivering services to the province.

Molapisi who delivered keynote address during his departmental strategic planning session in Rustenburg recently said, coordination of services among departments and other spheres of government is critical and most services require more integration from the beginning until the end.

He further said provision of services such as water, sewer, houses and many other, which remain a serious challenge to communities are priorities. Molapisi added that the DDM is the most viable tool at their disposal to address some of the challenges that they deemed as shortcomings within human settlement.

“We must work closely with provincial government departments, districts and local municipalities, to address issues such as poor maintenance of infrastructure and inadequate bulk, poor implementation and limited community engagements and population growth, which leads to the mushrooming of informal settlements.

“However, working together will lead to increase in us fulfilling our mandate of providing habitable human settlements for the people of the North West. I would like to acknowledge my departmental performance during the 6th administration and I remain hopeful that we will emerge victorious under this capable team,” he said.

According to Molapisi, assessing the work done in the previous five years, he is convinced that there is determination from all employees within his department. He said this will assist them to realise the vision and mission of his department.

“The current conjecture (GNU), places the department at the epicentre of ensuring that we lead to improved living conditions through the provision of integrated sustainable human settlement in the province.

“We are therefore all required to place our skills and expertise to realise this objective. Some areas require our immediate intervention. However, I am disappointed about the state of infrastructure in the province, especially blocked projects,” said Molapisi.

He said the recent report by the visiting National Council of Province (NCOP), should be corrected before November 2024. Molapisi said the committee expressed disappointment at incomplete projects and further called on the department to remedy the situation and deliver habitable homes to deserving beneficiaries.

“We also focused on other key departmental service delivery programmes such as the progress recorded in areas like Deelpan village, which was hit by two devastating floods in the past two years.

“We looked into developments in Moretele and the upcoming ministerial visit to the province in the next two weeks. I am happy that managers remained confident that the department will achieve its mandate, despite cut in budget.  

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A man who assaulted his victim jailed 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

7 October 2024- A man (26) was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for the contravention of a protection order and assault. On 15 February 2024, Joseph Hendrick Douw went to the home of the victim (26), in Rietvale, near Ritchie. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the victim had a protection order against Douw. 

“The case docket was assigned to Constable Abigail Morgan, who steered the investigation and arrested the accused. Morgan successfully opposed bail.

“Douw appeared in court on several occasions until his sentencing,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Management applauded the collaboration between Morgan and the prosecution team for ensuring that the accused remains incarcerated for the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related offence. 

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‘Situation in Middle East is of grave concern’

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Picture: A trail of destruction in Gaza/Reuters

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

7 October 2024- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said today marks one year since the start of an onslaught against the Palestinian people that has thus far claimed more than 43 000 lives.

Ramaphosa said in his weekly letter to the nation that, the violence that has been committed by Israel against Palestinians over many decades, intensified after an attack on Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on 7 October 2023.

He further said South Africa has condemned the atrocities committed against civilians in Israel on 7 October 2023, as it has denounced the killing of civilians in any context. Ramaphosa added that the majority of those killed over the past year, are Palestinian civilians, largely women and children in the besieged Gaza Strip.

“It is alarming that more Palestinians are also being killed in the West Bank due to Israeli Defence Force military activities. More than 1000 Israelis were killed in the attacks of 7 October last year.

“Over 100 Israelis remain in captivity in Gaza. There are over 6000 Palestinians, who are languishing in Israeli jails. As South Africa, we have consistently called for a resolution to the conflict and the release of all the hostages abducted on 7 October 2023,” he said.

Ramaphosa said they have also called for the release of all the prisoners unlawfully detained in Israel. He said they cannot, but be moved by the plight of all the families who have loved ones in captivity.

“With negotiations to secure their release having once again stalled and Israel’s bombardment of Gaza continuing, the conflict shows no signs of abating.

“Amid efforts by the international community to secure a ceasefire, the situation has been worsened by strikes by Israel on Lebanon and by Iran on Israel,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Israel has vowed to retaliate against Iran and Iran has threatened to respond accordingly. Ramaphosa said the escalating situation in the Middle East is of grave concern.

“It threatens to plunge the region into a war in which civilians will inevitably bear the greatest and the cruellest brunt of this conflict. As the UN Secretary-General has said, each escalation after the next is leading the people of the Middle East over the cliff.

“We remain committed to the peaceful resolution to ending the occupation of Palestine, to upholding the tenets of international law and to advancing social justice. We once again call for an immediate ceasefire that will end the suffering of the people of Gaza and allow for humanitarian aid to reach those in need,” he said.

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MRM condemns torching of buses in Bojanala

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Picture: The buses torched at the Bojanala Bus Depots in Chaneng and Tlaseng villages/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

7 October 2024- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Monday said they condemn the recent torching of 23 buses at the Bojanala Bus Depots in Chaneng and Tlaseng villages. The movement described the incidents as atrocious and despicable acts of economic sabotage.

The provincial convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said they call on law enforcement agencies not to leave any stone unturned until all those responsible are behind bars.

According to Kgwele, the in-depth investigation must also probe whether these treacherous and shocking acts that appear to have been well coordinated are linked to any criminal activities that are targeted at economic infrastructure in the province. 

“We maintain that the impact of the losses incurred, estimated at R69 million, will have far reaching consequences on the provision of public transport for affected rural communities and greatly inconvenience commuters.

“We welcome the R50 000 reward that police have offered for information that might lead to the arrest of the perpetrators and appeal to our communities to assist them in their investigations,” he said. 

Kgwele further emphasised that lawlessness must be ‘nipped in the bud’ for those involved in such acts of cowardice to be unmasked and brought to account for their evil deeds. He added that the charter of positive values must assist them to entrench sound community values in order to promote responsible freedom, as well as the rule of law and zero-tolerance to crime and violence. 

“The October Transport Month must be used to promote safer, reliable and efficient public transport, as well as scholar transport,” said Kgwele.  

Meanwhile, the police in North West said they are offering a reward of up to R50 000 for any information that can lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of alleged perpetrators in the Bojanala Bus Fire investigations. 

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, urged the community to come forward with information that will ensure that these ruthless criminals, who’s actions are hampering the transportation of school children and elderly persons, are brought to book to face the full might of the law.

“Anyone with information is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Captain Johannes Montsho of Phokeng Detectives on 076 834 3531 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on number: 08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” he said.

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More than 166 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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Picture: Police confiscated home-made brew/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 October 2024- More 166 suspects were nabbed during the unabated efforts of a multi-disciplinary high density operation. The disruptive actions conducted across the five districts in Northern Cape, included numerous stop and searches of vehicles and persons at vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said 166 suspects were arrested for various criminal activities such as assault, robbery, theft, malicious damage to property, house breaking, theft and contravening of court orders.

Kock said numerous actions were executed, including visits to farms and mines, as well as compliance inspections were conducted.

“Collectively, 128 second-hand dealers and liquor premises were visited, as well as formal and informal businesses. This resulted in the closure of unlicensed liquor premises and the confiscation of large amounts of alcoholic beverages and home-made brew.

“Confiscations during the actions included 2 firearms, ammunition, copper cable, a vehicle, dangerous weapons, drugs, and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended and appreciated the police, external role players, and community members who played a pivotal role in combating crime. Otola also reiterated that they will continue adopting the “all hands on deck” approach by leaving no one behind.

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DA eyes 2026 Local Government Elections glory

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By REGINALD KANYANE

6 October 2024- The Democratic Alliance (DA) held an extended Federal Executive (FedEx) meeting in Cape Town, where the party’s leadership gathered to deliberate on the roadmap towards the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE).

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Member of Parliament (MP), John Steenhuisen said this crucial meeting, attended by the party’s national and provincial leadership, as well as senior staff from across the country. Steenhuisen said the meeting comes at a time when the DA is stronger and more unified than ever.

“The DA remains positive that it will continue its winning streak and is poised to secure even more metros and municipalities in the upcoming election. Based on the 2024 results, we can emerge as the biggest party in major metros.

“The successes of the 2024 election have set the DA on a powerful trajectory. We are more determined than ever to expand our footprint in 2026, which will further solidify our position to lead nationally and provincially in 2029,” he said.

Steenhuisen further said the response they receive from South Africans across all levels of government, drives them to raise the bar. He added that the meeting thoroughly explored the current state of the South African political landscape, focusing on election opportunities, potential threats, and meticulous preparations for the campaign ahead.

“The Chairperson of the Federal Council, Helen Zille, led discussions on the party’s objectives and strategies, ensuring that the DA is well-positioned to build on its successes.

“With increasing support in national polls and a renewed sense of purpose, the DA is fully prepared to tackle the challenges ahead and lead South Africa toward a brighter future in 2026 and beyond,” said Steenhuisen.

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Monna o bolailwe le go fisiwa kwa Manokwane 

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

6 Diphalane 2024- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao. Se se tla morago ga gore monna wa kwa nageng ya Lesotho, a bolawe le go fisiwa kwa motseng wa Manokwane, gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. 

Go begwa fa baagi ba kwa Manokwane, ba ile ba leba kwa mogwafatshe wa monna o, mme ba fitlha ba mo teketa pele ga ba mo tsenya letaere le le tukang mo thamong. Go begwa fa baagi bano, ba ne ba latofatsa monna o ka go thuba kwa ntlung nngwe, mme a betelela mosadi. 

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are: “Sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya polao, mme ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.” 

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North West Province records mixed results with significant increases at selected dams

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Picture: The Taung Dam

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 October 2024- According to a weekly hydrological report released by the Department of Water and Sanitation on the status of water levels, there has been no change this week as they are sitting at 65.7% and there is a notable increase in dam levels at several dams in the North West province.

Hartbeespoort Dam saw a significant rise from 89.8% to 92.7% this week, while Setumo Dam increased from 85.3% to 85.7%. Additionally, Disaneng Dam showed a slight increase from 52.8% to 53.6% this week.

The Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Dr Mandla Mathebula said these increases are a positive indicator of the province’s water security and demonstrate the effectiveness of our water management strategies. Mathebula said, however, some dams experienced decreases in their water levels.

“Buffelspoort Dam dropped from 96.8% to

94.6% and Klipvoor Dam decreased from 92.4% to 88.6% this week. Other dams that have declined this week include Lindleyspoort (31.3% to 30.4%), Koster (78.3% to 77.8%), Roodekopjes (91.6% to 90.1%), Molatedi (30.8% to 30.4%), and Madikwe (26.5% to 26,0%).

“The Bospoort Dam remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 101.0% to 100.7%. The department urges water users to remain vigilant and continue conserving water and also appeal to all water users to report leaks and burst pipes promptly to the local municipalities or to the departmental toll-free number 0800 200 200, use water-efficient appliances and fixtures, implement rainwater harvesting systems, while practising responsible water use,” he said.

Mathebula said the Department of Water and Sanitation in North West, remains committed to monitoring dam levels closely and implementing strategies to ensure sustainable water management practices and that it is working tirelessly to ensure a secure water future.

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Strategic measures in place to resuscitate South African Post Office

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By REGINALD KANYANE

3 October 2024- The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Sangoni Diko said she notes and welcomes the statement issued by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, on actions being taken by the Department of the Communications and Technologies (DCDT) to save the South African Post Office (SAPO).

Malatsi has announced that he has sought the National Treasury’s support to proactively establish a task team to pursue private financial and operational partners for SAPO.

Diko said that Malatsi’s efforts are in line with the committee’s recommendation made on two separate occasions. She further said the committee called for urgent and decisive action from the DCDT to resolve the challenges at SAPO following disappointing interactions with SAPO and the Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs).

“While the committee strongly believes that strategic and value-creating public-private partnerships are of critical importance to ensure a sustainable Post Office, it is, however, extremely concerning that Malatsi’s statement seems to suggest a foregone conclusion that entering into such partnerships must equate to the “privatisation” of the Post Office.

“In this regard, Malatsi has said the pursuance of private financial and operational partners will enable serious consideration of privatisation scenarios as a preferential option to further funding from the fiscus,” she said.

Diko added that SAPO is a strategic state institution with an important mandate to connect people to one another and to the government in a fast-evolving technological age.

“As such, it must remain in the hands of the state, not beholden merely to commercial interests but committed to delivering on its universal services obligations espoused in the Postal Services Act of 1998. 

“Further, the position of government cannot and should not shy away from unreservedly supporting the rescue and resuscitation efforts at the Post Office by, amongst others, preserving, protecting and extending its competitive advantage as provided for in law to reserve its exclusive licence to provide postal services for all parcels weighing under 1kg,” she said.

Diko said such measures and other revenue-generating initiatives, including leveraging its extensive property portfolio, more deliberate action to expand government-to-government procurement spent towards the Post Office, and enhanced and synergistic public sector partnerships, will go a long way to turning around the Post Office.

She said the committee reiterates its position that the Business Rescue Practitioners have failed to deliver on their mandate to rescue, stabilise and ensure the long-term commercial viability of the Post Office.

Diko said consequently, the committee shall invite Malatsi to explain his vision of the organisation and present to the committee all different scenarios with evidence and financial implications for each option.

“We support partnerships with the private sector to leverage resources, skills and market access, but that is not privatisation. It is strategic partnerships where risks are shared, not a scenario where the state carries the risks and capital monopolises the upside.

“That is an old model of public-private partnerships. We want to see clearly thought-out plans that build the capacity of state institutions whilst making SAPO commercially viable,” she said.

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Agriculture Committee Chair reiterates role of Agriculture in SA’s economy

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By REGINALD KANYANE

3 October 2024—The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Dina Pule, today stressed the important role of Agriculture in the South African economy. Pule said this is despite agriculture only contributing a relatively small share of 2.8% to the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

She further said this when she addressed the annual State of the Beer Economy event, which was held at the Caledon Farm Research & Development Facility in Caledon, in the Western Cape today, where the South African Breweries (SAB) showcased its significant contribution to the agricultural economy.

The event, which was attended by members of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and the Minister of Agriculture, offered an in-depth exploration of the beer sector’s shared value and its inclusive role in growing the economy.

“While agricultural contribution can be seen as relatively small compared to the contribution of other sectors, that does not make it less important. The sector has relatively large linkage effects with the rest of the country’s economy, and when considering the whole agricultural value chain, the sector is estimated to contribute up to 12% to the national GDP.

 “As we all know, South Africa has a dual agricultural economy characterised by a well-developed, highly productive and export-oriented commercial sector and emerging smallholder and subsistence-oriented sectors that are often under-resourced and concentrated in the country’s rural and former homeland areas,” said Pule.

She added that the challenges facing emerging producers in agriculture, which she said are attributed to, among other things, a lack of financial and technical support, marketing infrastructure and market knowledge, and insufficient produce volumes.

Pule commended the investments that the SAB has made, including its partnerships, in the development of emerging producers to address some of the challenges of the emerging sector. She said the committee applauds the SAB for sourcing 95% of ingredients for beer making from local farmers when some industries may choose to rely on cheap imports at the expense of local producers and thus transferring job opportunities elsewhere.

“We are happy to learn that SAB’s research activities are not only confined to barley and hops, the main ingredients in beer making, but wheat, canola and other crops to develop the agricultural sector and support local farmers,” said Pule.

Meanwhile, the partnerships between the SAB’s Research and Development Centre and other research institutions to strengthen local capacity in technology and innovation were commended by Pule and she called for the support of those partnerships.

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