Picture: The Uniting Reformed Church in Taung calls on GBV victims to speak up/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Uniting Reformed Church (URC) in Taung said it will intensify the fight against abuse of Women and Children. On Saturday, the church embarked on a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign to create awareness. The chairperson of Uniting Reformed Church’s youth structure in Hopetown, Northern Cape, Michelle Moss said the awareness campaign is essential because it will assist those who experience the abuse to speak up. She further said that GBV is a societal issue that needs everyone’s attention. 

“We have hosted Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign to create awareness for future generations. This is a quest to ensure that, GBV is eradicated and we go back to the time where we can walk freely without any fear of being attacked.

“So, it is imperative to shape our children as they are the leaders of tomorrow. They should know that, there is a safer future waiting for them,” she said.

A social worker from Pudimoe Crisis Centre, Karabo Gaselebelwe shared the same sentiments. Gaselebelwe said, that as the centre, they ensure that the victims of GBV receive the necessary support. 

“We are indeed in support of this campaign. The aim is to create awareness against abuse of Women and Children. So, as the centre, we provide accommodation to the victims of GBV and we are grateful that, we receive full support from the government.

“We receive a stipend from the North West Department of Social Development. We are also working together with other stakeholders such as SAPS, North West Department of Health and others,” she said.

One of the co-founders of the GBV campaign at Uniting Reformed Church (URC), Mathwai Gaanabo said: “It was important to form a GBV campaign in our church because people tend to forget that, things like these can also affect churchgoers.

“Unfortunately, one of our youth in Maquassi Hills was raped by five men. That alone encouraged us to come up with this initiative and create awareness. We cannot fold our hands while heinous crimes are happening within the church.”

Gaanabo further said churches at large need to discuss this and not only focus on the bible. He added that working with other stakeholders will be fruitful and change the mindsets of many people.

“If we create the platform, those who have experienced that can be able to come forward and share their stories. This will also encourage those perpetrators to realise what they are doing is inhumane too,” said Gaanabo.

Meanwhile, the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile said the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations campaign, which is held annually from 25 November (International Day for No Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

Mashatile said other key commemorative days observed annually during these 16 days, include World Aids Day on 1 December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.

“This year marks the 25^th anniversary since South Africa initiated the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. The 16 Days campaign focuses on raising awareness of the devastating impact that GBVF has on women and children, and the social fabric of our society.

“The campaign Was launched on 25 November 2023 in Mpumalanga Province and the theme for the 16 Days of Activism Campaign for 2023 was: “Accelerating actions to end Gender-Based Violence & Femicide: leaving no one behind”. The sub-theme for this year is: “Safe access for women to clean water: a basic human right”,” he said.

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By OBAKEG MAJE

A former employee at Omnia Group, Baart van Vuuren (52) is expected to appear in the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for fraud and theft. Van Vuuren was employed by Omnia Group to sell fertiliser on behalf of the company to farmers in the Bloemhof area.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, the reports suggest that, between 2021 and 2022, van Vuuren stole fertiliser from the company and sold it to his friends and customers, who were not in the company’s database. Myburgh further said the accused then pocketed the money to the tune of R20 million.

“It was only discovered after an audit that the company suffered a loss of R20 million due to the conduct of the accused. As a result, he was arrested and charged with 108 counts of fraud and theft.

“However, van Vuuren became a fugitive after he missed his court date and allegedly fled to the United States of America (USA). The Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant of arrest arrested against him,” she said.

Myburgh added that the long arm of the law caught up with van Vuuren on 29 November 2023 at the Namibian border post, where he was arrested. She said the accused was taken to Bloemhof and briefly appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on 1 December 2023, where he was remanded in custody.

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players celebrating a win/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Banyana Banyana qualified for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 (3-1 aggregate) victory over Burkina Faso in a second-leg qualifier at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Monday afternoon. The game also served as veteran defender Janine Van Wyk’s farewell match after she officially bowed out of the sport as the most capped African player (men or women).

Van Wyk was substituted in the 8th minute and walked out to a standing ovation at the Atteridgeville venue, with the player’s parents and members of her club JVW in attendance in the stands.

The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s team had a slow start to the game as coach, Desiree Ellis’ charges tried to find a way past the visitors. Burkina Faso stood their ground in the opening minutes and the two sides were deadlocked at 0-0 at the break.

The second half was a different ball game with the crowd serving as the 12^th man and the pressure finally told after the Banyana Banyana attack won a penalty in the 53^rd minute. Linda Motlhalo converted from the spot to give her side the lead.

The goal was a motivation for the home side as they pushed to end the year on a high note. Second-half substitute, Nicole Michael finally scored her first-ever Banyana Banyana goal in the 86^th minute to ensure that, the African Champions will return to Morocco to defend their continental title.

Faith Nokuthula also made her debut for Banyana Banyana as she was introduced in the 90^th minute. Banyana Banyana will return to action in February 2024 to continue with 2024 Olympic qualifications.

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Picture: Some of the suspects arrested during Operation Shanela/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 500 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Safer Festive Season Shanela over the weekend. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the operation was conducted across the province.

Myburgh further said amongst others, 18 out of 579 suspects who were arrested, were for drug-related offenses. She added that 12 were for dealing in liquor, 27 for driving under the influence of liquor, two for possession of firearms and ammunition as well as 28 undocumented persons who were handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for further processing.

“Twenty suspects were arrested for murders, six attempted murders, five for robbery, 137 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), five for business robbery, 18 for burglaries, 26 for malicious property damage, three for rape and 62 for assault common.

“During the operations, five firearms with ammunition, six cellular phones as well as a variety of drugs, liquor, and 60kg precious metals were confiscated. Some of the suspects have already appeared before the courts, while others are expected to make their respective court appearances this week in various courts around the province,” she said.

Myburgh said during the operations, 47 premises were searched, eight roadblocks were held, 113 licensed liquor premises were inspected and 12 unlicensed liquor premises were closed down. She said, furthermore, 2402 persons and 1 077 vehicles were searched.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said the police will continue to work hard together with other government departments to ensure the safety of the community, especially now that schools and tertiary institutions are closing down for summer holidays.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to double life imprisonment for rape by the Bloemhof Regional Court. Pule Kgosimore (40) was sentenced to double life imprisonment on two counts of rape, 15 years for rape and a further 5 years for housebreaking.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Kgosimore, who was on parole on a rape conviction, was arrested on 8 February 2019, following a rape incident that occurred on 4 February 2019 at Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof.

“Kgosimore broke into a house and found two sisters aged 27 and 37 sleeping. He subsequently produced a sharp object and threatened them before raping them repeatedly. Following his arrest, the DNA results linked him to another rape case that occurred on 15 January 2017.

“A woman (58) went to a neighbour’s house to look for her husband. While knocking on the door, the accused accosted her from behind and dragged her to a nearby open field and raped her. He pleaded not guilty to all charges,” he said.

Mamothame further said the court ordered that Kgosimore’s name be entered into the register of sexual offenders. He added that Kgosimore was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and unfit to work with children and the elderly. 

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Jimmy Tamele, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. Tamele argued on the propensity of the accused to commit rape and the traumatic state it creates for the victims.

Magistrate Lincoln Matjele agreed with the state and remarked on the prevalence of rape in the country.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Sergeant Pule Morake from the South African Police Service (SAPS), and other role players, who ensured that justice was served to the victims and their families.

She also urged members of society to be extra vigilant as the country enters a period where crime is rampant.

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Picture: Nurses during Prayer’s Day in Vryburg

By OBAKENG MAJE

Nurses at Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg said they will continue to prove expertise and high care to patients with diligence. On 30 November 2023, the nurses convened a Prayer’s Day at the hospital to introspect and appreciate their selflessness in rendering quality health care in the district.

The acting Director of the Provincial Nursing Directorate, Syntheria Mendela said, the prayer serves as a celebration to appreciate the work nurses do and to give them strength, especially looking at the kind of work nurses do such as taking care of the patients.

Mendela further said the interaction of the nursing directorate with nurses in various districts through prayer is to support nurses to improve the quality of nursing.

“It is a way of identifying gaps that need to be closed so that they can do more and to support them in everything they do and solve problems they encounter.

“Nurses should make use of their provincial office when faced with challenges and also help them eradicate negative stereotypes always associated with nursing. The prayer served as a thank you to God for safeguarding nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

Mendela further said Nurse’s Prayer Day is to acknowledge the unwavering resilience projected by nurses. She added that it is time to reflect on the importance of nurse’s well-being and also to applaud them for offering solace to patients.

“Nurses’ roles range from direct patient care and case management to establishing nursing practice standards, developing quality assurance procedures, and directing complex nursing care systems,” said Mendela.

Offering the word of God, Pastor Veronica Jantjie shared the same sentiments. Jantjie said nurses are helpers (e.g help the sick, comfort the bereaved, and help the suicidal through counseling.)

“Nurses are spiritual beings in the context that their spirituality is inclined to saving lives. Your job as a nurse is to lift up patients spiritually when they are frustrated and those who are bedridden.

“The role of nurses and their obligation to patients is not to limit themselves. So, I would like to advise them to do good for other people not for the benefit of self. The nurses also had an opportunity to watch a role play, which taught them what to do in the performance of their duties,” she said.

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Setshwantsho-papiso: Madi a utswitswe kwa Taung

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mosadi wa dingwaga di le 46 o kgothositswe madi a seatleng a kanang ka R52 000 mo letsatsing la gompieno. Go begwa fa mosadi o, a ne a lebile kwa polokeng kwa tikwatikweng ya Taung (Taung Mall) fa a ne a kgorogelwa ke banna ba le babedi ba ba sa itsiweng.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, banna ba le babedi ba ne ba kgorogela mosadi o, le go sega kgetsana ya gagwe (handbag) ka thipa le go tsaya madi a.

“Go begwa fa banna ba le babedi, ba ne ba itatlhela mo sejanageng se seneng se ba letile, mme se kgwediwa ke banna ba le babedi mo go sone.

“Sejanaga seo, se ne sa inaya naga le go tlogela mosadi o a iphotlhere. Kgetsi ya kgothoso ene ya bulwa, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse. Sepodisi se ikuela go baagi go se tshole madi a mantsi mo go bone,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Picture: The alleged illegal miners arrested/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects who were arrested for unlawful possession of gold-bearing material and processing machinery, are set to do bail applications at Brits Magistrate’s Court on 4 December 2023.

Amarashe Mahlanga (35) and Alista Mahlanga (23) were arrested by the Brits Crime Intelligence and the Trio Task Team who descended on unsuspecting illegal miners in an abandoned building at Letlhakaneng and Letlhabile village, outside Brits on 29 November 2023 at around 10am.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the accused persons were allegedly found busy washing soil containing gold-bearing material.

“The police proceeded to their home, which was close by and pieces of gold were allegedly found in their rooms,” she said.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, hailed the collaborative nature of the operation and thanked all role players involved. Kwena further issued a stern warning to illegal miners about their criminal activities and added that mining is the highest contributor to the economy, making it a priority and worth protecting.

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Picture: the winner of the 2019 African Union Continental Teacher’s Award, Agnes Rasesemola/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they are happy that the inclusion of the winner of the 2019 African Union Continental Teacher’s Award, Agnes Rasesemola will boost a large number of officials, who now represent the country at an international level.

Motsumi further said Rasesemola is attending a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 4 to 5 December 2023. She added that the AU called a meeting on advancing the AU Continental Teacher’s Award and recognition, implementation, and the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

“The meeting is going to discuss the Continental Teachers Qualification Framework, Teaching of STEM in AU member states, to align, understand, and commit to the Continental Teachers Qualification Framework with the awarded teachers in 2023.

“Rasesemola is a motivation to other teachers in the province. On behalf of the department, I believe Rasesemola is a positive motivation to other teachers in this province. She has proven that hard work pays, all this success she is receiving today is through her resilience, dedication, and hard work,” said Motsumi. 

She said as the department, they are proud of Rasesemola and many other teachers are looking up to her. Motsumi said they believe that everything she is going to discuss in Ethiopia, she will share it with schools in the province.

Rasesemola is expected in the country on 6 December 2023.

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Picture: The North West Premier, Bushy Maape

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Premier, Bushy Maape said the investment pledges made during the investment dinner at Sun City Super Bowl in Rustenburg in September 2023, will boost the economy of the province. Maape said the province successfully secured 30 investment commitments to the value of R132.4 billion.

“Of the original 30 projects, 15 have been confirmed and are at different stages of readiness. These kinds of investments are set to rejuvenate the economy of the province and create much-needed jobs for locals.

“The North West Provincial Executive Council has during its meeting held on 29 November 2023, received a report on progress regarding the pledges made by investors. The confirmed projects have a total value of R45,398 billion,” he said.

Maape further said five projects are ready for implementation and will be rolled out in the next three months, while four projects will be ready in the next six to twelve months. He added that several more projects will be processed in the next two years.

“The Executive Council also received progress on the Bojanala Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is envisaged to offer a diversity of industrial, business, and investment opportunities while transforming the region into a sustainable beneficiation hub for mineral and agro-processing as well as manufacturing.

“The SEZ is expected to create 100 construction sites and close to 1000 jobs in the next twelve months. Furthermore, the Executive Council reflected on the disturbing phenomenon of violence in schools, particularly instances where gangsters have been forcefully gaining entry into schools,” said Maape.

He said the Executive Council has resolved that a minimum of two security personnel be appointed through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) as an interim measure, while a lasting solution is being sought. Maape said the Executive Council expressed satisfaction at the rollout of the Accelerated Service Delivery Thuntsha Lerole Programme in various municipalities across the province.

“This week, the government will visit Ditsobotla Local Municipality to reinforce its ongoing commitments to address service delivery challenges confronting this municipality,” said Maape.

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