Category Archives: NEWS

A learner killed in a scholar transport bus fiasco  

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he is saddened by the death of a learner as a result of an alleged recklessness of a scholar transport bus driver. It is alleged that learners at Motsaalore Secondary School in Khunotswane village, near Mahikeng, were leaving for home as usual in the afternoon on Wednesday, 17 July 2024 and boarded their scholar transport bus. 

It is reported that a short distance from the school, a learner began to jump from a bus while in motion as the driver allegedly was driving recklessly and lost control of the bus. According to school management who briefed the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng on the morning of Thursday, 18 July 2024, when he visited the school, the driver was allegedly not sober and returned to the school yard after children had all jumped off the bus. 

“The learners who reside about 13km from the school completed their journey on foot. On arrival at the school, the driver seemed not to be aware of the incident that took place. 

“We were only made aware by some enraged community members, who came running after the bus and told us of the unfortunate incident. However, the driver who appeared delirious at that time, denied the incident and claimed he had ensured the bus doors were closed,” said a teacher.  

The ambulance was called and it was then that one of the three learners who had jumped off the bus was found to have passed on. Two other learners were transferred to the nearest hospital. 

Meanwhile, Morweng expressed shock and sadness for the young life lost. He said an investigation will be conducted and necessary action as per the service level agreement would be taken against the contracted operator. 

“One lost life of a child is a loss to the society and sends deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the school. This is a very sad and heart-breaking situation. I must say that I’m very disappointed with this kind of behaviour, where a person old enough to discern wrong from right ends up being the one who puts the lives of learners at risk. 

“We are trying by all means at the department to ensure that our service providers must provide safe and reliable transport to our learners, but unfortunately these are some of the incidents we have to deal with. We are however working on a permanent solution to ensure this doesn’t recur,” he said. 

The driver was immediately arrested and will appear in court on Friday. The scholar transport bus ferries learners from Matlhase village to Motsaalore Secondary school in Khunotswane village.

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Municipality to discuss mayor’s accident 

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Picture: Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) will have a special council meeting at Depot Hall in Taung on 19 July 2024. The municipal council that will be convened at 11am, is expected to discuss the investigation on mayoral car accident. 

This comes after the embattled municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe crashed a R700 000 BMW X3 belonging to the municipality a few weeks ago. It is alleged that Gaoraelwe was accosted by unknown assailants who shot at him. 

This resulted in him losing control of the vehicle and crashing the gate. However, there are allegations making rounds that Gaoraelwe had a car accident during the day and later on staged the shooting as a cover-up.    

In a letter, the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai said: “Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 29 (1) of the local government municipal structure act No 117 of 1998, that a special council meeting of Greater Taung Local Municipality will be held on Friday at Depot Hall.”   

Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) said it will table a motion of no confidence against the beleaguered Gaoraelwe. F4SD councillor at the municipality, Mika Moeti, who is also the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance said, Gaoraelwe must pack his bags and go because he is not fit for the position. 

Moeti said, if the ANC wants renewal and vibrant change at the municipality, it must recall Gaoraelwe.

“Gaoraelwe does not have the best interests of the community at heart. He continues to destroy the assets of the municipality and this hampers service delivery. As the municipality, we are committed to positive change and to making a difference in the lives of our residents in all our communities.

“However, we are sickened by the actions of Gaoraelwe. Remember, this is not for the first time he crashed the official municipal vehicle. This really shows that he does not respect the institution, the voters and himself,” he said.  

Moeti further said he saw Gaoraelwe on Saturday night allegedly drunk and he was not surprised when he received a report that he crashed the municipal vehicle on Sunday. He added that the municipality never had the mayor who damaged its assets before.

“We had mayors such as Nicholas Khonkhobe, Boitumelo Mahlangu, Kaone Lobelo, including Kgosi Nnyoko Motlhabane and they have never put the municipality in disrepute like this,” said Moeti.

Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said the municipality has allocated security guards for Gaoraelwe.  

“These are not appointments, but provision of security for the mayor. This is part of our responsibility as the municipality. So, we have allocated two security guards at night and one during the day. This should go on until there is no need/perceived threat.

“There is no additional cost as these have been drawn from the quota of security guards we already have as part of our contract with Diphetogo Security Services. Gaoraelwe is on leave until 5 July 24. So, Itumeleng Maribe has been appointed as acting mayor,” he said.

Oliphant said the municipality is aware of the allegations that Gaoraelwe has staged the shooting, but the official information they received was that he collided with the gate as he was trying to evade people, who were chasing him. He said it is their understanding that the case has been reported to the police and the municipality is not able to pronounce itself on the issue at this stage.

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Foreigners defrauded a woman R480 000  

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Picture: Someof cash found in possession of the suspects/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Three foreign nationals aged 30, 34, and 43, were arrested for allegedly defrauding a woman R480 000. This comes after the suspects allegedly convinced a woman to make a loan and hand them over the money to them to pray for it to accumulate value.

The members of Upington Border Police followed up on a crime Intelligence tip-off about suspects in the process of defrauding a woman. ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela said they did a preliminary investigation, while trying to locate the victim to stop the transaction. 

Masegela said on 18 July 2024, the victim was traced and confirmed that she made a loan of R600 000 and had already paid R480 000 in cash to the suspects the previous day. 

“After searching for the suspects where they operate with no success, new information was received that they left Upington. They were apprehended on the N14 before reaching Olifantshoek with the assistance of ZFM High-Way Patrol.

“An amount of R345 000 was found in their possession. The police caution the public to avoid becoming victims by falling prey to such scams. The police will work tirelessly to clamp down fraudulent activities and scams in the ZF Mgcawu District,” she said. 

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Springboks inspire next generation at Engen Get into Rugby Festival

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Picture: Springbok players engage with learners/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The future of South African rugby was inspired on 18 July 2024, when Engen in partnership with SA Rugby, successfully held the Engen Get into Rugby festival at the Mangaung Cricket Oval in Bloemfontein.

The nationwide programme targeted at boys and girls between the ages of 6–13 saw a total of 200 kids from ten different schools across Mangaung gathered for a fun-filled morning of touch rugby and interaction with three Springboks players.

Makazole Mapimpi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, as well as Thomas Du Toit, were the three world-champions that made their way to the Engen Get into Rugby to add to the excitement and to the next generation of Springboks, who were all-smiles from seeing and interacting with their heroes.

Speaking from the Mangaung Cricket Oval, Kurt Lee Arendse said it was encouraging to see the excitement of the youngsters.

“Today was such a special day for us as it reminded us of where we used to be at a certain time of our lives. Initiatives such as the Get into Rugby play a huge role in the development of rugby as this affords them an opportunity to be introduced to the sport at a young age. 

“It was also encouraging to see the huge smiles and excitement on their faces and the joy they experience when playing rugby. This is one of the many reasons why rugby is important for the development of children. It brings joy and an opportunity to engage with children from different backgrounds,” said Arendse.

The Engen Get into Rugby festivals also offer young, aspirant rugby coaches, both male and female, an opportunity to develop their rugby coaching skills – a key aspect that aligns with Engen Sports’ values of creating a holistic platform for youth sport development.

Speaking on the importance of the programme from a coach’s perspective, Martin Lekhanya said the programme not only offers an opportunity for aspiring rugby players, but young coaches also having the opportunity to harness their skills of working with players and teams from a young age.

“This is one of the most important programmes in the development of rugby in South Africa. Not only does it expose children to rugby, but aspiring coaches are able to learn how to work and coordinate groups, which is key in being a rugby coach” said Lekhanya.

For more information on the Engen Get into rugby programme, visitwww.engensports.co.za

Primary Schools in attendance on Thursday, 18 July:

Joe Solomon Primary School

Credence Primary School

Olympia Primary School

Karabelo Primary School

Mabolela Primary School

Rutanang Primary School

Lesedi Primary School

St Mary’s Primary School

Morafe Primary School

Phahamisang Primary School

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Disadvantaged learners receive bicycles 

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Picture: Learners receive bicycles at Mmakgaje Secondary School in Moshana village, near Zeerust/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has reaffirmed his commitment to transform lives of the most disadvantaged in society. In upholding the legacy of Nelson Mandela, Morweng spent the day with learners of Mmakgaje Secondary School in Moshana village, near Zeerust.  

During this occasion, he distributed 80 Shova Kalula bicycles to learners who walk no less than 3km to school. As a former learner at the school, Morweng is dedicated to ensure that the future of the current generation is secured. 

“We should be relentless about limiting conditions that prohibit learning. Dr Nelson Mandela has instilled in all of us a great sense of humility and humbleness. Moreover, it is because of him that we fully comprehend that education is a great equator.

“A daughter of peasant can become a doctor. I leave you with those words of Tata Madiba, that you use education as a tool to reach for your dreams. That is the reason why we saw it fit to bring our campaign here today,” he said. 

Morweng further encouraged them to prioritise their education against the social ills that many of them face. He added that many learners face the difficulty of having to travel to school by foot. 

“Very often, on rough terrain and harsh weather conditions. The department, through the Shova Kalula bicycles limits these difficult conditions for learners, by making school easily accessible so that learning continues to uninterrupted. 

“Shova Kalula is a programme aimed at accommodating learners, who do not qualify for scholar transport service but still travel a distance of 3-5km between school and their homes,” said Morweng.

Meanwhile, the school principal, Phutulogo Mokgotu welcomed the gesture, adding that the school will be able to meet their desired pass targets of 90% in the upcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination. 

“We have re-focused our efforts to ensure that learners attend their extra classes, as well as weekend lessons.  This is now very much possible by the mobility solution presented by the department,” he said.

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Disability Care Centre lauded for taking care of disadvantaged individuals  

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Picture: North West MEC for Public Works and Transport Management, Elizabeth Mokua visiting Tsholetsa Disability Care Centre in Tlhabane, Rustenburg/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE 

North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua handed over the caretakership agreement to the Tsholetsa Disability Care Centre in Tlhabane, Rustenburg. Mokua said this is the first of its kind for the department. 

She further said the centre operates from one of the department’s under-utilised buildings that was previously Iteko Special School. Mokua added that the caretaker agreement means that the department will still own the building, while the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) that runs the centre will be renting it at no cost. 

“This arrangement will run for 36 months with an option for renewal. The centre, which has 76 beneficiaries, runs a number of skills development programmes that are aimed at empowering persons with disabilities. 

“These include, among others, arts and crafts, aluminium manufacturing; brick-making; gardening as well as entrepreneurship and financial literacy courses. I would like to commend the centre manager and founder, Richard Tlhogwe, for his bravery and vision. 

“As we commemorate the day dedicated to a true selfless leader, Nelson Mandela, we should appreciate the work that you are doing that embodies the principles of Tata Madiba,” she said. 

Mokua said instead of Tlhogwe to just focus on himself, he made a bold move and chose not to just empower himself, but also extended services by assisting people with disability and many others related designated groups from the area. 

She said poverty continues to be a thorny issue that needs to be eradicated and said the centre was doing well in the fight against the scourge by establishing a vegetable garden that contributes to food security in society. 

“Tsholetsa is not only uplifting beneficiaries at this centre, but it is also uplifting the standard of living in the section in which they are located by developing their capacity and putting food on the table,” said Mokua.   

Meanwhile, Tlhogwe expressed his appreciation to the department, saying that the caretaker agreement was a culmination of a journey that started many years ago when he decided to create a platform not only for persons with disabilities like himself, but also for the unemployed youth in his area. 

“A lot of us are talented, but we did not have a platform or place where we would be allowed to express and showcase our talents. Establishing this centre was one way of creating a one stop centre, where people can hone their skills while also making a living,” he said.

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Netball South Africa gives back on Nelson Mandela Day

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Picture: The Netball South Africa players visit Lerato House Centre as part of Mandela Day celebration/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

On Nelson Mandela Day, the compassionate team at Netball South Africa (NSA), dedicated their day to volunteering at the Lerato House in Arcadia, Pretoria. It was a heart-warming day filled with acts of kindness and community engagement.

The Netball SA president, Cecilia Molokwane said the theme for this year that guided NSA’s decision was: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Molokwane said Lerato House stands as a refuge for girls who have endured the horrors of child prostitution, child trafficking, and sexual abuse. 

“Within its walls, it offers a secure and nurturing sanctuary for girls aged 8 to 18, who have faced such traumatic experiences. NSA’s Mandela Day event displayed the team’s commitment to giving back to the community and empowering vulnerable groups.

“On this Nelson Mandela Day in the Government of National Unity (GNU), we reflect on the values of Ubuntu and servant leadership that Madiba embodied. As organisation and sportspeople, we are committed to uniting, giving back to our communities, and making a positive impact on the lives of our people,” she said. 

Molokwane further said to perform acts of kindness not out of obligation, but because of genuine desire. She added that it is important to celebrate this day with love, unity, and tranquillity. 

Meanwhile, Lerato House Centre Manager, Elizabeth Mashego said: “NSA’s visit was a beacon of hope for our girls. We are grateful for their kindness, compassion, and dedication to making a difference.”

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‘Plough back to the community you come from’ 

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari painting a wall at Ga-Motla Clinic in Moretele/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has today made his contribution to the Nelson Mandela ideals of servant leadership by leading a team of stakeholders to revamp Ga-Motla Clinic in Moretele. 

Those who attended the event included the Moretele Local Municipality councillors, Executive Managers of the Department, community leaders, nurses, and Community Health Workers (CHWs).  

While addressing participants before activities could start, Lehari gave a background of his relationship with the community of Ga-Motla and the importance of ploughing back to the community he comes from. 

“I grew up in this community and this clinic has been here serving our people for years. We need to improve on it and that is why I am here today. We are going to revamp its paint work, fix fencing, clean it inside out, help sort out filing and anything that needs my attention. 

“I also encourage participants to be of service to the community because it is what Ntate Nelson Mandela was all about. Nelson Mandela International Day is the day that is recognized not only here in our country, but all over the world,” he said. 

Lehari further said it is the day that even the United Nation recognizes and has it on their calendar. He added that in saying so, he invited everyone to mark the Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in their own communities.  

“This call recognizes that everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better. This is the day for all of us to take part in an activity that will inspire change and improve the material conditions of our people”, said Lehari.

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Grade 12 learners in Reivilo who ‘cheated’ during final examinations still in limbo 

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Picture: The Reivilo High School in Taung 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Grade 12 learners from Reivilo High School in Taung, who were allegedly found guilty of engaging in irregular practices to obtain an unfair advantage during the writing of the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, said it is devastating to be in limbo, while waiting for a decision from the Department of Basic Education (DBE). 

It is alleged that accounting learners cheated and the North West Department of Education withheld their results. However, one of the affected learners who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, alleged that even though they cheated during the final examinations, teachers were also involved.

“The question paper was leaked by certain teachers and we had to fork R3000 per learner. So, I’m still sitting at home without knowing my fate. It is true that our results were withheld and the department said, we will only be eligible to write the accounting question paper in November 2025.

“We are prohibited from writing the subject for two years. They said we will only be allowed to write the November 2024 examination, once the sanction period has expired,” she said.

She said this has affected her livelihoods because she does not know what the future holds for her anymore. According to the learner, nothing has been done to those teachers who were implicated in cheating, but only learners were forced to bear the brunt. 

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “Remember, this particular issue lies with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) now. They are the ones in charge and investigating it. So, that means as the MEC affected, I must find ways to write to the DBE and request a final report on the matter. Indeed, this issue deals with the future of Grade 12 learners, who were affected including teachers who were implicated. 

“So, we must find closure as a matter of urgency, more especially as we prepare for the National Senior Certificate examinations for 2024 academic year. We need to make sure that this matter reaches its finality.”

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Former SABC news anchor, Dr Ezekiel Matjila conferred with honorary doctorate  

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Picture: Renowned broadcaster and former SABC news anchor, Dr Ezekiel Masego Matjila/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West University (Mafikeng campus) has today bestowed an honorary doctorate to the renowned broadcaster and former SABC newsreader, Masego Ezekiel Matjila. The NWU said in a statement that Matjila has demonstrated significant dedication in promoting the Setswana language at the SABC.

“He started his career more than 30 years ago as an on-air radio personality for Radio Setswana, which later became Motsweding FM after merging with Radio Mmabatho. During this time, he also managed the archives for Radio Setswana, the Afrikaans Service, Radio Ndebele (Ikwekwezi FM), and Radio Swazi (Ligwalagwala FM).

“His exceptional broadcasting skills and language proficiency, led to his appointment as a Setswana sports commentator for SABC Topsport (SABC Sports). He was later seconded to the News department, where he worked as a Sesotho, Sepedi and Setswana prime-time news presenter from 1993 until his retirement in 2021.”

The university further said Matjila also served as a bulletin editor and executive producer. It added that he advocated for more multi-lingual youth programmes on SABC2, noting that Setswana, Sepedi, and Sesotho-speaking youth were underrepresented. 

“Matjila’s efforts at the SABC earned him numerous awards, including Best News Writer (SABC, 2008) and Commentator of the Year: AFCON 1996.

“His contributions to South African society, particularly in promoting the Sesotho, Sepedi, and Setswana languages in broadcasting, are noteworthy. The honorary doctorate from the NWU recognises these significant contributions.”

Matjila said: “I am so humbled to receive this kind of accolade. I am so happy and I wish I could jump in joyous celebration.” 

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi congratulated Matjila for his impeccable work in promoting Setswana in broadcast media and in particular news. Mokgosi said Bra Eazy as Matjila is affectionately known in the news and communications fraternity, grew up at Mogotlhwaneng village, near Moretele and joined SABC in the early 80’s as an on air presenter for the erstwhile Radio Setswana.

“After the country’s democratic breakthrough, the latter was merged with then Radio Mmabatho culminating in the formation of Motsweding Fm broadcasting from the provincial capital of the North West Province, Mahikeng. 

“During this period, Dr Matjila transitioned to a Television News Anchor on SABC 2, where he also served as an Executive Producer and Editor for the Setswana, Sesotho and Sepedi bulletins until his retirement in 2021,” he said. 

Mokgosi said Matjila is credited for his proficiency in Setswana, where he also used folklore and allegory in many of the news stories he broadcast. He said Matjila’s claims in promotion for the Setswana language in the mainstream media was meticulous.

“As the province, we congratulate Dr Matjila on this important accolade. He played an instrumental role in keeping us abreast of the developments in the country and abroad through a language that we can understand. 

“With a career spanning over three decades, we maintain that Dr Matjila served the country with distinction. Part of the nation building project after 1994 was equitable representation of all languages and cultures in our public broadcaster,” said Mokgosi. 

He said broadcasters like Matjila, were torch bearers in seeing to the success of this project and for that, they thank him. Mokgosi said Dr Matjila is expected to be one of his guests of honour at the official opening of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in the next few days. 

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