By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

One of the nurses at the Taung District Hospital accuses the management of favouritism. This comes three nurses who were suspended for malpractice are back at work. 

The nurses were suspended over misconduct and negligence allegations after a patient, Kegomoditswe Tankie (21) from Diretsang village near Taung was seen on a video circulated on social media allegedly giving birth on the floor at the ‘disgraced’ hospital without any assistance.

Now, the nurse who wants to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal said: “I am so surprised to see them back at work. There was no communication from the management regarding the investigations and I just wonder if we will pretend that everything is back to normal just like that.

“The management does not take responsibility for what happened. These nurses will continue to do as they please if not held accountable. They neglected their duties for heaven sake, but no actions were taken against them because they are the management’s favourites.”

Dejected Tankie then said, she always heard many people complaining about the abuse of patients by healthcare staff in maternity settings in the hospital, but never thought one day she will be the victim herself.

According to her, she went to the hospital for labour and was put in the maternity ward with other pregnant women.

“The nurses who were on duty were in the other room and informed us to go to them if we experience any labour pains. Indeed, I experienced some pains and I went to seek help from them. They assessed and monitored the baby’s condition and ordered me to go back to where I was.

“They said I must come back at around 11:30, however, I experienced some labour contractions after reaching the room. When I arrived at the ward, I put a towel on the floor next to my bed to rest on it as I was unable to climb the bed,” she said.

Tankie further said she was also thirsty and requested water from one of the women in the ward. She added that then she went to the nurses after feeling some excruciating pains, but one of the officials in the corridors ordered her to go back saying nurses were still busy.

“I was in severe pain, but I managed to go back to the room again. I stand next to my bed and my legs were cramped. I was feeling nauseated and my water broke. The doctor was called and said I will be ready for labour at 00:20.

“However, I gave birth on the floor without any healthcare staff assistance. Now, I mull taking legal actions for medical negligence,” she said.

Belinda Lungile who was also in the maternity ward at the time of the incident alleged that nurses were rude and have arbitrary acts of unkindness toward pregnant patients.

“The abuse towards patients in that ward is well-documented. Since I was at the hospital, I saw the verbal abuse and psychological abuse many patients were subjected to. On 16 February 2021 before this initial incident, I saw nurses abusing some helpless patients and I confronted them.

“However, they also tried to bully me but I stand my ground. They even said I think I am somebody of importance and advocating for those patients will not take me anywhere. It is so ridiculous to find many women shouted at, sometimes beaten and neglected in that maternity care facility,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Health Department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said even though these nurses are back at work, the investigation continues.

“A preliminary report had revealed that the said patient was admitted on the 13 February 2021 and she was seen once daily, but there is no clear plan. The assessment was done on the 16 February 2021 at 7:30pm and not reviewed until a patient delivers at 11pm.

“However, there is no indication of self-delivery, according to the record as a patient was assisted during the third stage of labour. Generally speaking, these are rare cases where a patient delivers earlier than anticipated time and because of shortage of nursing staff where midwives have to juggle around more than one patient,” Lekgethwane said.

He said in future, the department will improve monitoring and surveillance of all pregnant women due to delivery after a shred of impeccable evidence on a video, where the patient was seen struggling to get terms of giving birth, while a newborn was on the floor.

Many patients at the hospital, especially at maternity ward continue to complain about the poor service and abuse they are subjected to by the nurses. However, Lekgethwane said: “All alleged incidents are reported to the Adverse Events Committee. The committee continually reviews these cases with a view to close gaps and improve on management.  

“This will be coupled with management review of the number of staff allocated to the ward-based on the ward capacity and patient ratio.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Five suspects who were arrested for the double murder of policemen are expected to appear at Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said the suspects were arrested during the early hours of Wednesday in Logageng village near Mahikeng by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Detective service, Tactical Response Team and members of the Local Criminal Records, for the alleged murders of Constable Simon Ngakaemang Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Horatius Molete (42), who were stationed at Mareetsane Police Station.

“It is alleged that on 26 July 2021 around 9pm, the two police officers were on patrol duties with a state vehicle when they came across a vehicle loaded with suspected stolen goats.

“The police officers reported the incident to the commander and mentioned that they would be bringing the suspect’s vehicle to the police station soon. About an hour later, the police reported that they were not far from the police station,” Rikhotso said.

She said, however, Molete and Ntsekeletsa never arrived at the police station and they could not be reached on both their cellphones and the police radio. Rikhotso further said a manhunt for the police officers was immediately launched.

“On 27 July 2021, the police were alerted by community members of bloodstains on the road leading to the police station. When the scene was visited, a knife and a police badge belonging to one of the deceased were found and the second badge was found near Mareetsane road.

“Further investigations led the team to a burnt state vehicle in Mosita village near Ganyesa, wherein the bodies of the deceased police officers were discovered. The team followed all the leads and worked tirelessly until they traced and arrested the five suspects who were allegedly found in possession of a 9mm pistol, which was taken from the slain police officers,” she said.

According to Rikhotso, a hammer, clothing with suspected blood stains and a vehicle has been seized for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya condemned the acts of the perpetrators and applauded the joint team for the swift arrest and recovery of the police firearm.

Lebeya: “We would like to express our deepest condolences to the families. We certainly hope that the families of our fallen police officers would find comfort in the arrest of suspects and look forward to the successful prosecution of these criminal acts.

“An attack on the police is an attack on the state and this is why we will leave no stone unturned. We will utilise all resources at our disposal to ensure those who commit such heinous acts against our officers in blue are found and face the full might of the law.”

The suspects were charged with two counts of murder, malicious damage to property, and possession of a stolen firearm.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Factionalism continues to be a dreadful phenomenon within the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) council, especially in the ANC caucus. This comes after the municipal council elected Grace Totong as the new municipal mayor on Tuesday.

Some of ANC councillors defied their party’s mandate and opted to elect Totong as the new mayor instead of re-instating Kgosi Nnyoko Motlhabane as instructed.

Motlhabane was ousted few months ago through a motion of no confidence sponsored by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Now, in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, the police were summoned to Totong’s residential area in Ditshilong village, Taung after the shootings. It is alleged that unknown men entered Totong’s yard and fired two bullets at her bedroom through the window.

Totong alleged that the ‘shooting’ was politically motivated.  

“It is now common knowledge that there was some shooting at my residential area in Ditshilong village in Taung at around 3am in the morning. I was from the bathroom when the shooting took place. Fortunately, no one suffered injuries.

“I would like to assure citizens of Taung that I am in good hands. I am healthy and sound as nothing has happened to me by the grace of God. Anyway, the police are handling the matter and to that extent, I’m not able to comment further because I might prejudice the investigations,” she said.

Now, Totong has confirmed that the municipality has hired a bodyguard for her to ensure that she is safe. However, she refused to divulge more details on how much of the taxpayers’ money was used.

“In terms of my safety, measures have been put in place by the municipality to ensure that my family and I are safe. I wish to thank the municipal leadership for acting promptly in this regard.

“I believe that the shooting was prompted by my election as the new mayor. This manifestation was seen rearing havoc immediately after the special council meeting where I was elected as the new mayor,” said Totong.

The newly-elected mayor confirmed that there are factions within the ANC. She also confirmed that she belongs to a faction, but refused to shed more details on which faction is she serving for fear of reprisal.    

“Yes, I can confirm that there are factions within the ANC and I also belong to a faction. However, I would not divulge which faction I belong to because of my safety. So, it is personal and I believe that might create conflicts, splits, and instability corollaries within the community of Taung.

“I am ready to execute my duties without being factional. So, my aim is to ensure there is service delivery to our community of Taung and there is no misappropriation of funds within the municipality,” she said.  

Totong said she was requested by the municipal council to step in and assist as the mayor, but not by the ANC even though she is deployed by it. She further said there are factions within the ANC that oppose her.

“It is true that the ANC Interim Regional Committee requested us to re-instate Motlhabane as the new mayor. However, I’ll say the municipality is guided by the legislation. So, if someone from outside comes and instructed us to do something that is not guided by the Municipal System Act, we would not adhere to that.

“The municipal council did what was supposed to be done. We did not refuse to re-instate Motlhabane, but the ANC must ensure that what they request us to do must be guided by the legislation,” said Totong.

When asked if she will defy the ANC’s instruction, if requested to resign, Totong said she will only comply if the ruling party brings valid reasons for her to resign.

Meanwhile, the ANC is expected to request Totong to resign as the IRC coordinator in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Walter Mabogola told Vaaltar FM that the party does not recognise her as the new mayor.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Situation continues to be volatile in Eswatini as some residents were shot and killed by security forces during protests. According to www.swazilandnews.co.za, King Mswati issued a decree banning protests and delivery of petitions after citizens organised series of protests in demand for democratic reforms.

The news site said, protestors subsequently defied the King who later unleashed the army to shoot and kill dozens of civilians.

Now, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) came out guns blazing after it was reported that some journalists were assaulted, tortured and detained in the country.

SANEF Secretary-General, Mahlatshe Mahlase said: “The South African National Editors’ Forum calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa and his regional counterparts to urgently demand that the government of Eswatini adhere to SADC media Freedom protocols.

“SANEF is extremely concerned that on 4 July 2021, two New Frame journalists, Magnificent Mndebele and Cebelihle Mbuyisa, who were on assignment in Eswatini were detained, assaulted, and tortured by security forces. Mndebele and Mbuyisa were in Eswatini to report on the pro-democracy protests with a specific focus on the alleged state murders of citizens.”

She said while in the country, they were stopped at roadblocks on several occasions, threatened and forced to delete material from their phones and camera. Mahlase said they condemn the detention, assault and torture of both journalists in the strongest terms and calls for international solidarity with all journalists and activists facing repression in Eswatini.

“We call for the immediate restoration of democratic freedoms in that country, including the right to a free press. For decades, Eswatini’s security forces have been notorious for their brutality against journalists, trade unionists, students and other pro-democracy activists.

“The attempts to silence journalists and activists are aimed, among other things, at trying to prevent the scale of the suffering of the people of Eswatini from being conveyed to people outside the country,” said Mahlase.

She further said as SANEF, they have also noted the blackout of the internet, which they equally condemn as a stringent measure meant to silence the voices of the citizenry, and inconvenience all. Mahlase further said SANEF is concerned about the safety of journalists and media workers which continues to be a huge challenge with increasing reports of attacks such as arbitrary arrest and detention, jailing, physical assault, which are used as weapons to silence critical journalism covering unrests in Eswatini.

“We believe that SADC governments should show a stronger political will to protect journalists and independent journalism to put a stop to the deterioration of media freedom in the region.

“Media freedom is an essential pillar of our democracies in the region which is too often taken for granted. Respect for freedom of the media in Eswatini has disappeared overnight due to the lack of the government conscience to defend human rights,” she said.

Mahlase added that in the last years, they have witnessed an increase in the number of cases of violence and intimidation against journalists. She said SANEF wishes to remind the government of Eswatini of its commitment to media-friendly policies based on the August 1995 SADC declaration on Information and Communication.

“Eswatini undertook to remove systems and procedures that restrict the free movement of journalists, the exchange of news and information and the circulation of media products within the countries and across national boundaries of the countries of the SADC Community.

“It also recognises accreditation documents issued by any SADC Member State to media personnel to cover events and news in the other Member States, of the Community,” she said.

Mahlase said they call on SADC leaders to embrace the principles of free access to information. She said SANEF points the leaders to the letter they co-signed with key media partners including the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), calling for media freedom to be upheld and journalists to be protected.

Meanwhile, key South African news organisations including the public broadcaster (SABC), as well as Newzroom Afrika have had to pull their journalists out of the country due to the ongoing attacks and intimidation on their journalists.

According to www.swazilandnews.co.za, the Senator Manqoba Khumalo, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade has told Channel Africa that protesters who were looting from businesses were armed with guns and government had to shut down the internet to control foreign insurgents who were leading the protests for democratic reforms.

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Zeerust Solar Farm’s recent business acceleration programme has nominated five principally women-led agriculture SMMEs as its key beneficiaries of its enterprise development initiative. Based in the Ramotshere Moiloa local communities, the five agricultural micro-entrepreneurs are to receive business funding and services support, following a stringent selection process.Of the five entrepreneurs, four are women and at least three are youth, demonstrating a shift in the perception that agriculture is male dominant.
“Additionally, these beneficiaries will further address our obligation to ensure that women and youth are empowered through our various Economic Development programmes,” explains Nomzamo Landingwe, chief community operations officer for Zeerust Solar.

The five overall winners will enter an Agri4Change accelerator programme and will also receive access to income-generating assets through allocation, which extends over 12 months; and an accredited certificate in mixed farming practices aligned with AgriSETA.

For more details visit: https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/358/217471.html

By STAFF REPORTER

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha expressed grave concern as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the province. The cumulative number of cases reported thus far is 101 736 with 82 620 people have recovered from the coronavirus with an 81.2% recovery rate and 2 475 deaths.

“We are gravely concerned by the steady increase of COVID-19 cases in the province, the average cases reported since last week hovers around 1000 on average. This is a serious cause for concern for our province, given the status quo unfolding in Gauteng Province.

“The province has 16 001 active cases to date with Bojanala District accounting for 9801 cases, followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda with 2981 and Ngaka Modiri Molema district with 2350 cases, while Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati has the least cases with only 614 cases,” he said.

Sambatha further said Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts remain the major concern for the province as they continue to register more positive daily cases and as the main economic zones of the province. He added that special attention must be paid to these districts.

“The early signs indicate that these districts might become serious hotspots once the Delta variant starts to pound our province. The province has administered 159 272 vaccines to date and we plead to all eligible persons to continue to register on the EVDS for vaccination.

“The process to register persons 50 years and above for vaccination has open on 1 July 2021. We still plead with our communities to adhere to basic preventative measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections, it is up to us to stop this deadly virus,” said Sambatha.

Therefore, he urged communities to take responsibility and not wait for the government to police them for compliance.

Meanwhile, a registered counsellor, Sumari Nel who works closely with the North West University’s Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) said the pandemic could have dreadful effects on many people’s mental health.

Nel said: “People have lost their loved ones, financial stability, some of the freedom, social interaction and a “normal” people were used to. We have also learned a lot during this time, but a lot of uncertainty remains. This has a significant impact on our mental health.

“When the outbreak started, most of us thought or hoped that this would be temporary, but as weeks became months, a sense of hopelessness set in about the prevailing circumstances, and also about new challenges that are arising.” 

She further said it is during these times that people must ground themselves in hope too. Nel said the American psychologist Charles Snyder describes hope as the perceived ability and motivation to walk certain paths that ultimately lead to the desired outcome.

“Hope is seen as the fuel that keeps people going through action. Snyder’s hope theory states that hope consists of both cognitive (process and content of thinking) and affective (emotions) components that ultimately lead to action.

“Therefore, you need to have focused thoughts, set goals and strategies to achieve them, and be motivated in pursuit of these goals. If, we perceive our current circumstances as hopeless, we may not be aware of the impact of our negative automatic thoughts on our experience of negative emotions and a change in functional behaviour,” said Nel.

She said it is important to be aware of and vigilant regarding thoughts, especially during this pandemic and to evaluate the rationale of our thinking. 

Nel said this increased awareness makes way for a greater probability of experiencing an increase in positive emotions and of behaving in a more functional way, which ultimately improves mental health and allows you to live each day with hope.

“All around us we see individuals making an extra effort to take care of their physical health, but it is important that we also make an extra effort to nurture and protect our mental health.

“There is a lot of uncertainty and circumstances that are to a great extent out of our control, but people must embark on this journey with hope, focusing on what control they still have, nurturing the chances and opportunities they still have,” she said.  

Nel also encouraged people to celebrate the “small” victories of each day with a grateful heart. She said at the end of the day, people should write down at least one thing for which they can be thankful.

“Set realistic, clear and achievable goals while recognising the potential barriers or roadblocks along the path. Spend time with people, even if it is virtually, who make you feel good and make you smile.

“Focus your attention on the facts from trusted resources to stay up to date regarding the news, but limit exposure to untrustworthy media resources. Constantly checking various websites for news and new comments can have an adverse effect on your mental health, as it may increase feelings of hopelessness and fear. Make time to also read about positive outcomes.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Today, the Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Oageng Seleke is expected to resign from his position as a mayor as per ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC)’s instruction.

Seleke is expected to announce his resignation today at 2pm during a press conference. He was elected unopposed as the new mayor of the municipality back in April 2021, following the unceremonious removal of the then mayor, Kgosi Nnyoko Charles Motlhabane.  

Motlhabane who is expected to be reinstated as the mayor during the course of this week, was ousted through a motion of no confidence sponsored by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Seleke was once adamant and said he will not recuse himself from the mayoral position.

“No my chief, a true leader cannot just instruct you. A selfless leader will listen to the cause then addresses the matter. So, it means the IRWC is not interested in addressing the cause, but they are interested in pleasing some bitter comrades.

“We need to shelve the spirit of arrogance first. To them, they are not interested in solving municipal issues but in pleasing their own interest. This is a revolution, so let them decide but the revolution continues. One day people will be reminded of their deeds,” he said.

However, the ANC IRWC coordinator in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Walter Mabogola said in a letter that was sent to Seleke requesting him to resign: “The IRWC has noted with great concern that Nnyoko Motlhabane who is the ANC mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) was removed without proper consultation with the party that deployed your good self.

“It was further noted that the council meeting, which was held in GTLM on 13 April 2021, has elected you as the new municipal mayor after you have accepted the nomination.”

Mabogola further said in their view, Seleke’s election was done without proper consultation with the ANC. 

Meanwhile at the time, the ANC IPC coordinator, Kenny Morolong said they have noted with concern the decisions of both Madibeng and Taung Local Municipal councils to remove both their mayors through motions of no confidence.

“We have also learned with utter shock that ANC deployees collaborated with the oppositions to remove both mayors of the ANC and did so without the organisation’s directive. These developments represent a continuation of a new and worrying tendency in our caucuses across the province.”

“This tendency seeks to erode the centrality of the ANC as the only centre of power. He said they would like to remind their deployees that the deployment and re-deployment of the mayors remain the exclusive domain of the IPC,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Ad Hoc Committee on Section 100 in North West chairperson, Chia Dodovu said a lot still need to be done to improve the situation in North West. Dodovu who submitted the report to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for adoption, said the intervention in terms of Section 100 of the Constitution in North West should continue until the national executive undertakes a review process.

In 2018, certain provincial government departments were put under administration after the collapse of service delivery, rampant corruption, and malfeasance allegations were leveled against the fifth administration under the former North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo stewardship.  

“The IMTT should continue to closely monitor the implementation of directives to ensure the achievement of outstanding priorities in Section 100(1)(b)  departments.

 The challenges in the North West Human Settlements department is addressed urgently.

“The national executive must monitor the performance of the province and institute early warning information systems to detect problems before they escalate into deeper crisis. However, at least the departments are fully capacitated at senior levels with qualified and experienced personnel and that skills transfer happen so that administration leaves a stable senior management leadership in place,” Dodovu said.

He further said the North West Public Works department should attend to the accommodation needs of departments, especially of the North West Social Development. Dodovu added that alternatively, the IMTT should look into dissolution of the function of property management from the North West Public Works back to other departments as a long-term solution to the current problem.

“The Minister of Transport together with the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management should urgently resolve the issues around an inability to promptly respond to the transport needs of the North West Department of Health including the procurement and maintenance of EMS fleet.

“Also the law enforcement agencies address issues of capacity, integrity, and allegations of corruption in their own ranks, where it is alleged that some criminal cases are fully investigated or are being withdrawn without valid reasons and whistle blowers and witnesses not being protected,” he said.

Dodovu said the should be progress in all the criminal cases be opened with the Hawks and the SIU be urgently considered by the NPA, particularly those that are subject to Section 100 intervention, and they be quarterly reported to the NCOP for close monitoring.

He said that all the role players engage one another in good faith and work together with a common view of restoring good governance and accountability culture in order to improved service delivery in the province.

“We recommend that proper and sustainable internal control measures, fraud prevention systems, monitoring and evaluation, audit units and independent audit committees be put in place.

“The consequence management be enforced in all incidents of unauthorised, irregular and fruitless and wasteful expenditure; possible abuse of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) system including fraud, corruption, and improper conduct,” said Dodovu.

However, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Mmoloki Cwaile said: “We, as a provincial government, are of the view that Section 100 has succeeded, despite few of other presenting challenges. The progress has been recorded since S100 invocation on North West and that the NCOP in its interaction with law enforcement, on 11 June 2021, took note of the progress being done on tackling all allegations of corruption, malfeasance and maladministration.

“We appreciate that the challenges for which S100 was invoked, flow from 5^th North West Provincial Government (NWPG) administration, a test is whether or not the 6^th

Administration Executive Council (EXCO) has equally failed on its mandate? Has that been tested?”

Cwaile said a critical test – is whether or not continued S100 intervention that does not get reduced in its intensity or strength – does not hold potential to undermine prospects of sustainability of redress made by the S100 Administration?

“Isn’t time for weaning off or engaging on conditional handover – which may include S100 (1) (a) – allowing supervision of national departments, and some form of mitigation against possible relapse?

“Whereas S100 intervention was necessary and doing well even in the face of some challenges – it would be not in the interest and spirit of the constitution to seek to permanentize it over the present electoral period of the 6^th NWPG administration, even when it is no longer for redress,” said Cwaile.

He further said it would be an error – a serious constitutional omission not to seek to enable the province to manage its affairs with the national government playing its own prescribed oversight. Cwaile added that the intervention should be supported with an allocation of funds so that the intervention itself should not only depend and use resources made available for services.

NCOP adopted the report after eight provinces voted in favour except the Western Cape province.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Department of Education has temporarily removed the Maphoitsile Primary School principal, Kgotlhaitsile William Maboitshege from the school after he allegedly sexually assaulted a Grade 6 learner.

It is alleged that Maboitshege sexually violated a learner by touching her breasts and private parts without her consent.  

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) and community members picketed outside the school calling for the removal of the principal. SANCO branch organizer, Lucky Tidikwe said they have engaged in a consultative meeting with the department and they are happy that Maboitshege was finally removed.

“The learner reported this matter to her grandmother who is her guardian. However, nothing was done to address this matter even though the parent went to school to report it. What Maboitshege did was wrong and surprisingly, more than five female learners also came forward with the same allegations.

“Imagine, the same teacher taught us many years ago, so he was supposed to regard these children as his granddaughters. So, it is clear that our learners are not living in a safer environment here. We have also advised the parent of the learner to go and open a criminal case with the police,” Tidikwe said.

Meanwhile, North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “We have taken a decision as the department to temporarily remove the principal from the school after the community picketed outside the school over this matter. We have requested him to report to the sub-district office in the meantime, while investigations are underway.

“So, we will wait for the outcome of the investigations. If it warrants that disciplinary actions need to be taken against the teacher, the department will do so. We have also summoned social workers to counsel the learners and parents.”    

According to www.legalwise.org.za website: “Sexual abuse is where a person has sexual relations with another person without his or her consent, such as rape or sexual violation. The rights of a child must be protected at all costs and every child has the right to dignity, such as not to be humiliated, freedom and security, such as not to be subjected to any form of violence and not to have his/her body touched in an inappropriate way, which would include sexual abuse.

“Bring criminal charges against any person who has committed an offence against him/her, such as that a child who has been sexually abused by his/her teacher has a right to report this to the South African Police Service (SAPS).”

The website said a child can report an offence without the assistance of his/her parents or legal guardians, however, it is advisable that a child consult with them for assistance, report any incident, such as sexual abuse by a teacher, to another teacher at his/her school, and bring a civil claim in court (such as a claim for damages) against a teacher who sexually abused him/her.

It reported that the child will need the assistance of his/her parent or legal guardian to bring a civil claim in court. A website said a teacher is required to place the interests of a child first.

“While a child is at school, a teacher has a duty of care over such a child. This means that a teacher must look after the child and act as the child’s parents, especially where there may be a threat to the safety of the child.

“A teacher also has a duty to report any knowledge that s/he may have that a child is being sexually abused. Except for the teacher, there is a general duty on every person who has knowledge of a child being sexually abused to report that knowledge.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

ANC in the Ngaka Modiri Molema region has been dissolved by the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) with immediate effect. This was announced by the ANC IPC coordinator, Hlomani Chauke yesterday.

Chauke said the decision to disband the region was reached after intensive engagement with the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC).

“We have consulted with the national leadership and it has come to a conclusion to disband the region with immediate effect. So, the IPC has established an interim structure that will now run the affairs of the party in the region.

“The structure will assist the region in preparing our branches to go to BGMs that will lead into the regional conference including the preparations for a provincial conference,” Chauke said. 

He lauded the new interim structure and wished them well in their new responsibilities. Chauke said the aim was to build the united ANC in the region.

“They will also make sure that during this period when there is a total collapse of service delivery, they will carry with them the responsibility of ensuring that there is accountability across all municipalities in Ngaka Modiri Molema to make sure that they deliver services to our people,” he said.

The disbanded ANC leadership in the region is well-known to be staunched supporters of the former ANC provincial chairperson, Supa Mahumapelo as they have lashed out at the IPC accusing them of serving their own interests and purging those who differ with them politically.

Recently, the structure also suspended the ANC memberships of Mahumapelo and the ANC Women’s League acting provincial secretary, Bitsa Lenkopane for five years for misconduct.

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