Picture: North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR), Kenetswe Mosenogi has come under fire after taking the media launch of the much-anticipated Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival to Sandton in Gauteng Province, instead of Mahikeng.

Many residents believe that taking the media launch to Sandton is ‘irrelevant’ and a snub to the North West province. They say the event will take place in Mahikeng, but instead of putting the capital city on the map, they will rather market Sandton.  

The renowned entrepreneur and Mahikeng Digital Innovation Hub, Joepac Ndaba said: “I don’t like commenting about issues tsa Mahikeng (sic). I spend a lot of time defending Mafikeng…. Maara e yone ke nonsense nje.

“I tried to be open-minded and listen to Stone trying to explain the reason behind this mediocre, but I must say, I don’t hear anything concrete he is talking about.”

Ndaba further said, media houses will not come to Mahikeng because, instead of placing Mahikeng on the map as event marketers, they rather market Sandton. He added that the department should rather let the media houses come to Mahikeng and show the world how it is.

“This is just false advertising about Mahikeng and a total disrespect to media houses in the North West. This is also disrespectful to places like Sun City, Mmabatho Convention Centre etc like what happened ka #FillUpMmabathoStadium.

“In 2018, the media launch was at Mmabatho Palms, in 2017, the media launch was at Barolong Boo Ratshidi and both events went super well. The disrespect that this decision is placing on us by our fellow business partners based in Sandton,” he said.

According to Ndaba, some business people in Sandton also questioned the relevance of taking Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival media launch to Sandton.

He said one of them asked him: “So Mr, in the whole of North West province, you do not have venues to host a media launch? Your decisions are affecting our credibility.”

Ndaba encouraged people to take Mahikeng seriously and let them be forward thinkers.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) secretary in North West, Papiki Babuile shared the same sentiments. Babuile said, there is nothing that the ANC-led government can do, which is in the interest of the people and ensure that the province is developed.

“Currently, we have Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival, where the service provider is appointed to organise the event, launching it in Sandton.  

“I mean, do we not have venues in Mahikeng, which can host the launch and make sure that atleast our people are benefiting? As when these venues are booked, the hospitality industry is going to benefit,” he said.

Babuile said Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) owners will also benefit from this process. He said those who are currently benefiting from Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival are people in Gauteng, while using the money from this province.

The Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) and Democratic Alliance (DA) Spokesperson on Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation in North West, Winston Rabotapi said they demand transparency in the R40 million Mahika Mahikeng Festival contract.

“We demand full transparency over the three-year R40 million contract awarded to Mega Works Trading Enterprise 200 (Pty) Ltd for managing the Mahika Mahikeng Festival.

“Although we welcome, in principle, the event’s comeback following an extended hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak and the opportunity it presents to display and promote North West talent as well as the province’s economic benefits, concerns about the tendering procedure still exist,” Rabotapi said.

He said the Mahika Mahikeng Festival was initially scheduled to take place in December 2022, but it was postponed amid allegations that the owner of Mega Works Trading Enterprise 200 (Pty) Ltd, Molefi Setlalaleng, irregularly enjoyed preferential consideration during the tender-bid process.

“We have written to Mosenogi requesting the full details of the bid adjudication process that led to Mega Works Trading Enterprise 200 (Pty) Ltd awarded this R40 million three-year contract.

“We want to know how many bids were received, the names of each company, cost of each bid, the names of the members of the bid adjudication committee and their record of decision,” said Rabotapi.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi said: “The department has noted the concerns from the North West community around the media launch that is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on March 1, 2023.

“It is therefore important for the department to provide context and clarity regarding our communications roll out and the purpose of the media launch for Mahika Mahikeng 2023.”

Mosenogi said, the purpose of the media launch is to brief the broader media community around the plans for Mahika Mahikeng 2023. She said this is an important milestone as it provides a platform to

promote the event nationally and create awareness about the festival, with the intention to encourage people from all over the country to attend this event.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A body of a woman was discovered near a river in Matolong village, in Taung on 27 February 2023. The lifeless body of Kelemogile van Wyk (25) was allegedly found with visible wounds.

It was allegedly discovered by shepherds, who were grazing their livestock near the river.

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The police in Taung are investigating a case of an inquest.

“At present, the cause of death is unknown and an investigation into the matter is underway. Anyone who can assist the police with information can contact Lieutenant Colonel Tshamboko on 082 469 0336.”

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Setswantsho: Ntlo e lakailwa ke molelo kwa toropong ya Taung

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Mong wa ntlo e e lakitsweng ke molelo mo letsatsing la maabane kwa toropong ya Taung, go kailwe fa a ganne go bula kgetsi. Go ya ka dipego tse di sa totobalang, go kailwe fa molelo o, o tlhodilwe ke dikhemikhale.

Mongwe wa bo marata-helele, o tlhalositse fa ba belaela sengwe se se seng mo molaong se diragala kwa ntlung eo.

“Re fitlhile kwa ntlung eo, mme ra bona kgabo ya molelo e tswa mo kamotshaneng eo. Se se makatsang ke ka mokgwa o kamotshana eo, ene e kampetswe ka teng go utlwala.

“Go ya ka pono yame ya matlho, go katswa gona le bogwene-gwene bongwe jo bo diragalang kwa ntlung eo. Go ya ka dipego, mong wa ntlo eo, yo eleng motswa-kwa wa mo Indian, one ne a leletswa le go begelwa fa ntlo ya gagwe e jewa ke kgabo ya molelo.”

Marata-helele are, mme, se se mo makaditseng ke gore, go fitlha ga monna o, one a kaya fa setlhodi sa molelo ele dikhemikhale. Marata-helele are, fela gaka a tlhalosa gore ke dikhemikhale tsa mofuta ofe.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodise mo Bokone Bophirima kwa sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen are, sepodisi se itsisitwe ka tiragalo eo, mme ka maswabi, mong wa ntlo one a gana go bula kgetsi.

“Sepodisi sene sa itelekela kwa ntlung eo, morago ga go tsibosiwa ka molelo o runtseng koo. Fela, beng ba ntlo eo, ba kaile fa ba se kitla ba bula kgetsi,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Picture: The ANC deputy chairperson in North West, Lazzy Mokgosi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC deputy chairperson in North West, Lazzy Mokgosi who is also a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) was elected as the ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) on Tuesday.

This follows the resignation of Paul Sebegoe, who was elected as a new Chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture and Sports Recreation during a committee meeting held on Monday.

Mokgosi joined the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in December 2022 as MPL.

Meanwhile, during a separate virtual meeting of the Portfolio Committee of Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile was elected as a chairperson. This comes after the resignation of Onica Medupe as both the chairperson of the committee and MPL.

Meanwhile, NWPL Speaker, Sussana Dantjie said: “We welcome the elections of the Chief Whip and the two Chairpersons of both the Education and Public Works Committees. We wish them well in their responsibilities of servicing the people of the province.

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Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe

By OBAKENG MAJE

Corruption, maladministration and malfeasance allegations continue to show their ugly head at the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM).

This comes after allegations that the municipality has paid the Diphetogo Cleaning and Security company R100 000 just to clean the municipal offices.

The municipality allegedly rendered a tender for emergency cleaning of the municipal offices after the members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), which is the largest union in local government in South Africa embarked on a protest.

It is alleged that, during protests, feaces and garbage were speckled into the streets including municipal offices.

However, SAMWU secretary in Greater Taung, Mpho Thompson questioned the amount and alleged that this was just a way to loot the municipal coffer. Thompson said, some municipal officials are hell-bent to loot the municipal coffer and they will do anything. 

“You will understand that there was no violence during our protests. When we were on strike in December 2022, the municipality brought in 10 bouncers, however, the invoice says they were 35.

“The question is, why they were appointed in the first place? Those bouncers are still there and we want to understand why. They are only there so that, some municipal officials can continue to loot the municipal coffer,” he said.

Thompson further said, as SAMWU, they are against anything that takes away money from the municipal coffer, while they are still owed their danger allowance money. 

He added that, the municipality continues to spend money fruitlessly.

“Our relationship with the municipality is soured due to the danger allowance issue. This was on the basis that, a certain director misled the council on Local Labour Forum’s (LLF) view on the danger allowance issue.

“There is an investigation report with recommendations, yet it was deferred without any implementation. I am surprised that, the council wanted the resolution to supersede the investigation report. The investigation report serves as the legal opinion until contested,” said Thompson.

The Director of Corporate Services at the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Dikagisho Mokoma was implicated in the Matshego Ramagaga Attorneys report. The independent law firm was appointed by the municipality to investigate allegations of misconduct against Mokoma after she allegedly misled the previous council on danger allowance for the COVID-19 pandemic.

This resulted in the municipality ‘illegally’ paying senior managers and directors a monthly R2500 as danger allowance, instead of a standard flat rate of R1500.

According to the Magagane report, the municipality has lost R508 500 due to Mokoma’s alleged conduct.

Meanwhile, the municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, and municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our phone calls and WhatsApp messages regarding the matter before publishing this article.

*The article will be updated when new information arrives.

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Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) Speaker, Grace Moipolai/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

Some of the community members across Taung said they were surprised to learn that, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) has decided to host a municipal statutory council sitting in Klerkdorp.

The municipality will hold a statutory council sitting, that is opened to the public at Protea Hotel in Klerksdorp on 28 February 2023, which is over 30km, but will not ferry community members. 

The meeting will commence at 4pm.

One of the community members, Benjamin Mashuga said, the municipality’s decision to take the statutory council sitting to Klerksdorp is not far-fetched. Mashuga, who did not mince his words alleged that, this is happening because the council wants to take corrupt decisions.   

“They know exactly that, as members of the community in Taung, we are against the corruption that continues to prevail at the municipality. The corruption in the municipality is rife and committed by the mayor, other councillors, and administrative staff for their own personal interests.

“This is strategic planning, where community members must be abreast of decisions taken on their behalf. Now, the municipality is denying them that opportunity to form part of that meeting,” he said.

He further said, it is shoddier that, the municipality is even hosting the statutory council sitting in another district. Mashuga added that, this is a clear indication that the municipality is running away from accountability.  

“The municipality always paints us as hooligans whenever we want to hold them accountable. We are definitely sure that, there are wrong decisions that are going to be taken during that statutory council sitting,” said Mashuga.

However, the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai said: “We cannot just take the statutory council sitting to Klerkdorp. The reason we taking it there is that, we also have a strategic planning meeting there. We will attend to the issue of community members, who would like to form part of the meeting the same way we did during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will live-stream the event. What is on the agenda is nothing much, but a quarterly report. This is a matter of compliance and within three months, we should organise statutory council sitting.”

On whether they will either provide transportation or data for those who are interested in attending the municipal statutory council sitting, Moipolai was mum. She said, it is not always where you see community members attending municipal statutory council sitting.

“We are not hiding anything and I’ll send you the agenda after this meeting. Even if we can give you our previous video footage, you will see that our people do not always attend statutory council sittings, unless are those who have their own interests.

“However, we will formally respond to you because I am having a very serious network problem here in Mokassa. One issue that could be critical is the last item on the appointment of the municipal manager. However, we have not yet completed short-listing process,” said Moipolai.

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Picture: The water levels at Bloemhof Dam on decline/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Department of Water and Sanitation said the water levels at Bloemhof Dam are on the decline with the dam level at 105%. The department spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said, the water discharge is being reduced gradually from 2800m3/s to 2400m3/s by this afternoon.

“The department’s Hydrological Monitoring and Forecasting System continues to closely monitor the water flow in these rivers and dams, as well as other water courses across the country.

“The Vaal Dam is also experiencing a continuous decrease in water capacity, currently sitting at 108%. As a result, another sluice gate is closed today, resulting in six gates remaining open,” Mavasa said.

He further said, in the Orange River, the Gariep Dam is also sitting at around 108.84%, and the releases into the Orange River are 1222.45m3/s. Mavasa added that, at the Vanderkloof Dam, water levels are at 108% and outflow releases are 1318m3/s.

“Water levels at the Lower Orange River and Lower Vaal River remain high and are expected to respond to the reduced flows from both the upstream Orange and Vaal rivers only later in the week,” he said.

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Picture: A sassy You FM sports presenter, Karabo Mokgalagadi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The award-winning sports presenter, Karabo Mokgalagadi continues to be a ‘beacon of hope’ for aspiring sports presenters across the province. Mokgalagadi showed her pedigree when she won the Sports Journalist of the Year (electronic) during the prestigious North West Sports Awards (NWSAs) held at Sun City Super Bowl in Rustenburg on Saturday.

You FM’s sassy sports presenter, who engrossed the judges said, this achievement will encourage her to work hard. Ms K as Mokgalagadi is affectionately known in the sports fraternity, further said, she achieved this through discipline, dedication and determination.

“To be honest, this means a lot to me because is a provincial recognition. You know, just getting that nod from the province that says, Karabo, you doing great….it really put my heart at ease.

“This is a proper stamp of approval to say Karabo, your work is being recognised as a woman in sport. So, I am very humbled and I think we can still do more,” she said.

Mokgalagadi said, it is not an easy task, especially for women to claim their niche in the industry because it is still male-dominated. However, she encouraged aspiring sports presenters in the province to develop a thicker skin to survive.

“Firstly, my message to those aspiring sports presenters is that, be you and do you. This is a tough industry, which is still male-dominated. You really need to have a thicker skin and believe in yourself.

“Another thing, please take criticism constructively. Remember, there will be those who like or hate you. This is a great initiative to honour our athletes in the province,” said Mokgalagadi.

However, she added that there is a lot that needs to be done to improve sports in the province. Mokgalagadi said, there are development structures across the province, but the financial support is not enough.

“I think, what should be done to improve our sport is to give unwavering support, especially financially to these structures. There are development structures for various sporting codes, but they need to be financially backed.

“We have an abundance of talents in the province and once we get that proper push, our athletes will definitely shine. Every Tuesday, I talk sport development on my show and that’s where I realised that the talent is there, but there is a lack of support,” said Mokgalagadi.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi said: “I am delighted to present the prestigious North West Sport Recognition Awards, as we honour our athletes, sports teams and schools, who have excelled in their various sporting codes.

“The department and North West Provincial Sports Confederation have jointly embarked on this momentous initiative to ensure that excellence in sports, is duly recognised, rewarded and honoured.”

Mosenogi said the sport is one of the key contributors to the economy and social development as it plays a significant role in mitigating the well-known triple challenges in our society such as poverty, inequality and unemployment.

“We can never forget the ripple effect of COVID-19 on sports as for the past two years or so, athletes, whose livelihoods depend on sports were gravely affected as all sporting events across the globe were suspended.

“Therefore, we are pleased to have these men and women back at their various sporting platforms. These recognition awards also cast its eyes on sports administrators, who are responsible for the smooth operations of various sporting events and activities and enduring that they become a success,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Four suspects aged between 28 and 31 have been arrested for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the suspects were nabbed by police during patrol.

“The police from Vryburg Community Service Centre (CSC) were performing patrol duties when they saw a driver of a vehicle pointing a firearm out of a vehicle. The police immediately stopped the vehicle and requested the license of the firearm.

“The driver of the vehicle was unable to provide a license and he was arrested along with other occupants after failing to could not provide reasons for being in possession of the firearm. A case of possession of a firearm without a license was opened against them,” van Rooyen said.

She said, the suspects will appear at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court today.

The acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng applauded the police for their vigilance and swift response that led to the arrest. Tlotleng said the police perform their duties with such commitment to ensuring that, the communities are safe.

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Picture: Some of the drugs that were allegedly found in possession of the suspect/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A MAN (28) is expected to appear at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court for being in possession of drugs. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “On Friday, the police in Vryburg were busy with operation Vuthi Hawe and were patrolling in the suburb of Colridge.

“Whilst on patrol, they saw a man, who looked suspicious and requested to search him. Upon searching him, the police found 100 Methaqualone (Mandrax) tablets in his possession.

“The suspect was immediately arrested and a case of Possession of Dependence Producing Substance (Mandrax) was opened. The estimated street value of the tablets is R80 000.”

Meanwhile, the acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng applauded the police for their vigilance and swift response that led to the arrest. Tlotleng stated that the police are performing their duties with such commitment to ensuring that, the environment is safe for children.

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