By OBAKENG MAJE

Parents of learners at Setshwarapelo Primary School in Mokgareng village, near Taung said they are bothered about safety of their children at the school as far as COVID-19 is concerned.

This comes after the ‘hazardous’ situation their children are exposed to at the school because of dilapidated buildings and lack of provision of water.

“Our children’s lives are in danger because of dilapidated buildings they are exposed to. There is also no provision of water to wash their hands.  The situation there is appalling and we blame the North West Department of Education for being ignorant.

“Mostly affected are Grade 3 learners as their classroom’s ceiling is falling down, while the walls are about to collapse anytime. The department does not take us serious even though we have raised these concerns with them in numerous times,” one parent said.

 Another one said: “The department brought few mobile classes which are not conducive for teaching and learning. These mobile classrooms are also not enough because our learners are cooped in mobile classrooms, while department officials work in air-conditioned and well-refurbished offices.

“However, we will continue to engage with the department to ensure that infrastructure is improved at our school. Pupils are demoralized because of the dire situation they are subjected to. The department is slapdash when it comes to our children’s future. Our learners cannot even adhere to COVID-19 regulations because of overcrowding.”

 Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said the school has been prioritised for building of two blocks in 2021/22 financial year and it is in the planning stage as the scope has been done. 

“However not all the blocks had cracks as there is a solid block. We have also provided seven new mobile classrooms and awaiting four additional mobiles to make it eleven. The old buildings are not used since the learners moved back after the provision of mobiles.

“Currently, there is a borehole project for the school and 10% of Section 21 must be used for a falling ceiling. All schools have been allocated this budget precisely to make minor repairs. A ceiling will be attended with the 10% of the infrastructure budget allocated to the school,” he said.

Recently, the department reported that more than 2000 teachers and more than 1000 learners across the province tested positive for COVID-19.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Tshepo Lenyai (32) is expected back in Taung Magistrate’s Court today. Lenyai from Manthe village, in Taung, was arrested for the murder of Kamogelo Lekaota (18). The incident took place at Disoufeng tavern in Manthe village during Easter weekend this year.

It is alleged that Lenyai stabbed Lekaota to death during a robbery. Lenyai appeared in court several times since his arrest, but he was denied bail by the court citing non-disclosure of his previous and pending cases.

The National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “Lenyai briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court for a formal bail application. However, he was denied bail after he failed to disclose his previous convictions, outstanding evidentiary evidence, and the state argued that he might intimidate state witnesses.

“The degree of violence in the charge against the accused was also taken into consideration including a pending case of assault GBH against him. The community will also not be pleased and his safety might be in jeopardy if released on bail.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Department of Education continues to be marred by widespread corruption and malfeasance. This comes after the department is implicated in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) scandal worth R9.2 million recently.

According to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the department established an informal committee to manage the procurement of PPEs outside the committee as provided by in terms of treasury regulations.

SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said the investigation in the affairs of the department has uncovered that the committee may have committed financial misconduct as it failed to ensure that the Supply Chain Management governing public procurement process was fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective.

“The investigation further shows that two requests for quotations (RFQ) were issued by the committee on behalf of the department for the supply and delivery of 50 000 masks per RFQ.

“In the first RFQ, three service providers were appointed to the value of R3.7 million, while on the second RFQ, five service providers were appointed to the value of R5.512 million,” he said.

Kganyago said, however, the department used the two RFQs to procure 400 000 masks, which was 300 000 more than what was initially requested. He said the irregularity has resulted in the department having to pay more than R9.2 million for masks, instead of R2.5 million.

“The regulated price for the face cloth mask by the National Treasury is R25. Our investigation has also revealed that one service provider was appointed despite submitting a quotation after the cut-off time.

“Furthermore, the committee even requested that one of the service providers reduce their quotation so that it be below the threshold set by National Treasury. This is the second irregularity relating to PPEs procurement that the SIU has uncovered in the department.

“The SIU has commenced with the civil litigation process to declare the contract invalid and unlawful and to recover any financial losses suffered by the North West Provincial

Government (NWPG),” said Kganyago.

He added that in line with SIU Act of 1996, the SIU made a disciplinary referral against members of the informal procurement committee for flouting supply chain management processes and for exposing the department to over expenditure of more than R6.5 million in the appointment of service providers.

Kganyago said ordinarily, all competitive bids above R500 000 that are awarded by the government entities must be awarded by a Bid Adjudication Committee in terms of National Treasury regulations.

“The Bid Adjudication Committee consider the recommendations of the Bid Evaluation

Committee and depending on the delegated powers make a final award or a recommendation to the accounting officer to make a final award,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Education department spokesperson, Elias Malindi said he will comment on the matter after meeting with his principals.  

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By OBAKENG MAJE

African National Congress (ANC) leadership in Mokgareng village, Taung alongside with its embattled branch secretary, Mmoloki Mojaki who was accused of assaulting the chief, visited the Ntokwe royal house on Sunday.

The truce visit comes following a ‘frosted and fractured’ relations between the ANC leadership, its deployee and the tribal leadership in the village.

Some residents raised concerns over Mojaki’s nominee as the incoming ANC ward 7 councillor after 2021 Local Government elections. They deemed Mojaki as ‘rebellious and ill-disciplined’ person who is not fit to lead.

It is allegedly that Mojaki assaulted Kgosi Victor Ntokwe back in 2019 after a commotion ensued over Mokgareng High School project.

ANC ward 7 branch spokesperson, Vela Ntuli said in a statement that the ‘highly powered’ delegation had an extraordinary session with Bogosi Baga Kgosi Ntokwe after spurious allegations made rounds in the media and social media fraternity.

“We visited the Bogosi Baga Kgosi Ntokwe after spurious allegations did rounds in the media and social media and making serious but baseless allegations against the ward branch secretary and nominee of the branch for ward candidate, Mojaki.

“An extraordinary meeting was attended by Kgosi Ntokwe Kingsley Ntokwe and the highly powered delegation led by the branch chairperson, Oupa Moses Moshe

Mopharing,” he said.

Ntuli said the deliberations reflected on the need for the traditional authority to be respected and for relations to be rebuilt. He said they agreed on the need to normalize working relations and work for the common good of the community of Mokgareng in particular and ward 7 in general.

According to Ntuli, Kgosi stated in no uncertain terms that all political parties in the ward, including all candidates are his subjects and he refuses to be made to hate other members of the community.

“Kgosi Ntokwe made it categorically clear that he has no objection against any candidate of any political party assuming high office, including Mojaki. Kgosi also highlighted that they will work with any elected leader to bring developments to the community.

“Mojaki also indicated that he heard for the first time in the media about those frivolous and baseless allegations. He committed to work with all stakeholders to bring development in the area, be it former councillors, NGOs, churches and other faith-based organizations, small businesses and the tribal authority,” said Ntuli.

He said Mojaki personally called for a new era, which is an era of focus, unity and service delivery. Ntuli added that the ANC Branch Executive Committee wishes to reaffirm its faith and confidence in the Bogosi as led by Kgosi Ntokwe and the Branch Election Team under the stewardship of Mojaki.

“We call on residents of ward 7 to work together and not entertain petty and manufactured concoctions from prophets of doom, who want to see the society divided.

“As BEC, we note the allegations as a poorly-orchestrated plan to cast aspersion on the integrity of our ward candidate and equally defame him. We pledge to rally around Mojaki and deliver a resounding ANC victory for ward 7,” he said.

However, Kgosi Victor Ntokwe who was allegedly assaulted by Mojaki did not buy it. Ntokwe said he was called by Kgosi Ntokwe Kingsley Ntokwe who informed him that there are ANC members who want to make truce.

“I was not part of that meeting because I feel that Mojaki is undermining me. He cannot go and ask for forgiveness from my brother, while I am the one he assaulted. He was supposed to request forgiveness from me if he really mean it,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Residents of Maphoitsile village near Taung are expected to picket outside Maphoitsile Primary School on Tuesday over sexual assault allegations against the principal.

It is alleged that the principal sexually assaulted a Grade 6 learner by touching her inappropriately. According to South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) branch organiser, Luckyboy Tidikwe, the learner informed her grandmother that the principal fondled her breasts and private parts, but nothing has been done to address the matter.

“We understand that the principal allegedly touched the breasts and private parts of a learner and this did not happen once or twice, but more than three times. The learner informed her grandmother, who went to the school to confront the principal.

“However, it seems this matter was not reported to the North West Education department because nothing has happened to address it. Now, as SANCO and members of the community, we call for the removal of the principal,” Tidikwe said.

He further said they cannot allow their learners to be under “monsters” supervision and situation should be just normal. Tidikwe added that, the department should conduct thorough investigations to check how many learners were also sexually abused by the same “predator”.

Meanwhile, the North West Education department spokesperson, Elias Malindi said he will respond later as he is still gathering facts around the matter.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A mother of a mentally handicapped girl from Matlapaneng village in Taung, said she was left depressed after seeing a naked video of her daughter doing rounds on social media.

Keitumetse Marungwane said people should be sensitive before they could violate other people’s rights and dehumanize them. Marungwane’s daughter, Olerato (20) was seen walking naked in the streets at night and some of the residents accused her of witchcraft.  

“My daughter is mentally ill and I was so surprised to see her naked video on social media. On that day, Olerato left the house earlier wearing her clothes, but later on, we received a message that she was seen walking in the streets naked.  

“Olerato was never the same since the passing of her father in 2017. She started to show some symptoms immediately after the funeral on Saturday. However, we did not take it very seriously thinking that she might have been affected by the death of her father,” she said.

Marungwane said the situation got worse when Olerato showed a relapse of concentration at school. She said her daughter was doing Grade 11 at the time, but they could not do anything to assist her to get to her former self.

“Now, our community members know that she is not well and those who filmed her should refrain from distributing that video. Actually, we urge them to delete it because what they did was against the law,” said Marungwane.

North West Health department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said the department has strategic plans to provide quality and accessible mental health care services to the community of the province.

He said plans to reach the strategic goal of the department depend on the accessibility, facilities available for mentally handicapped persons, hospital beds.

“The strategic plan of the department is to provide quality and accessible mental health care services to the community of the province. Plans to reach the strategic goal of the department depend on accessibility, facilities available for mentally handicapped persons.

“On discharge of the mental health user, the family or guardian is empowered on the condition of the user and how to deal or observe any mood changes. There are two Mental Health Review Board appointed according to the Mental Health Care Act to safeguard the human rights of the mentally handicapped persons in the health facilities, as well as in communities,” said Lekgethwane.

He said as mental health cut across in every sphere is the responsibility of every department to collaborate with department of health to provide quality mental health to the people of the North West.

“There is also an established inter-sectoral committee consisting of key departments in mental health. We have the departments of Health, Social Development, South African Police Services, Justice and Constitutional Development, Correctional Services, and Education,” he said.

Lekgethwane said their term of reference is to support primary health care through consultations, training, and advocacy. However, he said the current situation in the province is that, only clinical psychologists were appointed for the four districts and one for Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati resigned in December 2020 and the province is unable to attract scare skill due its rural state.

“Each sub-district has a mental health coordinator to provide technical support to primary health care. So, to prevent discriminations and empower the community about the mentally handicapped person the department implemented health talks and dialogues about mental health are conducted in schools, community and health facilities.

Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said it will probe the allegations. SAHRC provincial spokesperson, Adv Oarabile Gaoraelwe said: “The SAHRC is mandated to protect, promote and monitor human rights in South Africa. We work with organisations involved in the protection and promotion of mental Healthcare users (and in particular persons with intellectual disabilities).

“Our institution is also empowered to investigate allegations of human rights violations including allegations of discrimination against persons with intellectual disabilities. So, we will initiate a probe into the allegations, review the available evidence and then make a decision into whether we must investigate the matter or refer it to a better suited statutory or constitutional body.”

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The families of 20 illegal miners who were killed at Orkney mine last week, will identify their bodies today. On 14 and 15 June 2021, the police made a gruesome discovery after 20 decomposed bodies of 20 illegal miners were found and stashed in grain bags outside abandoned China African Precious Metals (CAPM) mine.  

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The first five decomposed bodies were found at approximately 7pm on 14 June 2021 outside an old and unused mine shaft ventilation in Lawrence Park, Orkney.

“On 15 June 2021, 14 more decomposed bodies were found along Ariston Road near the railway line in Orkney. While still processing the scene, the police received information that another body was discovered where the initial five bodies were found, thus bringing a total number to 20.”

He said all the deceased were suspected to be illegal miners commonly known as “zama zamas” operating in obsolete shafts in Orkney and Stilfontein. Furthermore, the deceased suffered severe body burns.

It was reported that some of the deceased had pieces of papers depicting contact details of their next-of-kin with them. Most of these illegal miners are from Lesotho.

Now, today, the North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro along with Lesotho Consul, Selimo Thabane, will join the Lesotho families in identifying bodies of the deceased. However, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said Mokgoro will engage Thabane before meeting with the Lesotho families at 10am.

Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation(SANCO) chairperson in North West, Paul Sebegoe said: “We condemn in the strongest terms these ghastly and horrendous criminal acts. The slaughter fields must be shut down for illegal mining operations before more dead bodies are retrieved or are in some cases buried clandestinely underneath the belly of the earth.

“It is a travesty of justice that shocking atrocities of this nature are committed with impunity by the so-called zama-zamas while municipal authorities, the Department of Mineral Resources and law enforcement agencies are seemingly turning a blind eye to the nefarious activities that have shown no regard for the value of human lives.”

He calls for the establishment of an integrated specialised unit to tackle the economic crimes committed by ruthless syndicates that are taking advantage of desperate unemployed people from neighbouring countries.

“Mining houses should be held accountable for their failure to rehabilitate abandoned mines. They are indirectly responsible for illegal activities that are claiming the lives of desperate miners who are lured to death traps by ruthless crime syndicates,” he stressed.

“We urge police to investigate whether human trafficking is not involved in these atrocious activities. No stone should be left unturned and justice for victims must be served without compromise,” said Sebegoe.

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By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

Dear Fellow South African,

We are now in the midst of a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We may be tired of this persistent enemy, but it is not yet tired of us. The threat to health and lives is evident as people become ill and some die.

So, we must do what we can, as individuals, as families and communities, as unions and employers, and as government, to limit the toll.

When the virus surges to this extent, the economy also faces challenges. Workers have to isolate or quarantine, people stop going out for recreation or shopping, tourism comes to a standstill, and workplaces have to spend more money to prevent infections.

It is incorrect to speak about a trade-off between lives and livelihoods. Rather, we need to invest our time, effort and resources to control the pandemic to see a payoff, in terms of both falling case numbers, reduced deaths and economic recovery.

The climb in new cases has been extraordinarily rapid and steep over the past few weeks. The number of daily new cases jumped from below 800 in early April to over 13,000 in the past week. In other words, it increased more than fifteen-fold from the last low point.

By now, we all know what we have to do to bring the rate of infection down, and we must act with great discipline to protect our people and our livelihoods.

Once again, we have to avoid social gatherings of all kinds, whether for family, friends, business or recreation. We must work from home if we can. We must wear masks when other people are around and stay one and half metre from other people whenever possible. Although we find ourselves in the middle of winter, we need to ensure good ventilation when indoors or in public transport, for instance by opening windows.

As South Africans, we have experienced pandemics before, most notably HIV/AIDS. We have managed to reduce new HIV infections by more than half since 2010. Our people know that we can control contagions, but it requires all of us to act together over time.

It is not a task only for the vulnerable or the healthcare system. It requires every South African to do their part, to accept that we cannot go back to pre-pandemic days but must rather build a new normal that is safe for us all.

We can win this battle, but it will take persistence and discipline.

As always with COVID-19, there are huge differences between different parts of the country. Right now, Gauteng is by far the hardest hit. This week the number of new cases exceeded the peak in both previous waves, and it has not started to decline yet.  As a result, hospitals are reaching capacity, and healthcare workers are exhausted.

Gauteng looks small on the map. But it is home to one in five South Africans and two-fifths of our economy. As an economic hub many people travel to and from this province. We need to turn this around urgently, or lives and livelihoods will be seriously under threat.

We plan to provide vaccinations for the vast majority of adults in South Africa by the end of the year. It is crucial that, when you become eligible, you get the jab as soon as possible. Our priority in this phase is to vaccinate all five million people over the age of 60. This week, we also plan to start vaccinating half a million educators and others in the sector since their work requires social contact and is vital for our children, our economy and our future.

All of us need to work to ensure a fast and smooth rollout of the vaccine campaign. If our family members, friends, neighbours or employees need help, we should support them in registering and getting to vaccine sites. We will only be able to effectively contain this disease when we succeed in rolling out vaccinations on a large scale.

Our country has experienced many hardships in the past. However, we overcame them by understanding the challenges we faced, developing appropriate strategies, and implementing them together. As we have done before, we need to work as one to prevent infections and reduce the effects of this virus on us.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Rebaone Seele (22) will be back in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Seele was arrested a few months ago after being accused of raping a woman (35) at a popular joint, Longstreet Lifestyle Pub in Ext 7 in Taung.

It is alleged that the victim was with her boyfriend at the pub when she decided to go to the bathroom. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, while the woman was in the bathroom, Seele allegedly accosted and raped her.

“Indeed, the police are investigating a rape case that was reported. The incident allegedly took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, where a woman was raped.  It is alleged that the complainant was with her boyfriend at the pub when she decided to go to the bathroom and she was allegedly raped,” Myburgh said.

She further said Seele was subsequently arrested and appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “The suspect was granted a R2000 bail, but he has not paid it yet. The case was postponed to 21 June 2021 for further investigations.”

Taung Men against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Forum chairperson, Tebogo Mokgejane said they are concerned about GBV cases taking place in Taung.  He said despite the efforts by various formations in Taung, including Taung Men against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Forum to condemn and call to an abrupt halt of all barbaric acts of sexual violence, such cases continue unabated.

“Women will not be pushed to live in fear because some men have turned themselves into sex pests, preying on young and older women. The forum will not get tired of condemning these acts, assist victims and make the necessary follow-ups on all cases until justice are serviced to all victims.

“May it be known that the forum will treat all cases equally without fear or favor, no matter who is involved. The forum will continue to give the victim the necessary support like we normally do to all other victims known to us,” said Mokgejane.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The details surrounding the missing North West University’s Digital Media Marketer and socialite, Sam Junior Mbatha continue to be sketchy. This comes after the police discovered a burnt car belonging to Mbatha in the field at Ikageng Section in Klipgat on Thursday.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police also found a body of a man burnt beyond recognition in the boot of the car. Myburgh said the police were allegedly called to the scene of the crime at approximately 7am on Thursday and upon arrival, they found a sedan burnt to ashes. 

“Currently, the police cannot precisely confirm what transpired and investigation into the matter continues. It is suspected that it could possibly be the owner of the vehicle, but the identity of the man cannot be confirmed as the body is burnt beyond recognition.

“The police have opened a case of murder and will conduct the DNA testing to assist in positively identifying the man. Anyone with information that can assist the police, are requested to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Thabo Sekgororoana on 082 ‪520 1588,” she said.

Myburgh said alternatively, they can contact their local police station, or anonymously contact Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app on your smart phone.

Meanwhile, the Mbatha’s family spokesperson, Kgomotso Sepeng said: “On behalf of the Mbatha family, relatives, and close friends, we would like the public to note that Sam’s car was found burnt on Thursday morning.

“The police, family, and close friends have not declared the identity of the victim who was burnt in the car. The family has not issued any statement to the public prior to this one as they respect the laws and procedures of the investigation.”

Sepeng added that the family humbly requests everyone who is publishing speculations on any publishing platforms including social media, to take down such posts with immediate effect and refrain from publishing further speculations in order to allow the police to conduct its investigations.

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