Category Archives: NEWS

NWU alumnus honoured for his contribution in agriculture

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Picture: North West University (NWU) alumnus, Chris van Dyk/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

17 September 2024- North West University (NWU) alumnus, Chris van Dyk who was recently bestowed with the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering’s (SAIIE) Best Industrial Engineering Practitioner – Employer’s Choice Award said, he is grateful with his achievements.

Van Dyk said the award demonstrates his contributions to the field of agriculture and the respect he has earned from peers and employers as business analyst at Taaibosch Piggery. Reflecting on his career path, van Dyk said he started thinking about his future, while he was doing his third year.

“In my third year at the NWU, I started thinking about which industry I wanted to enter as an industrial engineer. I found that agriculture, with its increasing reliance on technology and data management, was intriguing.

“Interestingly, industrial engineering is still a relatively new field within the agricultural industry. After graduating with a degree in industrial engineering in 2021, I saw an opportunity to enter this sector,” he said.

Van Dyk further said the opportunity came through job openings shared by the School of Industrial Engineering. He added that he applied for the position at Taaibosch, and the rest is history.

“This marked the beginning of my career in agriculture as an industrial engineer. My work at Taaibosch presented me with unique challenges. Working as an engineer at a piggery, made me realise that I needed to prioritise the success of others, which led to opportunities and successful projects.

“So, receiving the SAIIE award made me reflect on the impact of my work. This recognition made me understand the significance and relevance of my contributions,” said van Dyk.

He said it also reinforced the importance of collaboration, to advance people, farms and the industry. Van Dyk said he is now focusing on a long-term project to introduce a learning enterprise structure to farming, inspired by the Toyota Way.

“The Toyota Way is a set of principles defining the organisational culture of Toyota. A learning enterprise with a core philosophy of scientific thinking could benefit farms as businesses and improve the lives of those involved.

“I am currently pursuing a master’s degree and my research focuses on the relationship between farm administration and quality management. I continue to work as a business analyst for Taaibosch Piggery,” he said.

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Dagga worth R340 000 confiscated

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Picture: The dagga worth R340 000 confiscated by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 September 2024- A man (40) was arrested for allegedly dealing in dagga. This comes after the vigilance and alert action by the Deben Station Commander, Captain Mosimaneotsile Letsapa on 16 September 2024.

This resulted in the arrest and seizure of dagga worth almost R340 000. Letsapa, who was en-route to Kathu driving on R380 road, noticed a suspicious silver Toyota Verso Sedan driving in the direction of Deben.

“I activated my members, who responded swiftly and spotted the vehicle. The members stopped and searched the vehicle and found dagga with an estimated street value of R340 000.

“The vehicle was also confiscated as it was utilized in the commission of a crime. The suspect is expected to appear in the Kathu Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Commissioner, Major General Johnny Besnaar, commended the vigilance of the police, stating that criminals will not be tolerated in his district and their space to operate will be squeezed to zero.

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Police are looking for missing Shewan Cherman van Staden

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Picture: The missing Shewan Cherman van Staden/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 September 2024- The police in Upington are requesting the assistance of the public to locate missing man, Shewan Cherman van Staden (29) of Louisvaleweg. According to the ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela, Shewan was last seen on 27 August 2024, in Leseding when he went to visit his aunt, but never returned home.

“He was last seen wearing a purple jacket with blue denim pants. Anyone with information can contact the investigation officer, Sergeant Tsaone Motshwari on 082 495-4615 or 054 337 3435.

“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a missing person,” she said.

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VIP Protection Unit police officers sentenced to three years imprisonment for theft

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 September 2024- Two Members of South African Police Service’s VIP Protection Unit were sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for theft. In 2014, both accused, Michael Sibiya (48) and Tebogo Noe (46), were on duty in the Upington area when they visited the local mall and stumbled upon cash to the value of R60 000.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said, instead of making attempts to locate the owner, the duo decided to buy flashlights and hid the money inside the box. Thebe said they attempted to send their new found loot to their addresses back in Kimberley through the local courier.

“However, local courier employees in Upington became suspicious and opened the package. Cash was found and they immediately notified Upington Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks.

“Sibiya and Noe were immediately placed under arrest. The court found the two police officers guilty in January 2016 after a lengthy trial. Sentencing took place on 16 September 2024 after numerous delay tactics by the duo,” he said.

Thebe further said both accused were found guilty and fined R30 000 each, to be paid in monthly instalments or alternative three years imprisonment suspended for five years. He added that Sibiya and Noe were further declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Stephen Mabuela, welcomed the sentence and said integrity is non-negotiable for police officers, who are found to miss this important trait and they have no place in SAPS.

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The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane appoints NWPTB interim Board

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Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 September 2024- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, has appointed an interim board for the North Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB). Lenkopane said the interim board is led by Advocate Matshidiso Mogale and is deputized by Advocate Obakeng Kgomo.

She further said the interim board is inclusive of representatives from the House of Traditional Affairs and community members from the auspices of People and Parks. Lekopane added that she issued a clear mandate to the interim board, which include amongst others, a transformation of parks in the province and the improved relations with Communal Property Relations (CPAs).

“This includes a review of associations and contracts signed with companies. I have further instructed the interim board to discontinue relations with any association that does not add any value and is financially reliant on the entity without tangible results.

“I’m concerned that the NWPTB and its subsidiaries received adverse audit opinions from the Auditor General (AG) in the last financial year. The AG emphasized matters of material misstatements, which led to the adverse audit opinion,” she said.

Lenkopane said such matters include but are not limited to poor financial controls, lack of consequence management against those who violate the policies of the entity, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. She said amongst other things, the AG recommended that she should take strong measures as the MEC to ensure accountability and good governance.

“It is within that context that I have taken the decision to appoint the interim board that is tasked with improving governance and addressing challenges which affect subsidiaries such as the Golden Leopards Resort (GLR),” said Lenkopane.

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Members of South African Parliament sworn in as PAP members

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By REGINALD KANYANE

17 September 2024 – Members of Parliament (MPs) were sworn in as members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) yesterday. The four members, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Mdumiseni Ntuli, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and Vuyani Pambo, were appointed by both Houses of Parliament to serve as members of the continental legislative body.

The National Assembly spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said they were sworn in yesterday morning during the sitting of the Pan-African Parliament Committees and other PAP organs currently underway in Midrand, Johannesburg. Mothapo said the PAP is a legislative organ of the African Union (AU) as set out by the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community (Abuja Treaty).

“It provides a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent, including matters pertaining to respect for human rights, the consolidation of democratic institutions and the culture of democracy, as well as the promotion of good governance and the rule of law.

“The PAP also promotes, among other things, the coordination and harmonisation of policies, measures, programmes, and activities of the Regional Economic Communities and the parliamentary fora on the continent,” he said.

Mothapo further said during yesterday’s plenary session, the members received presentations on various topics affecting the continent’s development, such as peace and security, climate change, and the poor implementation of Agenda 2063.

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The police officer implicated in a rape scandal suspended

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Picture: The police officer implicated in rape scandal suspended/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 September 2024 – The alleged rape incident against a Lieutenant Colonel attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad in De Aar on 12 August 2024, was reported to the police on 26 August 2024. It is alleged that the incident was immediately reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in order to investigate and arrest.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Mashay Gamieldien said internal disciplinary processes in terms of SAPS Disciplinary Regulations of 2016, were instituted against the officer, who has since been suspended. Gamieldien said all enquiries relating to the criminal case will be responded to by IPID.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reaffirmed that no preferential treatment within the ranks of the organisation will be permitted when members are implicated in criminal activities or gross misconduct.

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Police in North West call on unsuspecting individuals to be wary of fraudsters  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 September 2024 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West said it is perturbed by escalating fraud cases in places like Rustenburg, Hartbeespoort Dam, Lichtenburg and Klerksdorp, among others.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said despite regular warnings and tips by the police and financial institutions, it is apparent that fraudsters continue to defraud unsuspecting members of the community.

“It is vital that caution is exercised when one conducts transactions with companies or individuals.  In Hartbeespoort Dam, bank account holders received calls from a person claiming to be a bank employee responsible for the Fraud Department.

“The caller requested the account holders to urgently log on to their bank App in order to stop fraudulent transactions. Consequent to accessing the details, the suspect withdrew monies from the victim’s accounts,” said Mokgwabone.

He further said still in Hartbeespoort Dam, a victim got a message that he was a beneficiary on the estate of a relative who passed away in a foreign country.  Mokgwabone added that the victim was persuaded to pay a certain amount for taxes and clearance of the inheritance.

“Since then, nothing was heard from the suspect. In some instances, potential car buyers responded to incredibly below the market vehicles sales advertisements on WhatsApp, Facebook and other online platforms. Moreover, the vehicles’ pictures would be shared to entice clients.

“The alleged fraudster/s would further inform potential buyers that the vehicle will be auctioned unless they secure it with a deposit. The fraudster/s would also share fraudulent documents to convince the potential buyers that the deal is legitimate and to pay the balance and delivery fees. However, no vehicle will be delivered,” he said.

Mokgwabone said members of the community are requested to apply safety tips. He said if unsuspecting clients receive suspicious calls, they should hang up immediately and if they feel pressured and call their banks fraud lines.

“A bank employee will never ask you to give them a One Time Pin (OTP). Never give a person your OTP and should at no time supply the requested information to the caller. If you do not know a “family member” who lives in another country, then chances are that there is no person who has left an inheritance for you.

“Do not pay any money for taxes or clearance. Do not pay for a car if you have not viewed it physically. Cars due for auction will be available for viewing at a given physical address and genuine auctioneers will never refuse you access to view the vehicle during business hours,” said Mokgwabone.

He also urged unsuspecting clients to avoid replying to letters / emails / SMSes that fraudsters send to them. Mokgwabone said they should never disclose their ID, Password or Pin to anyone.

“Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts. Be careful of something that looks too good to be true, it usually is,” said Mokgwabone.

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Small scale farmers receive 24 Nguni bulls as donation 

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Picture: North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha together with Agnes Thibelang/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 September 2024- In a bold move to uplift the economic status of farmers and enhance the productivity and value of their livestock, North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, handed over 24 Nguni Bulls to farmers in a ceremony held in Potchefstroom on 13 September 2024. Sambatha said this strategic intervention underscores the department’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable agriculture and driving the prosperity of rural communities across the province.

He further said this latest donation of 24 bulls follows closely on the heels of a similar initiative by the department last month, which specifically targeted female-led farms across the Province. Sambatha added that by increasing access to fertile, productive bulls, the department is taking a crucial step towards improving livestock quality and supporting the long-term economic viability of farmers in the province.

“The donation of resilient Nguni bulls by the department, represents a major effort to boost agricultural productivity and support community-driven farming. Beyond livestock distribution, the initiative underscores the department’s commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening the livestock sector, and promoting sustainable practices for future generations.

“Agriculture plays a critical role in driving economic growth and ensuring food security. The bulls donated today are of high standards. Bulls play a major role in determining the future performance of the herd, and that is why we encourage our farmers to take good care of these bulls, so they can, in turn, take care of them,” he said.

Sambatha highlighted how the Bulls Sire programme is poised to strengthen the red meat commodity in the North West. He further said the handover of the Nguni bulls offers farmers improved livestock genetics, reducing the need for supplementary feeding and veterinary care while boosting milk production, growth rates, and overall livestock productivity.

“The initiative also aligns with the department’s broader goals of promoting rural development and ensuring the sustainability of the livestock sector. The Nguni bulls, beyond their agricultural benefits, serve as symbols of cultural heritage.

“The department is dedicated to enhancing agricultural practices, promoting rural development, and ensuring these contributions have a lasting impact on farming communities throughout the province,” he added.  

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Agnes Thibelang, who is a farmer from Ganyesa, expressed her gratitude for the department’s contribution to the economic development of the province.

“The Nguni breed is well-suited to my dry region due to its adaptability and low maintenance. These bulls are of exceptional quality and will enhance the overall value of my herd,” she said.

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