By REGINALD KANYANE

It is all systems go for the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management as it continues with its benchmarking expedition at Kouga Local Municipality in Jeffrey’s Bay, Eastern Cape.

The chairperson of the committee, Kim Medupe said the purpose of their oversight visit is to get more knowledge and expertise on the usage of infused plastic roads that will benefit the North West province on the current road infrastructure challenges.

However, Medupe said they not only exploring the usage of infused plastic roads but also gaining knowledge on other infrastructural opportunities that could potentially benefit the people of the province.

“We highly appreciate the initiative of the project, but made note of labour issues that could potentially worsen job unemployment. There are easier and faster methods of constructing buildings through 3D printing.

“However, many of our people who come from impoverished backgrounds are construction labourers, who are not capacitated in the artificial intelligence that comes with 3d printing and still use the conventional route of constructing a house or building,” she said.

The Black Lion 3D printed construction managing director, Attie Retief made a presentation before the committee on 3D printed construction. Retief said this is another form of building houses through a printing process that uses machine equipment with special printing ink.

“This procedure has met the construction standard and has a practical function, according to pre-designed architectural drawing procedures. The method of printing a house can take up to 24 hours to be constructed and that does not require a lot of labour that wastes money on days taken to construct a house or building.

“The 3D printed construction is 80% faster and with 90% less waste than conventional construction and the house can be built within a time frame of 24 hours. This form of printing can also be used to make any object or structure,” he said.

The committee also visited another area in Jeffrey’s Bay, where it met a Leak Detection Engineer, Robert Bargolini, who is a freelancer best known for detecting water leakages around the municipality.

Bargolini said a leak detection system monitors the flow of water through a pipeline and when abnormal behaviour is detected, the system cuts off the water flow to the entirety of the household by closing a valve within the leak detector.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

By OBAKENG MAJEThe Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) has put aside R450 000 for a free basic service programme. The programme that is intended for the provision of free basic services to poorer households was launched in Reivilo on Monday.

The GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said under this policy, the municipality was tasked to identify indigent households that would receive services – such as water and electricity – for free or at substantially subsidised rates.

“Our municipality is providing insight into those households that struggle to afford access to basic services. Those who are eligible will get R50 electricity and 50kl of water. A free basic service is a national programme, that was established back in 2001 and the aim of the launch was to create awareness.

“We encourage those who are regarded as indigents to come forward and register in order for them to benefit. We will need a certified ID copy, marriage certificate, payslip and affidavit. The beneficiary should also be the owner of the household and have an income of lesser than R4930 per month,” he said.

Meanwhile, Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) councillor, Mika Moeti who is also the chairperson for Finance at the municipality, shared the same sentiments. Moeti said, this programme will assist many households, who are subjected to poverty, inequality and unemployment.

“All our councillors in various wards have token machines and can assist those in needy. The free basic service policy encapsulates that the registration is renewed annually. This is to ensure that relevant individuals benefit from this programme.

“The programme has made a positive impact and we are happy with the turn-out. We have 18 771 individuals already registered on our database. We had a successful launch in Reivilo and afterwards, we donated food parcels to 10 elderly people,” he said.

Moeti said they also proceeded to Modimong village, near Taung where they handed over food parcels to elderly people.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla has tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing minor symptoms. Phaahla is in self-isolation after his tests came back positive earlier today.

The Department of Health spokesperson, Foster Mohale said: “Phaahla immediately self-isolated, but he will perform his official duties from home for a period of 7 days. All his planned contact meetings have been rescheduled, while others converted into virtual.

“This is a reminder that the pandemic still remains amongst us and infectious, hence the department continues to report COVID-19 daily positive cases and deaths. Phaahla has received two doses of J&J COVID-19 vaccine, which he believes has boosted his immunity against the severity of the virus.”

Mohale said the department would like to remind the public that lifting the COVID-19 restrictions does not mean the pandemic is over, hence vaccination services remain accessible at all times at selected sites.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 30 children at Reatlegile Children and Youth Centre in Dibate village near Mahikeng received food parcels during Mandela International Day on Monday. North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Lenah Miga said they kick-started the day by assisting with cleaning the place and handed over food parcels.

The centre was established in 2007 by a Mahikeng philanthropist, Boitumelo Selepe (59).

“The centre is currently taking care of over 30 children, who are all of school-going age. The centre survives through donations from faith-based organisations. We are grateful to the kind-hearted people, who are helping the centre to make sure that the children do not go to bed hungry.

“The youngest among the children in the centre is two months old. We have also executed the theme by handing over sports kits at the old age home in Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof,” she said.

Miga also encouraged elderly women at old age to be physically fit to lessen the risk of developing other diseases associated with ageing. She said she is inspired and touched because women remain pillars of society, and caregivers and are much needed by those close to them no matter the age. She said she hopes the spirit and courage women have will continue for generations to come.

“We have to leave a legacy for our young people. Remember, Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated worldwide to commemorate the former statesman’s achievements and to carry forward his legacy for a better future.

“In recognition of the former President Mandela’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, the day highlights the dedication to the service of humanity and promotion of a culture of peace,” she said.  

Miga further said the idea is for everyone to make a 67 minutes difference in the day through volunteering, donations and community service.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

An elderly woman from Magogong village in Taung said she is happy to finally receive a house. Lele Seitshokelo (78) stays in a mud two-roomed house alone and said she had lost hope after the donor, who was supposed to build her a house five years ago, disappeared in the thin air.  

However, Seitshokelo said she is grateful that the executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje came to her rescue. She said it is heart-warming to see people like Maje still in their midst.

“I am happy to see the newly-elected executive mayor coming to my rescue and spending his 67 minutes of humanity here. I stay with one of my children, but in most cases, I stay alone because she is seldom home.

“I had no hope that one day I’ll receive a decent house after the donor, who was supposed to build me a house disappeared. I am not sure what happened, but I had incomplete structure outside for almost five years,” she said.

Seitshokelo further said, when Maje visited her house and promised to finish her house, she was skeptical. She said she regained her confidence when indeed he came to do an assessment.

“Finally, he is here with local people to finish the house. Truly, I feel honoured, and may Almighty bless him,” said Seitshokelo.

According to Seitshokelo, she originally comes from Dithakwaneng village, near Kuruman and she relocated to Magogong village during her time while working on the farms. A mother of four said she does not feel safe because there were few break-in attempts at her house previously.

Meanwhile, Maje said: “I started my 67 minutes of Mandela Day at Thusanong Disability Centre in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg, where we donated garden tools and JoJo tank. Now, we came to complete a house here in Magogong village.

“This incomplete house was abandoned by a donor five years ago and I decided to come and complete it using my own salary from the municipality. Remember, the late Dr Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker, and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.”

He further said on 18 July every year, everyone is invited to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in their communities. Maje added that each and every person has the responsibility to change the world for the better.

“The Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change. As an activist, I live among the people and the condition here is very inhuman. One would not expect an elderly person for that matter or even anybody to be subjected to these conditions today in this democratic dispensation.

“So, I saw it befitting to come and make a positive contribution as the deployee of the ANC. This will bring back the elderly woman’s dignity. I am using my own resources with support from my family,” said Maje.

He also encouraged the youth not to lose hope, but to use various avenues to improve their lives.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of ANC Deputy Secretary-general, Yasmin Jessie Duarte, who died yesterday morning. Duarte, who succumbed to cancer, was buried at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg in accordance with Muslim rites of passage.

The ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) spokesperson in North West, Kenny Morolong said Duarte (68), was one of the movement’s most accomplished activists, matriarchs and disciplinarians.

“Duarte exemplified the kind of cadre of the ANC required in this phase of our struggle for a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous society. Her attributes as a cadre of our movement included her unshaken discipline, humility, modesty, commitment to serve the people, criticism and self-criticism.

“She understood that national and gender consciousness are the ingredients to societal and organisational growth. We celebrate her unwavering commitment to the cause of the people, sacrifice and selflessness which became her hallmarks of revolutionary discipline,” Morolong said.

In her last visit to the North West Province, Duarte issued a stern warning to all members of the ANC and urged them to reconnect with the people, rebuild the party and renew their commitment to a radical socio-economic transformation of the lives of the people.

So, Morolong said in her honour, they recommit to the values of the ANC, the resuscitation of their relationship with the people, aim to serve them and renew the party. He further said the ANC dipped its revolutionary black, green and gold flag in honour of Duarte, whom he described as the distinguished daughter of the peoples’.

The ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Paul Sebegoe said: “Duarte was a revolutionary giant, human rights activist and a champion of non-racialism. She fought a courageous fight against cancer and left a legacy of selflessness that characterised her revolutionary life as well as her contribution to the struggle for liberation.

“Even in the face of what was undoubtedly the most difficult challenge to her health, she showed the character that defined her leadership and unwavering commitment to the renewal and unity programme.”

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in Parliament, Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba shared the same sentiments. Ncube-Ndaba said Duarte was a special gift with many elements to South Africa. She said among the elements of the gift she was, Duarte was a fearless activist, who devoted her life to fighting for constitutional democracy, non-racialism, non-sexism and peace in South Africa.

“She was a fearless leader of the people who assumed leadership positions in different organisations that fought the vicious tyranny of apartheid at a time when it was high risk and cause for death or long time imprisonment under apartheid to do so.

“As a leader and a representative of the people, Ms Duarte was among a team of leaders who represented the oppressed during negotiations at CODESA and at other platforms where negotiations for the establishment of a democratic South Africa took place. Also, she was among the first women who were appointed as Members of Cabinet in the Gauteng Provincial Government where she was appointed as MEC for Safety and Security,” she said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A bus ferrying 20 learners from Letsatsing Secondary School in Mahikeng exploded while ferrying learners. The incident took place at Unit 9 in Mmabatho near Mahikeng on Saturday. According to the North West MEC for education, Wendy Matsemela, learners were from the winter camp classes, which were held at Mosikare Secondary School in Mantsha village.

“The bus was dropping off learners around Mmabatho Township when it exploded. We are grateful that, there were no injuries reported. The purpose of the winter camps is primarily to improve the performance of our learners.

“We wish to call upon all our bus operators to be extremely vigilant whenever they are transporting learners. They should ensure that their buses are roadworthy and they comply with the rules of the road,” Matsemela said.

She further said the department has arranged counselling for all those affected.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Two men from Zimbabwe and Lesotho respectively, are expected to appear at Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court for tampering with essential infrastructure on Monday. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said that the members of Community in Blue, noticed two unknown men entering a manhole with their tools.

“The vigilant and law-abiding citizens, who are also working with the police in the fight against crime, reported the incident. The police responded swiftly and found the suspects busy cutting the cable.

“The suspects, who are Lesotho and Zimbabwean foreign nationals respectively, were arrested. They will also be processed as suspected undocumented persons after failing to produce documents,” Mokgwabone said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded both the police and members of the Community in Blue for their vigilance and cooperation which led to the success.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

FIVE family members burnt to death in an RDP house at Marikana Geluksoord, near Christiana in the early hours of Sunday morning. According to information, the man allegedly went outside at around 3:30am in the morning and noticed smoke coming out of his neighbour’s house.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “He rushed to the house and found all doors locked and windows closed. The man ran back to his house, where he fetched an iron rod.

“He alerted other neighbours and went back to the burned house, where he broke open all the doors and windows. After the smoke had subsided, he and other neighbours entered the house and discovered that the ceiling and a few household goods had burned.”

He said the neighbours allegedly found the bodies of two children aged 8 and 15 in the sitting room, while a body of a child (3) was found in the sitting room. Mokgwabone said the bodies of a couple aged 38 and 48 respectively were found in the main bedroom.

“All the victims were declared dead at the scene by Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) paramedics. The cause of the fire is unknown and no foul play is suspected at this stage. The investigation into the matter continues.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Two men were arrested by the police in Hartswater for being in possession of illegal firearms. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Olebogeng Tawana said, on Wednesday, the Hartswater K9, Highway Patrol, and members of Crime Prevention, received information about persons who were allegedly in possession of illegal firearms.

“The police acted promptly and proceeded to a house in Anderson Street in Hartswater. Two suspects were found on the premises. The police searched the house and found four homemade firearms, which includes shotguns, handguns, and ammunition.

“The suspects were also in possession of sketch plans to construct firearms including Nitro Cellulose (gun powder). The suspects are expected to appear in the Hartswater Magistrate’s Court soon,” Tawana said.

He said the suspects were charged with Contravention of Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000 and being in possession of prohibited firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Meanwhile, the Francis Baard District Commissioner, Major General Johan Bean commended the police, who were involved in the arrest of the suspects.

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