Picture: Fire burning in cold weather/Google  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The icy conditions continue to be experienced across the country, where maximum temperatures remain at all-time low. Now, the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said, due to the current extreme cold weather conditions in the country, they urge the public to adopt and implement safety tips around fire.

Kock said people tend to use various means and ways to keep warm, but in some instances, it is dangerous and fatal.

“The police in the Northern Cape’s plea to our communities is that, they should adhere to safety measures, especially those in rural areas. Please, never make fires inside your house or shack. You can fall asleep, while the “dombolo barrels” are still burning. Do not smoke in bed or leave candles and cigarette buds burning, especially at night.

“Never leave your kitchen appliances such as gas stoves unattended, whilst cooking because it only takes a few seconds for a fire to break out. If you need to leave the kitchen, make sure to either ask someone to watch the food for you or turn everything off altogether until you are back,” he said.

Kock further said, inspection on heating sources is also imperative. He added that, house fires may be triggered, if your home heating sources are not working properly or when you fall asleep while heaters are still on.

“Be extra careful when using electric blankets and store any flammable products correctly. Household cleaners and items such as hair spray or shaving cream may be very hazardous if exposed to a strong source of heat. So, always store these safely in a cool area away from any heaters.

“Maintain electrical wires and avoid illegal and unsafe connections. Also, do not overload plugs with extra heating electrical appliances. Damaged wires can be a detrimental fire hazard and need replacing as soon as possible. Be cautious that wires get hot when in use, so be sure to check your wire placement and avoid passing them under a carpet or anything that could potentially catch fire,” said Kock.

He urged people to be cautious with open flames and be extra careful around fireplaces. Kock said they advise people to always extinguish fires before they go to bed.

“If you have small children or pets, keep open flames out of their reach as much as possible. Keep a fire extinguisher or blanket around at all times because they will be your best defence in the event of a fire breaking out. Every family member should know how to use a fire extinguisher, so in case something in your home does catch fire, it can be put out as fast as possible.

“Fire blankets are also very useful for putting out small fires, but rather call the fire brigade when you see the fire is becoming larger, fiercer and life threatening. Let us keep warm and be safe during the winter season,” he said.

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Picture: The North West Social Development offices up in flames/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said burning of North West Social Development offices is a sign of an anarchic and broken department. The fire ravaged the offices on Monday night and some documents at the Human Resources’ Labour Relations unit were allegedly destroyed.

The DA Caucus Leader in North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said they have conducted an oversight visit to the North West Social Development offices in Mahikeng after a fire ravaged several offices on Monday night.

“Our oversight indicated that the Human Resources offices were targeted, in particular the Labour Relations unit. We believe this was deliberate, considering all that has been happening at the department. The department has been facing a serious leadership and governance crisis.

“While we appreciate that the police acted with speed, and will await the results of their investigations. There are serious questions that need to be answered such as where was the security stationed at the offices when the incident occurred? Were the CCTV cameras at the buildings properly installed and operating?” Sonakile said.

He further said they want to know if the department has electronic systems in place to store its files, considering that most of the files were burnt. Sonakile added that they believe this incident, which caused extensive damage, is not accidental and comes amidst a serious leadership and governance crisis engulfing the department.

“In May this year, North West Premier, Bushy Maape placed the then MEC of the Department, Boitumelo Moiloa on an unprecedented special leave and the Head of Department (HoD), Relebohile Mofokane requested a one-month leave. This was a result of the continued squabble between Moiloa and Mofokane, which impacted the department’s ability to fulfil its mandate.

“Since 2021, the department has been embroiled in a series of allegations including, qualifications of Mofokane being challenged, failure to pay NGOs on time, irregular R133 million security tender, suspensions, dismissals and upliftment of suspensions of senior managers, gangs storming into the departmental offices and HOD working without a signed employment contract,” he said.

Sonakile said this incident is an indication of how deep the criminality in that department runs. He said they have requested the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Gavin Edwards to summon the intervention team deployed at the department to provide a report on the work they have done, as well as the impact of this incident on the operations of the department.

Meanwhile, the North West Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said: “The fire broke out in one of the offices at around 9pm and spread to a nearby office. Security officers who were on duty tried to quell the fire and called the emergency fire and rescue department for assistance.

“The firefighters responded within a very short space of time after being called to the scene. No injuries were reported and the acting HoD, Obakeng Mongale who is leading an intervention team to stabilise the department, has called on employees whose workstations are at the west wing to remain calm and work remotely on Tuesday.”

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Picture: A body of a man found floating in a river in Pampierstad/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A body of a man has been discovered floating in a river in Pampierstad. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, the lifeless body was discovered by a fisherman and the police are investigating an inquest case.

“The preliminary investigation indicates that the deceased was found floating in a river by a fisherman on 28 June 2023. The police were informed and investigations of the circumstances that led to this unfortunate discovery are underway,” Sam said.

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Picture: The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

High levels of crime continue to have a negative impact on the economy and livelihoods of many people in the North West. According to the statistics, the province has experienced an alarming increase of 4.8 % in the crime incidents between January and March 2023 when compared to January to March 2022 making up all forms of crime reported to hit 24 134.

The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile said amongst others, there is an increasing number of crime incidents of residential robberies affecting community members at their homes, where they should feel safer.

“The report shows an increase in the total number of domestic violence. The criminal cases are standing at 1 733. Cases related to domestic violence are about 1 339. Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) is happening at an unprecedented rate.

“The committee wishes to encourage men to desist from pursuing crimes against women and children. The North West province’s Capital City based Mmabatho Police Station, has recorded the highest number of sexual related crimes,” he said.

Cwaile further said there is also an increase of incidents regarding child neglect and ill-treatment. He added that they call for the villages to take care of their children and that neighbours, activists and civil society organisations should do more in combating crimes and complement the work of the police.

“The abuse of alcohol remains one other factor that exacerbates the violence incidents and cannot be left unchallenged. The full implementation of the National Drug Master plan needs to be taken to a logical conclusion. The abuse of alcohol and drugs must be counteracted and all role players must do their part. It is a societal problem and all of us must play a role.

“The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management reported that, a considerable number of cases resulted from the abuse of alcohol by both the victims and perpetrators and that the occurrence of those incidents happened at the alcohol selling premises like taverns,” said Cwaile.

He said it is obvious that the licences for liquor outlets should impose the responsibility on the part of the owners and traders to exercise, including provision of security for protection of users of their services. Cwaile said the committee directs that the hotspots be given more attention and more resources should be deployed to mitigate and terminate high risks identified.

“This also requires intelligence driven interventions and responses. In terms of districts, most crime incidents were in Bojanala Platinum with a total contribution of 41.6%, followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda with 25.5%, Ngaka Modiri Molema with 22.2% and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati with 10.6%.

“We call on the police to respond swiftly and promptly to crime being reported. Also improved communication and feedback mechanisms are necessary when dealing with the victims. The police stations must become the first point of entry into available government services to serve and support the victims of crime,” said Cwaile.

He said they will engage the civilian secretariat in seeking the review of approaches and strategy of police geared at combating stock theft, farming community-based crimes and rural policing.

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Kgetsi ya go tlola molao wa bofaladi kgatlhanong le monna mongwe wa naga ya Zimbabwe, Dito Aurelio Chongo (39) e solofetswe go ka reediwa mo letsatsing la gompieno kwa Kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. Kgetsi e, ene ya busediwa morago mo letsatsing la maabane morago ga gore go se nne le moralonudi.

Chongo one a tshwarwa mo kgweding e e fetileng kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, gaufi le Taung ga mmogo le motswa-kwa jaaka ene, Vusi Ndlovu (37) mabapi le go tlola melawana ya bofaladi.

Chongo o buseditswe kwa ntlo-lefitshwaneng go fitlhela a boela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo gape. Kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung, e arogantse banna ba mo kgetsing, mme e kaile fa mongwe le mongwe a tla lebagana le ditatofatso kgatlhanong le ene ka nosi.

Fela baagi ba ba shakgetseng ba kwa Manokwane, ba dumela fa Ndlovu ga mmogo le Chongo, ba amega mo polao ya basadibagolo ba le babedi ba ba ne ba lobelwa dintshi kwa sekgweng kwa Manokwane fa bane ba ile go rwalela dikgong mo kgweding e e fetileng.

Go begwa fa Kelebogile Mirriam Mokgalagadi (70) le Mapulana Polinah Mmusi (80), ba ne ba tlhaselwa le go bolawa ke batho ba ba sa itsiweng. Go ya ka dipego tsa sepodisi, Mmusi le Mokgalagadi ba ne ba tswa kwa malapeng a bone go ya go rwalela dikgong kwa nageng.

Fela, ba masika a bone ba ile ba se nnisege fa Mmusi le Mokgalagadi ba palelwa ke go boela gae ka tlatlana.

Baagi ba ile ba tswa letsholo la go ba batla, mme ene ya re ka ura ya bongwe masigo a sa, bane ba bona masetlapelo. Go kaiwa fa ditopo tsa bone tse dineng di na le dikgobalo tse di masisi dine tsa bonwa kwa nageng. Gape go kaiwa fa baswi ba ka tswa ba beteletswe gonne, ditopo tsa bone di ne di sa apara marokgwe a kha teng.

Gone ga tshwarwa banna bale bararo ba batswa-kwa, kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, fela go fitlha ga jaana, ga go bopaki jo bo ba golaganyang le kgetsi e ya polao.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Col Adele Myburgh wa tlhalosa: “Ga gona ope yo o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana mo dikgetsing dile pedi tsa polao kwa Manokwane. Re le ba sepodisi, re sentse re ikuela go baagi go ka re thusa ka tshedimosetso e ka lebisang kwa go tshwarweng ga balatofadiwa mo kgetsing e.

“Mongwe le mongwe yo o nang le tshedimosetso, a ka letsetsa mobatlisisi mo kgetsing e, eleng Warrant Officer, Peace Babe mo dinomorong tse di latelang 0824438680. Gape ba ka letsetsa dinomoro tsa 08600 10111. Mongwe le mongwe o sa batleng leina la gagwe le itsiwe a ka romela molaetsa go MySAPS App.”

Mongwe wa baagi, Eddie Mogorwe are se ba se itseng jaaka baagi ke gore, balatofadiwa ba ba tshwerweng ba golagangwa le kgetsi ya polao ya bagodi ba. Mogorwe are, Manokwane Community Forum e ne ya tsamaya le mapodisi go ya go tshwarwa balatofadiwa bao.

“Re tlhaloganya gore diaparo tsa mongwe wa balatofadiwa di ne di na le madi. Gona le bopaki jo bo tsepameng jo bo ba golaganyang le dipolao tse. Gape go dilo di le dintsi jaaka dipolao tse di diragalang mo Taung, mme rele baagi, re tshwanetse go ema ka dinao.

“O mongwe wa balatofadiwa, o ntshitswe kwa kgolegelong mme ga re itse gore jang. Gape gona le mme mongwe o o neng a tlhaselwa le go bolawa kwa sekgweng kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile mo dikgweding tse di fetileng.

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Rampahosa

By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

This month, we celebrate the life and work of Nelson Mandela by recommitting ourselves to build the society to which he dedicated his life. In everything we do this month to honour the founding father of our nation, let us recall his observation that, “while poverty persists, there is no true freedom”.

The achievement of democracy in 1994 was not an end in itself. It was a vital step towards the greater duty to narrow the gulf of inequality that sees a few South Africans live in comfort while most live in deprivation.

In 2005, at the launch of a global anti-poverty campaign, President Mandela said that overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity: “It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.”

Since the advent of democracy, we have dedicated great effort and resources towards alleviating poverty and reducing inequality. Through its substantial social protection programmes, government has provided vital support to millions of South Africans, lifting many out of extreme poverty and meeting many of their basic needs.

As we work to rebuild the economy, to create more employment and open opportunities for emerging businesses, we will continue to invest in the poorest and most vulnerable in our society. The funds we spend on social protection are not wasted; they make a real difference in people’s lives, both now and into the future.

Social protection in South Africa goes far beyond the provision of social grants for the elderly, children, people with disabilities and military veterans. It goes beyond the work of the Unemployment Insurance Fund, which provides income support for unemployed workers, or the Compensation Fund, which supports those involved in workplace accidents.

It encompasses all support provided to South Africans, mainly the poor, through what has become known as the ‘social wage’. This includes the provision of free basic services, health care, basic education, higher education, social housing and transport.

When debt servicing costs are excluded, around 60% of government’s budget is spent on the social wage. That is money spent on alleviating poverty and meeting people’s developmental needs.

To put this into context, government is funding free basic services to just over 11 million households. This enables poor people to access electricity, water, sanitation, and other services.

Basic education is provided to over 13 million learners, many of whom attend no-fee schools. Health care is provided for the 50 million South Africans that don’t have private health insurance. Then there are the millions of families whose lives have been changed through the provision of subsidised housing.

Social protection includes public and social employment programmes, which provide unemployed people with income, work experience and training opportunities. Recent programmes have shown great success as pathways for people into employment or other ways to earn a livelihood.

A recent World Bank assessment noted that our grant and social assistance systems play a critical role in mitigating poverty. The report found our systems and programmes to be “effective, well-targeted and providing sizeable benefits to the poorest households”.

While some people refer to the various forms of support to poor people as ‘handouts’ or as a wasteful drain on our fiscus, our social support programmes are an investment in South Africa’s people. It is not correct to say that these programmes breed dependency or discourage people from looking for jobs.

Indeed, a paper published in 2014 by the Brookings Institute noted that, “social assistance may well be just what many in South Africa need, enabling them to actively pursue a job search, move out of a poverty trap, and take control of and direct their futures.”

The provision of comprehensive social protection will not, on its own, end poverty or inequality in our society. To really end poverty, we need an economy that grows, attracts investment, creates jobs and allows new companies to emerge and thrive.

Our policies and programmes therefore need to work together to build an inclusive economy and provide social protection to the poor and unemployed. A growing economy provides the funds we need to strengthen our social protection measures, while the support that poor people receive, especially in access to education and health, enables them to better contribute to the economy.

Because expansion of social protection can only take place at the pace and scale the fiscus can afford, we are focused on growing our economy and developing sustainable solutions to support pro-poor spending.

Through an integrated and comprehensive system of social support, we are not only meeting our collective responsibility to the most vulnerable in society. We are also investing in our country’s future.

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