By OBAKENG MAJE

A mother of a learner at St Paul High School in Taung called on the North West Department of Education to take appropriate steps against teachers, who use corporal punishment as chastisement when disciplining learners.

Nthabiseng Portia Mate from Lokaleng village near Taung said her son, Otlotleng (13) who is doing Grade 8, was allegedly severely beaten by a teacher, Tiri Maroke and needed medical attention.

“My son came home with fresh wounds on his buttocks. I asked him what happened, and said a teacher had beaten him because there was a commotion between him and other two learners in class.

“So, I visited the school to get more information on what has transpired. I spoke with the teacher and he apologised. He also offered to pay for my son’s medical expenses. However, I will not lay any criminal charge against him,” she said.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “We have launched investigations against the teacher. If the allegations are true, then necessary steps will be taken against him. The department has so far registered 15 assault cases across the province for the 2022 calendar.”    

Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in North West said it condemns the use of corporal punishment in schools. The COSAS president, Thabang Mokoena said corporal punishment has long-term negative effects on learners.

“As COSAS, we are not happy to see that these cases are not resolved, while in most schools corporal punishment is still being practised. This is happening and the department is turning a blind eye. Remember, corporal punishment has been abolished long time ago.

“So, we are saying to the department, we are also fed up. Learners are being beaten in schools and nothing has been done. There are safety summits, which are held year in and year out to discuss such issues, but nothing has changed,” Mokoena said.

He further said what the department is doing is only ‘pep-talk’ with no implementation. Mokoena added that the documents from previous safety summits are archived and continue to gather dust, while learners continue to be subjected to corporal punishment.

“We want to tell the department that we are fed up and enough is enough. There is another burning issue, which is bullying in schools. We have been calling for the implementation of adopt-a-cop policy when speaking about quality learning and teaching.

“We also urged the department to ensure that there are social workers and psychologists in schools to ensure that learners who have issues such as behavioural challenge, involved in gangsterism and bullying other learners get help,” said Mokoena.

He said it is sad to see this happening because violence has a damaging effect on children’s neurological development and may compromise cognitive development.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West is set to appear before the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on 24 March 2022. This comes after teaching and learning was affected in more than 40 schools across the province due to poor infrastructure.    

One of the schools that were affected was Setshwarapelo Primary School in Mokgareng village near Taung. The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education. The Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West, Freddy Sonakile said they have visited the school as the committee and were appalled by its conditions.

“I submitted questions to the North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela, but there was no response. I then elevated the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

“In 2020, one of our MPLs, Gavin Edwards also did the same after conducting an oversight at the Promosa Secondary School in Potchefstroom. We followed the same route with Boitumelo Primary School in Bethel village near Mahikeng, which still has an asbestos building,” Sonakile said.

He further said, following their complaints to the SAHRC, the department was requested to provide answers, but they failed dismally. Sonakile added that he was happy when the SAHRC informed him that it had summoned the department to appear before it.

Meanwhile, the SAHRC Office Manager in the North West, Osmond Mngomezulu said they started investigations on school infrastructure after receiving complaints relating to six schools. Mngomezulu said, however, the scope was widened when they identified more schools during their assessment and monitoring.

“In particular, the complaints raise allegations concerning deteriorating buildings, cracked walls, cracked floor, broken window, falling ceilings, exposed electricity wires, shortage of classrooms, overcrowding in classrooms, asbestos roofing and structures, lack of access to sufficient water and basic sanitation.

“We therefore consolidated the complaints and handled the matter as a systemic violation of human rights. During the enquiry, the National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) drew our attention to 40 more schools,” Mngomezulu said.

He said the Naptosa, which is a teachers’ labour union, presented additional schools including those in Madibeng that still use pit latrines. Mngomezulu said at this stage, they are still mapping out the additional schools, but they are looking at more than 60 schools in the province.

“The department has requested a postponement to 15 March 2022 to provide written submissions and is expected to appear before the SAHRC on 24 March 2022,” said Mngomezulu.

The departmental spokesperson, Elias Malindi refused to comment further on the matter and said they will only respond to the media after their interaction with the SAHRC. In 2019, R150 million infrastructure grant allocated to the department was returned to the national treasury’s coffer after it was unused.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Taxi Council (NWTC) said they were shocked to learn that R86 million allocated to the North West Public Works department was unused and forced to be returned.

This follows the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula’s startling revelation at the Presidential Imbizo held a week ago in Mahikeng, North West. The NWTC chairperson, Ebusang Tladi said it is embarrassing to see the roads across the province in bad condition, whereas there is money allocated.

“There is a constant demand for good quality infrastructure, transportation and services in the province. However, the province is lagging behind as the bad condition of the roads issue is not addressed. 

“We are adversely affected by the bad condition of the roads. However, as the taxi industry, we directly contribute to the economic growth of this country and we need to have accessible roads,” he said.

Tladi said, in December 2021, they had an engagement with the department over the condition of the road between Schweizer Reneke and Wolmarastad because of potholes found in that route.  

He said inaccessible roads contribute to the increase of taxi fares because our minibus taxis are damaged by the roads.

“There is a road between Matsheng and Molelema villages in Taung, which is a D221. The contractor downed tools there after he was allegedly not paid by the department. You go to the Brits CBD, the roads there are in bad condition.

“We see many inaccessible roads across the province and on the other hand, there is money that is unused. What does that say about the people in leadership positions? We cannot afford to pay expensive petrol and also cater for our minibus taxis damaged by bad conditions on various roads,” said Tladi.

He said it is so unfortunate that they will get a fine from traffic officers because of a damaged light or windscreen, but when they explain that has happened because of bad road conditions, they get no answers.

Tladi said one day they will protest against the bad condition of the roads.

Meanwhile, Mbalula said SANRAL has taken back some of the national roads. He said what has happened in the Wolmaranstad, where the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality allegedly dug the national road, was because of bad governance and corruption.

“The problem here is mismanagement and corruption. This is a national road and it was supposed to be maintained by SANRAL.  The then provincial government took a decision to maintain this road. However, this is what has happened and this is the only national road that looks like this.

“The money allocated to the province to fix roads had rolled-over because people wanted to take control, so that they could pass the javelin without thinking for the masses. How can the government take that policy?” he said.

“When you look at this place, these are not even potholes, but Kimberley Hole. This is a mess and the Premier understands that we must take over this road and maintain it. You will never see a scandal like in this administration,” he said.

The North West Public Works and Roads departmental spokesperson, Matshube Mfoloe failed to respond to our inquiry before going to print.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A grim picture of corruption and funds misappropriation continues to show its ugly head in the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). This comes after the Public Service Commission (PSC) highlighted that most employees are either doing business with the state or sit on various bid committees to award tenders to their cronies.

The PSC Commissioner in the North West, Dr Moeletsi Leballo said this during a joint meeting with the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on oversight of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) together with the Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA), where the PSC appeared to account on progress registered on cases reported for financial misconduct during the 2020/21 financial year at various departments in the province on Wednesday in Mahikeng, North West.           

“We decided to cover the three financial years, which is 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21. Every government employee is expected to fill the financial disclosure form to be scrutinized.

“As the PSC, we have realised that there are many employees, who are doing business with the government or sit in bid committees that award tenders. If they do so, this constitutes conflict of interest,” Leballo said.

He further said this has led many departments to have incurred irregular, unauthorized, wasteful and fruitless expenditure in consecutive years. According to Leballo, more than R76 million (R76 629 940.07) has been frivolously spent during the 2020/21 financial year.

“Also, R1 957 615.20 was squandered during the 2017/2018 financial year and has not been recovered yet. However, only four departments reported financial misconduct cases against their employees.

“The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, reported one employee, while the North West Education also reported one employee. The Office of the Premier reported two employees. These four financial misconduct cases were concluded, but no disciplinary actions were taken against those involved,” he said.  

Leballo added that it is a concerning factor to see departments under-reporting financial misconduct cases in the province. He said he is of the view that the accounting officers responsible should be held accountable for non-compliance.

Meanwhile, chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on oversight of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Jacqueline Theologo said: “We will write a letter to the North West Premier, Bushy Maape to submit a report to the committee within seven days replying to all financial misconduct cases.

“This will assist us to get a complete reflection of what is actually happening. There is discrepancy in the process because not everything is forwarded to the PSC and recommendations are not fully implemented.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West, Papiki Babuile said, corruption is dire in the province and all those who are in power are not there to serve the people, but to execute their own interests.

North West Premier, Bushy Maape said during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) that he had set up a forensic unit that will assist his government to fight malfeasance, corruption and fraud.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The South African National Supporters (SANASU) President, Saddam Maake has warned malcontents who speak on behalf of football fans to stop their mischief or risk facing harsh consequences.

Maake said SANASU is the only legitimate supporters group in the country and has applied to be officially affiliated to the association, a request that will be tabled at the forthcoming SAFA Congress this month.

Together with Secretary-General, Joy Chauke, SANASU has hit the ground running setting up supporters’ structures around the country.

“Supporters had long worked in a disorganised manner, hence we had decided to formalise SANASU as a true representative of all fans in the country. We have formalised the supporters structure and we are going around the country mobilising fans to rally behind our national teams and clubs representing South Africa in CAF and FIFA competitions.

“It is under this background that SANASU has warned fake groups that purport to speak on behalf of South African football fans because only SANASU is obligated to do so. To all football fans around the country and those whom we have not spoken to yet, we will soon reach out to you and incorporate you into SANASU,” said Maake.

He urged supporters not be hoodwinked by anyone who purports to speak on behalf of South African football fans. Maake said only SANASU has the legal standing to do so.

“Next week, we will be attending the SAFA Congress where we will present our formal application for affiliation. SANASU will be working hand-in-hand with vendors whose only livelihood has been badly affected by the advent of the coronavirus pandemic.

‘’We are going to work together with vendors who sell their wares at the stadiums, as well as taxi drivers who transport fans to the matches. We need to bring that form of business back to life.

‘’We have started conversations with fans around the country and are busy forming regional and provincial structures. We believe that as representatives of supporters that we should be in the communities mobilising fans unlike the fake groups who want to work from offices and wear ties and suits,” he said.

Maake further said their job is to sing and cheer players. He added that they have a huge role to play and football fans should watch the space.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 14-YEAR-OLD girl, who was reported missing, was found dead at the Vryburg cemetery on Sunday. Sedika Lekhobo-Mereekae was last seen alive on Saturday afternoon leaving her home.

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said: “On behalf of the department, I would like to convey our sincere condolences to the bereaved families of our learner, who attended school at Vryburg Secondary School.

“The pandemic of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women and children is still rife among our communities. We hope the police can find those behind this horrible death of this learner,” Matsemela said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 40 farmers will benefit from a partnership between the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the University of Michigan from the United State of America.

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Desbo Mohono said the university is working on a project to integrate renewable energy practices into the operations at Kgora Farmer Training Centre in Mahikeng.

Mohono said she is adamant that the partnership will assist the farming community to solve current electricity challenges.

She said the partnership is in line with the mandate and purpose of Kgora Farmer Training Centre, which is derived from the skills development Act 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998).

“So, I am glad that we have started the work already with our partners from the University of Michigan. Beside the fact that we will not be polluting the environment with this technology, I am glad that the people whom I serve are farmers and will benefit the most once this project is up and running.

“The project will not only save them money, but will help them to become more competitive in South Africa’s very competitive food market. This partnership will see the University of Michigan through its Sustainability without Borders (SWB) program, which is housed within the School of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and the College of Engineering, establishing a demonstration and research centre for renewable energy at the centre to empower emerging farmers, particularly black female farmers in the province” she said.

Mohono further said she is optimistic that the project will help solve the current electricity challenges faced by local farming community. She also committed to allocate the needed resources and to provide support to ensure that the project will be successful.

“It is a fact that, like seeds and fertilizers, electricity is a critically important input to successful farming. So, I am glad that we have started the work already with our partners from the university.

“Unemployed agricultural college graduates will also be trained on the technologies to provide energy related extension services and learn how to install, maintain and repair the various technologies that will be deployed on the farm,” said Mohono.

She said identified farmers will learn skills to generate enough green electricity to cover their own use and perhaps sell surplus.  Mohono said those farmers will also be encouraged to develop energy cooperatives, where they can cluster technologies and share the expenses of establishing the renewable energy systems.

“A hybrid gasification-solar PV powered micro grid will be established at the centre for mutual research on the varied uses of renewable energy on farms and it will also be used for demonstration and vocational training.

“Among other things, the university will also develop training curricula, support the building and installation of renewable energy prototypes and ideally work with students and faculty from the North West University (NWU) and other agricultural colleges in the province to deliver the curriculum to our local farmers,” she said.

Farmers who will mostly benefit are those in horticulture, dairy, poultry and livestock, grains, and agro-processing where power is such an important and expensive input cost.

Meanwhile, the University of Michigan alumnus, Michael Sudarkasa who is a long-time resident of South Africa and former project director of the South Africa Solar Energy Technology Road mapping exercise conducted by the Department of Mining and Energy and the Department of Science and Innovation in 2014-2015, will also assist in the local coordination and resource mobilization effort.

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The community of Manthe village near Taung welcomed the intervention from the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) on a R1 billion Taung Bulk Water Supply project. 

This comes after the community members embarked on a violent protest and brought the project to a grinding halt this week alleging that there are discrepancies taking place .

One of the residents, Lebogang Bokgwathile, alleged that the Phalaborwa Company that has been appointed to install pipelines for abstraction of water from the iconic Taung Dam to the Taung Water Treatment Plant and reservoir in Morokweng village was not eloquently introduced to the community.

“We have written a letter of grievances to the GTLM after so many things were not properly done. The contractor was not introduced appropriately, the job opportunities within the project were not advertised timeously. 

“Also proper processes were not followed when the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) and the Occupational Health and Safety Officer were appointed,” Bokgwatile said.

He further said they also requested an explanation on why the site project was not standalone, but instead being erected in someone’s yard. Bokgwatile added that they are grateful because now the project has been put on hold until all their grievances are addressed. 

“We call on the contractor to follow the law by appointing local Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) as sub-contractors as part of skill development,” he said.

Another resident, Butiki Ntwayagae shared the same sentiments. Ntwayagae said the challenge of creating job opportunities for locals has been a long-standing debate within society in general and the business community in particular.

Ntwayagae said, this has caused tension within the community because there were individuals who wanted self-maximisation and profit growth not to have a commensurate impact on society – but for them alone.

The GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said: “We have reached an agreement that the project will be put on hold until we meet with all stakeholders involved. We can also attest that the project was not introduced to us as it comes from the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

“However, we will be meeting all stakeholders on Tuesday to find a lasting solution. The community members alleged that there was no advertisement for employment, but instead mouth-to-mouth advertising was used.”

Gaoraelwe said when the project comes from either national, provincial or regional, it should go through the local municipality, because they have the constituency. He added that there is no proper steering committee for the project either.

“The proper steering committee must have terms of reference and the roadmap for the project. Remember, the steering committee consists of the ward councillor, ward committee member responsible for infrastructure, project manager, CLO and two ordinary members of the community, who are elected during a community meeting.

“There should also be a tribal authority and municipality representatives. Normally, the Human Resource, the PMU from the local municipality and contractor should form part of the panel that will run interviews and appoint suitable candidates for the positions,” he said.  

Gaoraelwe said on the issue of SMMEs, they explained to them that the contractor should outline all job descriptions s/he will need from local expertise.

In the statement, the Water and Sanitation department said the Taung Water Bulk Supply project was expected to be completed by the end of April 2021.

The Water and Sanitation department spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau said in a statement: “The project is funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), with approximately R1 billion allocated to the project.

“The project is one of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) major infrastructure projects in the North West, aimed at developing water infrastructure that will meet the needs of the community and ensure water security.

“The construction of an adequate infrastructure such as the Taung Bulk Water Supply that can support and supply efficient safe water to communities in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, therefore is a critical input to sustainable growth and development,” Ratau said.

He said the scheme, which is implemented in phases, has created 304 jobs thus far and 189 139 households in more than 55 villages have been targeted to benefit from this water project.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The newly-appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DDP) at the North West High Court in Mahikeng, Advocate Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo is a ‘breath of fresh’ and brings immeasurable experience.

Makhari-Sekhaolelo, who has been acting in the same position since 8 March 2021, was appointed on permanent basis by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 4 March 2022. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said Makhari-Sekhaolelo took over the reign following the resignation of advocate Moipone Noko.

“Makhari-Sekhaolelo, who served as a senior prosecutor, has over 30 years of inestimable experience of relevant prosecutorial and management at the highest levels within the NPA.

“Prior to her acting appointment as DPP by Ramaphosa in March 2021, she occupied a position of Chief Prosecutor at Mmabatho cluster back in 1999. She was bestowed with the responsibility to manage 64 personnel, and oversee 12 magisterial offices within a huge radius of 150Km apart,” Mamothame said.

He further said, at the time Makhari-Sekhaolelo took over the position, the entire division was deemed the worst performer in the country. Mamothame said the cluster and the entire division improved immensely under Makhari-Sekhaolelo tutelage.

“Her leadership qualities and prosecutorial experience brought more improvements. She introduced management levels, set targets and responsibilities within the cluster to maximise efficiency.

“Makhari-Sekhaolelo also introduced tools to recognise excellence within the cluster. Her appointment comes at a time when the performance of the NPA is under serious public scrutiny and requires leaders with a vision and mission to turn things around,” he said.

Makhari-Sekhaolelo obtained her B-Iuris degree from the then University of the North, which is now known as the University of Limpopo back in 1986, Diploma in Human Rights from Lund University, Sweden in 1996, LLB degree in 2013, Masters of Laws (LLM) in 2015 and Doctor of Laws (LLD) in 2021 from the North West University.

She has also been part of various delegations appointed on important fact-finding missions around the world. Makhari-Sekhaolelo was part of a delegation that went to the United States of America (USA) in 1998 to observe how their court systems function.

“She has also been to London on a fact-finding mission aimed at observing their court functionality and their investigation systems in 2013. Makhari-Sekhaolelo was delegated to Germany to share experiences with prosecutors and police in 2021.

“She prides herself with the knowledge she gathered at an International Prosecutor’s Conference in Singapore in 2008. All these accolades have added valuable knowledge to her ability as a leader to contribute immensely in enhancing the work of the NPA,” said Mamothame.

Meanwhile, Makhari-Sekhaole, who was one of candidates shortlisted for the position of National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) said, through her interaction with stakeholders at all levels throughout her career path within the employment of the NPA, has earned herself immense respect from all quarters within the criminal justice system.

“It has exposed me to vigorous public interviews, which afforded me a space to introduce myself and my capabilities to South Africans. So, I am fully committed to ensure that our constitution is upheld and justice is served.

“I will also ensure that there is accountability within the establishment. This is intended to couple with initiatives that would improve staff morale, which in turn will inculcate a winning culture and a desire to do more,” she said.

Makhari-Sekhaolelo further said she intends to continue strengthening community participation through continuous engagements that would educate people on how the criminal justice system functions, with focus being on community prosecutions and also expose them to all the services these institutions are mandated to render.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West University Council has appointed Dr Bismark Tyobeka as its new Vice-Chancellor. The NWUC acting chairperson, Bert Sorgdrager said, the university is proud to appoint its alumnus.  

“Dr Tyobeka, who is recognised as one of the leading nuclear power experts in the world, will steer the NWU for the next five years, commencing on 1 June 2022. He follows in the footsteps of Prof Dan Kgwadi, who left the employment of the NWU at the end of January 2022.

“The appointment was confirmed on 17 March 2022 after the council considered an excellent group of applicants. We believe that Dr Tyobeka, a seasoned governance champion, is the ideal candidate to lead the NWU to new successes,” he said.

Sorgdrager further said Tyobeka has had a long and fruitful association with his alma mater, since starting with his studies at the former University of North West in the 90’s. He said Tyobeka was elected fifth chairperson of the NWU Council in 2017 and re-appointed for a second term in November 2020.

“Dr Tyobeka has been a member of the NWU Council since November 2014. As a member of the NWUC, he successfully oversaw the major restructuring of the NWU to a unitary model to accelerate institutional transformation.

“He was also honoured with an NWU Alumni Award of Excellence in 2013, for his personal and career achievements, in particular for his significant contribution to nuclear science across the world,” said Sordrager.

Illustrious career in science

Tyobeka has held the position of CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa (NNRSA) since 2013, and plays a major role in various initiatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Sordrager said despite Tyobeka’s international prominence among others, serving in the IAEA’s International Advisory Committees on Nuclear Safety (INSAG) and being the vice-chairman of the International Nuclear Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF), as well as serving as the vice-chairman of the Forum for Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA), he has not forgotten his roots and retained strong contact with the university and with many of its former students, who now work in various fields including the nuclear power industry in South Africa.

“An avid student and scientist, he obtained the degrees BSc (Ed) (1999) and MSc (2001) at the former University of North West, and in 2004, another master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering at Penn State University in the USA,” he said.

In 2005, Tyobeka obtained a master’s degree in project management at the Colorado Technical University in the USA, and in 2007, his PhD in Nuclear Engineering at Penn State University.

Prior to his appointment as CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa in 2013, Dr Tyobeka was working as a nuclear engineer at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Austria.

From 2002 to 2007, he worked at Penn State University as senior reactor physicist, and from 2000 to 2002 he held the same position at Eskom.

Dr Tyobeka has been author and co-author of several academic articles and has travelled all over the world to present papers at international conferences.

Sorgdrager concluded by congratulating Dr Tyobeka on behalf of Council on his appointment and indicated that, council is looking forward to this new chapter of the NWU’s history being ushered in with him at the helm.

Details regarding Dr Tyobeka’s inauguration as principal and vice-chancellor will be announced soon.

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