Setshwantsho: Motho a le mongwe otlhokafetse mo kotsing ya sejanaga kwa tsela-kgolong ya N18
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Motho a le mongwe o tlhokafetse mo kotsing ya tsela gaufi le motse wa Dryharts mo tsela-kgolong ya N18 mo letsatsing la gompieno. Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, ke dijanaga di le pedi tse di amegileng mo kotsing eo.
“Dijanaga di le pedi di ne di kgweetsa mo tseleng ya N18 gaufi le motse wa Dryharts fa se sengwe se labile kwa ntlheng ya Pudimoe, mme se sengwe se lebile kwa ntlheng ya Vryburg. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi mongwe wa sejanaga mo go tsone tse di amegileng, a ne a thula se sengwe mo letlhakoreng.
“Seo, sene sa dira gore mokgweetsi wa sejanaga seo a latlhegelwe ke taolo. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa dingwaga di le 58 a ne a tlhatswa ke sejanaga, mme a tlhokafalela mo lifelong la tiragalo. Motho a le mongwe one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong morago ga go itemogela dikgobalo tse di masisi,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Van Rooyen are dipatlisiso mo kgetsing eno ditsweletse.
Picture: The Police in JTG District celebrate Heritage Day/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mothibistad, Northern Cape celebrated Heritage Day in style on 26 September 2023. The John Taolo Gaetsewe District police spokesperson, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi
Said, the day was filled with fun, laughter, dance, good food, and colourful cultural attire.
Makoloi further said the celebration also acknowledged respect and appreciation to the SAPS members for their hard work and commitment. She added that, participants were from the Mothibistad Detective Branch, VISPOL, and Support services.
“Captain Elisabeth Malesiwe welcomed all participants and outlined the purpose of the day. South Africa is called the ‘‘Rainbow Nation’’ because of its colour and diversity, and unity of various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. Heritage plays an important role in promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, reconciliation, peace, and economic development.
“The Station Commander, Col Moetsi concluded the successful and eventful day by acknowledging and appreciating all the members, who participated and contributed their decorations and positive spirit throughout the day,” said Makoloi.
The police in Kimberley celebrated their Heritage Day at the SANDF Sports Grounds at Diskobolos in Kimberley. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said: “The initiative was spearheaded by the Provincial SAPS Women’s Network and Men for Change structures and celebrated under this year’s heritage month theme: “Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa”.
“The participants were from the SAPS Provincial Components, Frances Baard District Office and stations within the greater Kimberley precinct. The day was graced with the presence of the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Nomandla Bloem, the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services, Maj Gen Henriette De Waal and Ms Dumukazi Magibolo and her delegation from Metropolitan, who were the panel of adjudicators at the event.”
Meanwhile, Bloem said in her keynote address that, South Africa is known as the rainbow nation with all the different cultures and languages. She said South Africa is called the ‘‘Rainbow Nation’’ due to its colour and diversity, and unity of various cultural, racial or ethnic groups.
Picture: Some of the young people at the Landfill Site, where medical waste was allegedly disposed/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West Department of Health is under scrutiny after medical waste and patient records were allegedly found dumped at a landfill site in Ventersdorp. According to the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in North West, Freddy Sonakile, they were shocked after they discovered discarded medical waste and patient records at the landfill site during their oversight visit.
Sonakile further said, they have reported the matter to the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, and called for an urgent investigation into this negligent behaviour.
“Medical waste recklessly discarded poses a serious health risk to people. The disposal of it is heavily regulated to prevent infection of numerous diseases. Patients also have a right to privacy and medical records must be safely stored for at least six years after they become dormant.
“We are also concerned with the unacceptable state of the facility and the risks it poses to the environment. The residents and have lodged a complaint with the Green Scorpions for investigation,” he said.
Sonakile further said, it is quite evident that, the landfill site fails to comply with the national norms and standards for the disposal of waste to landfill as regulated in the National Environment Management: Waste Act. He added that, one cell remains incomplete and the other is unused.
“The landfill site is not properly fenced or secured and the dumped waste is not being classified. Due to the poor fencing, people enjoy free access to the landfill site. We sadly noticed people collecting dumped expired foodstuffs for consumption.
“Children were also playing around the landfill site exposing them to dumped toxic substances putting them at risk of injury or contracting infections. The JB Marks Local Municipality must also account for the poor state of this landfill site,” said Sonakile.
He said the municipality should urgently take action to fence and secure the site. According to Sonakile, the municipality should also ensure proper access control, bring the incomplete and unused cells into operation, and enforce the regulated dumping of waste.
“The Green Scorpions must intervene and hold all stakeholders responsible for the poor state of the landfill site accountable. They must also assess the level of environmental degradation caused by the poor operation of the landfill site, as well as the health impact on the residents living nearby,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “There is no evidence of negligence found. There were no patient records found by the investigation at the dumping site nor was there any evidence of medical waste. Only burnt empty boxes of medicine were found.
“It is true that medical waste poses risks to the public at large and the environment if is incorrectly disposed of. However, no record of incorrect disposal of medical waste was found. Our medical records are kept in safe storage.”
Lekgethwane said the department has piloted digitalization of files at three health facilities in the province thus far.
The Springbok (FCS) Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences unit requests the assistance of the public in tracing Ruwaiden Whitlow (16) from Buffelsrivier near Komaggas.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Ruwaiden is mentally challenged and has been missing since 18 September 2023.
“He was last seen near a farm in Komaggas but allegedly ran away when the police were called. Ruwaiden was last seen wearing a white jacket with blue tracksuit pants and flops at the time he went missing.
“The members of Springbok FCS joined members of Komaggas SAPS, the SAPS Search and Rescue team, and members of the Airline who fine-combed the farms and surrounding areas. Anyone with information can call Capt Love on 0828744532 or SMS anonymously to 32211 or utilize the MySaps App,” he said.
Kock further said the public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing. He added that the investigation continues.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department has concluded the Grade 12 Preparatory Examinations that started on 28 August 2023 and finished on 22 September 2023 with no major incidents reported.
Motsumi lauded teachers and learners for successful exams.
“On behalf of the department, I wish to thank the school community, namely teachers, learners, and parents for the successful preliminary exams.
“I’d like to extend my gratitude to community members for not disturbing schooling during these crucial times. This is a sign of solidarity in the cause of revolutionising education for an African child,” she said.
Motsumi further said, the schools across the province will have spring camps that will run from 29 September until 8 October 2023 to close content gaps in the problematic areas of learning encountered by learners.
She added that, during this time, schools will be on recess until 11 October 2023.
“I would like to thank teachers, learners and parents for the success of the preparatory exams. On behalf of the department, I wish to thank my esteemed teachers, who held the fort to ensure examinations continue with no major incidents.
“I also thank parents for ensuring that, learners are at school on time and affording them the opportunity to write. The Preparatory Examination forms a vital component of candidates’ final School-Based Assessment (SBA) marks,” said Motsumi.
Picture: The policeman, Sergeant Thomas Moleme stationed at the Schweizer Reneke Police Station/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The alleged corrupt policeman, Sergeant Thomas Moleme is expected to briefly appear before Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 27 September 2023. Moleme was arrested for corruption in Schweizer Reneke and was granted a R7000 bail.
Moleme, who was working as a Detective, was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU) in broad daylight on 29 August 2023 in Schweizer Reneke.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Moleme along with a person who accompanied him and introduced himself as Captain, allegedly arrested a suspect for assault in May 2023.
“On their way to the police station, the pair demanded R1000 on behalf of the assault victim on condition that, the latter withdraws the case. The suspect consented to the demand and gave them R1000. Moleme and his companion further demanded R1000 each from the suspect.
“As a result, they were given R2 470 and released the suspect. However, Moleme apparently kept on harassing and demanding money from the suspect. Subsequent to reporting the matter to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU), Moleme was arrested during an undercover operation by the ACIU and Anti-Gang Unit,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and subsequent appearance of the accused in court.
Kwena said dishonesty cannot be tolerated and any South African Police Service (SAPS) employee who acts in an unethical manner, will be brought to book to face the full might of the law.
Picture: Sporadic fires ravaged farms in Danielskuil/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The sporadic wildfires that ravaged farms near R385 road in Danielskuil were extinguished. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said the Postmasburg SAPS, Traffic Department, Fire Department and all other relevant role players assisted with raging fires.
“The fires were sporadic and caused heavy clouds of smoke on the roads. That made the visibility dangerous for motorists driving in the direction of Koopmansfontein, Danielskuil, Lime Acres, and Postmasburg.
Motorists were urged to use alternative routes for their own safety as the situation was becoming dangerous, especially during the night,” said Kock.
Setshwantsho: Baagi ba Itireleng ba tswetse tsela ya N18
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Baagi ba motse wa Itireleng gaufi le Taung, ba tswetse tsela ya N18 e golaganyang Taung le Hartswater mo letsatsing la gompieno. Gape, go begwa fa baagi ba, ba letse ba tshwere molekgotlha wa bone wa ANC, Ntesang Montewa motshwara-kananyo.
Seno se tla morago ga gore, ba kae fa ba na le dingwaga-ngwaga ba ikuela go masepala go ba agela tsela ya pavement ya dikilometara dile 2.5 go tswa kwa motseng wa bone go golaganya tsela-kgolo ya N18.
Mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Itumeleng Pholo are, ba shupa mayara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe ka monwana. Go ya ka Pholo, Gaoraelwe o tsweletse go ba dukolosa sekhi, mme ebile o gana le go kopana le bone.
“Ka 2021, re ile ra kopana le masepala mme o ile wa netefatsa fa tsela e e kopanyang motse wa rona le tsela-kgolo ya N18, e wela mo tlase ga bone. Motsamaisi wa maloba wa masepala, Katlego Gabanakgosi, o ile a dira lekwalo le le shupang fa tsela eo, ele ya masepala mme one a kaya fa council e ncha fa e tsena, e tla dira ka natla gore tsela e agiwe.
“Fela, seo ga sa direga, mme mo ngwaneng o o fetileng, Gaoraelwe one a raya baagi are, mo bekeng ya ntlha ya Phatwe 2023, tsela eo e tlile go ka berekiwa. Fela, go ile ga nna le tshalelo-morago ya tshwetso ya council mme tshwetso eo ene ya tswa ka Sedimonthole 2022. Jaanong, morago ga moo, re ne ra tshepisiwa fa tsela eo e tlile go berekiwa,” Pholo wa tlhalosa.
Pholo are, ene ya re fa tsela e tshwanetswe e agiwa, Gaoraelwe one a ya kwa le kwa ntle le go ba naya ntlha. Pholo are, Gaoraelwe o reile baagi are go na le madi a kanang ka R10 million a betsweng thoko go ka aga tsela eo go tswa kwa Investment Account.
“Jaanong, la bofelo ga gwa feleletsa go ntse jalo. Re ile ra tswelela jalo go ka leka go kopana le Gaoraelwe, mme one a sia-sia. Ka Imbizo e ene ele kwa motseng wa Leshobo, ga ya feleletsa e atlegile, gonne baagi ba ne ba eme ka maoto ba batla tsela. Fela, modulasetulo wa matlole kwa masepaleng, Mika Moeti, one a raya baagi are, ba tlile go arabela dipotso tsa bone pele ga di ura dile 24 di feta. Fela, seo ga sa direga mme ene ya re ka Imbizo ya kwa Extension 7, Gaoraelwe one a dumalana le baagi gore o tla dira letsatsi gore a tle go kopana le baagi ba Itireleng,” Pholo wa tlhalosa.
Pholo are, seo ga sa direga, mme ba ne ba feleletsa ba kwadile makwalo le go dira di petition le go di romela kwa masepaleng. Are, fela seo ga sa thusa gonne Gaoraelwe one a se iponagatse.
“Jaanong, maabane re ne re tshwere kopano ya Community Based Plan (CPB). Baagi ba ile ba feleletsa ba tshwere molekgotlha wa ANC, Ntesang Montewa motshwara-kananyo gonne ba ne ba batla mayara. O ile a leka go letsetsa Gaoraelwe, mmusa-kgotlha, Grace Moipolai, ga mmogo le modulasetulo wa komiti ya mafaratlhatlha, Itumeleng Maribe mme ga a ba bona.
“Jaanong, mayara one a kaile fa a tlile go kopana le rona mo letsatsing la gompieno, fela ga bonagala gape. O ile a bolelela bangwe gore ene ka nosi o tshaba go tla go kopana le baagi, gonne a belaela gore ba tla mo tlhasela,” Pholo wa tlhalosa.
Pholo gape are, go na le dipego tsa gore go ne go beetswe thoko madi a kanang ka R6 million go ka aga tsela e, mme madi ao a nyeletse fela.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa masepala, Ricky Oliphant ga arabela dipotsi tsa bobega-kgang.
Picture: A canal where a body was found by police/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The police in Upington are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying the body of a man who was found in a canal near Raaswater on 21 September 2023.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson in ZF Mgcawu District, Sgt Omphile Masegela said the deceased is a coloured man estimated between 30 and 40 years of age. Masegela further said the deceased was wearing black track pants, a grey Adidas hoodie, and black All-Star sneakers at the time of his drowning.
“Anyone with information or inquiries can contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Bahedile Nkwadipo on 082 495 4615,” he said.
The Northern Cape has long been characterized by its arid climate and limited water resources. However, in recent years, the province has faced a new challenge – irregular and unpredictable rainfall patterns. This shift in weather patterns raises concerns among local communities, agriculturalists, and environmentalists alike.
The erratic nature of rainfall in the Northern Cape presents a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive and adaptive measures by the government to address the growing water insecurity in the province.
The heart of the concern lies in rainfall’s critical role in the province’s agricultural sector. Despite its harsh conditions, the Northern Cape has managed to sustain certain agricultural activities due to reliable rainfall during specific seasons.
However, the irregularity in rainfall has disrupted planting and harvesting schedules, leaving farmers in a precarious position. Crop failures and reduced yields have become increasingly common, posing threats to both food security and the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture. The irregular rainfalls have underscored the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to the impacts of climate change.
The impact of irregular rainfall in the province isn’t limited to agriculture; it has far-reaching effects on the region’s fragile ecosystems. Native flora and fauna have evolved to survive in arid conditions, relying on seasonal rainfall patterns for survival.
Disruptions in these patterns are leading to habitat loss, shifts in plant and animal distributions, and even endangerment of certain species. The delicate balance of the Northern Cape’s unique ecosystem is at stake, and unless the government takes decisive action, irreversible damage will occur.
This irregularity of rainfall also places stress on local communities, particularly those without access to alternative water sources like those in the Namaqualand region. Water scarcity becomes a pressing issue when traditional sources, such as rivers and wells, dry up due to changing rainfall patterns.
Communities that depend on subsistence farming or herding find themselves facing an uncertain future as they struggle to adapt to the evolving climate.
Migration and displacement become real threats as people seek better living conditions elsewhere, exacerbating existing social and economic challenges, which may also threaten the already small population of the province, decreasing even more and the loss of culture in some parts.
In the face of these challenges, it is imperative that the Northern Cape government takes proactive steps to build resilience and adapt to the changing climate. A multifaceted approach is needed, including investment in water infrastructure, improved water management practices, and the promotion of drought-resistant crops.
Local governments, together with national authorities, must collaborate to develop and implement policies that promote sustainable land use, efficient water utilization, and community empowerment.
Furthermore, local government initiatives to raise awareness and educate the public about climate change and its impacts can foster a sense of collective responsibility. Encouraging practices such as rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation techniques, and sustainable water conservation can contribute to mitigating the effects of irregular rainfall.
The irregular rainfall patterns in the Northern Cape are a stark reminder of the broader challenges posed by climate change. The province’s agricultural productivity, unique ecosystems, and local communities are all at risk. However, by embracing adaptive strategies and fostering a sense of urgency, the Northern Cape has the potential to lead the way in building resilience and addressing the impacts of irregular rainfall.
The time for action is now, and through collaborative efforts, we can ensure a more secure and sustainable future for this remarkable part of South Africa.
Note: (This opinion piece was produced through the Youth Citizen JournalismFellowship, an initiative of the Rural Action for Climate Resilience project, whichis co-funded by the EU and the Heinrich Boll Foundation)
The Guardian 