Category Archives: NEWS

Tlapeng village’s water woes exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic

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For two decades Tlapeng village has had no access to water, and the community is forced to drink dirty water. Now, the Covid-19 pandemic is showing just how dangerous this is.

Forced to drink contaminated water for nearly two decades, residents of Tlapeng Village near Taung say the Covid-19 pandemic makes them even more vulnerable.

Existing health challenges

“We have been experiencing water challenges since 1999 and our health is now affected because I constantly have a running stomach and have pains on my waist,” says community member Emmanuel Tong. “When I went to the clinic nurses told me that this pain could be caused by the water we are consuming.”

The village has boreholes but these go dry for weeks, sometimes up to a month in a dry season. When there is no water in their area they have to travel nearly five kilometres on donkey carts to fetch water from neighbouring villages.

Handwashing is an essential part of preventing the spread of the coronavirus, but Tlapeng villagers do not have enough water even for this.

With the Covid-19 pandemic we fear for our lives because we do not have proper access to water. When we do, the water is dirty and we have to boil it before use,” says Tong.

“I have been constantly writing to various government departments but we have received no assistance up to so far,” he adds.

Waiting for assistance

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has taken water samples from Tlapeng Village, but have yet to return the results.  The department has distributed 177 tanks and 13 water trucks to the Dr Ruth Segomotsi District Municipality. None of these, have reached Tlapeng village, which falls under the municipality.

A North West village’s water woes are exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic
Tlapeng villagers forced to drink dirty water during pandemic

The department says it has identified 87,785 households from four district municipalities in the North West province that are to receive 725 water tanks and 50 water trucks. The department’s  provincial head Chadwick Lobakeng acknowledges the challenges.

“DWS working together with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, municipalities and water boards to ensure that the identified households, which do not have water supply, receive it throughout to ensure that we combat the spread of Covid-19,” says Lobakeng.

Long walk to access healthcare services

Water challenges are not the only issues faced by the poverty stricken community. Tlapeng community members have to walk for more than six kilometres to access healthcare facilities and secondary schools. This makes them more vulnerable to the pandemic.

“There are no clinics in our village. The nearest clinic is in Pampierstadt and it closes at 4pm. During weekends the clinic is closed which means that those who cannot afford transport to visit other healthcare facilities are left stranded until Monday. The situation in our area is really hopeless.,” says Tong.

Still waiting for food hampers

Tong says 90% of the community is unemployed and depend on seasonal farm work. Most households depend on social grants for survival.

The village is still waiting for food parcels as part of the Covid-19 relief parcel. Tong feels that Tlapeng Village has been neglected by government. He hopes that they will receive the much-needed relief soon.

The village also has only one primary school, which the community built themselves. There is no secondary school, adds Tong.

Source: http://www.health-e.org.za 

‘Chaos expected at schools as more learners return’  

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Chaotic moments are expected at various schools in the North West amid the return of more learners. Those who are expected to return to class are learners in Grade R, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, and 11 as well as learners attending Schools of Skill in years 1, 2, and 3.

However, Grades 5 and 8, as well as learners with severe intellectual disabilities will return on 31 August. The North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said her department is ready to phase-in more grades on Monday following a four-week break for schools to avoid the surge of the Covid-19 virus.

“The province’s readiness approach includes provision for boarding school hostels with mobile hostels in order to comply with social distancing. On the other hand, the department sought to repair schools that were vandalised during the lockdown.

“About 129 schools in the province were vandalised. So far 112 of these schools are repaired while 17 schools still outstanding with contractors on-site in some. As the department, we carried plans that are both human and curriculum eccentric throughout the break,” she said.

Matsemela added that they are serious about the implementation of the COVID-19 non-negotiable at schools across the province. She said they have provided extra mobile hostels to Moedwil and Onkgopotse Tiro Combined schools in order to keep up to the social distancing requirement.

“Additional mattresses have also been supplied for the hostel at Boons Mega Farm School and dining rooms will be used on alternating times to allow social distancing. As the department, we have put measures in place to ensure that Grade 12 learners are supported to cover the curriculum.

“We have also shared the online platforms with schools, distributed printing material for the Business Studies, Accounting, and Economics Management, Physical Science, and Humanities. These tools were also distributed to FETs also arranged radio lessons and dial-a- tutor programmes were beneficial to learners including those who are homeschooling due to comorbidities”, said Matsemela.

She also sent her regards to all educators for their sacrifices during the difficult time of the pandemic, learners for their quest to acquire education and parents for their continuous support.

Meanwhile, the department’s Superintendent-General, Stephinah Semaswe is expected to monitor the return of learners at Reboneilwe Secondary in Coligny and Phatsima Primary school in Boikhutso near Lichtenburg on Monday, while Matsemela is expected to visit Motswedi Secondary and Borakallo Primary schools near Zeerust on Tuesday.

South African Teachers’ Union (SADTU) said all schools, colleges, and other centres of learning must fully comply and where there is no compliance, learners and education workers should not risk their lives.

SADTU deputy General-Secretary, Nkosana Dolopi: “The NEC noted that the opening of schools needed to be well managed to avoid straining the system. The 50% or fewer learners per day based on the different timetables adopted by schools influenced by their contextual factors must ensure that physical distancing is not compromised.

“The NEC, however, noted that according to a joint teacher union survey on school readiness for the reopening of schools on 24 of August, 11% of schools were struggling to construct a timetable because of constraints of space and teacher availability.”

Dolopi lambasted the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said it should have used the short break from the 27 July to fix all the problems to contribute to the suppression of the community transmissions. He said the NEC also criticised the announcement of the date for re-opening of schools for 2021 by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) without consultation, ignoring the realities on the ground and realities presented by COVID-19.

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252 suspects nabbed for various crimes in North West during operation

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close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping.

close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping.

By BAKANG MOKOTO

More than 250 suspects were arrested in North West during the provincial Suspects Raiding Operation (SRO) for various crimes ranging from murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), sexual assault and attempted rape.

North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said out of 252 arrests, 129 were for contact crimes. Funani said the other suspects were nabbed for other crimes such as malicious damage to property, contravention of protection order, theft, burglary residential and business, and stock theft.

“The suspects were arrested at all four districts within the province. Most of them have already appeared in courts within the province, while others are expected to appear on Monday.

“In one of the arrests for murder and robbery, two suspects aged 23 and 30 are expected to appear in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection with a brutal murder. It is alleged the two suspects fatally stabbed Elizabeth Kgope (38) in the early hours of Wednesday morning, while visiting SASSA offices in Hebron,” she said.

Funani added that Kgope was visiting SASSA offices to register her one-month-old baby when she was accosted by suspects. She said the suspects robbed her of her handbag before fleeing the scene.

“The matter was reported to the Hebron Police Station and the suspects were subsequently arrested after an intensive investigation. They were successfully traced and arrested in Soshanguve during the operation,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended detectives for the arrests and indicated that operations such as this will continue to ensure that criminals are apprehended.

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‘New kid on the block ready to take over the airwaves’

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(Picture Supplied: Gospel artist, Nyakallo Bangiwe )

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Nyakallo Bangiwe’s gospel music continues to add intrinsic value to the lives of the masses across the country. This was witnessed recently after Bangiwe’ songs received high rotation from various radio stations.

A God-fearing artist who originates from Dealsville village, which is 70km outside Bloemfontein in Free State province said, he fell in love with gospel music when he was only 8.

“I was a member of the Christian Apostolic Church in Zion of Southern Africa (CACZSA) when I grew up. So, I believe that being a gospel artist was a calling from God and he beckons me to use the gift that he has given me to his glory.

“God wanted me to produce art that is beautiful and well-executed in order to guide his children. I was also a soccer player, but I decided to quit football and focus more on my music career because the two careers were incompatible,” he said.

Bangiwe (25) added that his ‘turning point’ was back in 2015 at his grandmother’s funeral. He said he ascended to the podium, grabbed the microphone and sang one of his unreleased songs.

“It was a sombre moment, but I saw people’s faces light up while paying tribute to my late grandmother. I was motivated because many people loved my artistry work. They encouraged me to release an album afterward.

“I never looked back and I knew that God has long decided that I’ll be a gospel artist when I signed under Are Goleng Music production that is owned by a humanitarian, Tshidiso Moreane,” he said.

Bangiwe released his first album called Ha Ho Motswalle A Fetang Jesu in 2017. He also released his second album called Araba Jesu.

“As an artist that is still young and trying to find my niche in the industry, I look forward to the likes of Teboho Moloi, Tumi Mokokstad, and Tina Zungu. What makes me content is that people love my music and they continue to appreciate it.

“I’d love to send my regards to Mr Moreane for what he has done. I am who I am because of him. May Almighty God continue to bless and protect him. My second album represents answers to all challenges our people are subjected to,” said Bangiwe.

Moreane said Bangiwe is an amazing person to work with. He said Bangiwe is one artist that produces art that is true.

“I always say Christian artists must produce art that corresponds to Christianity. We have a project where we will be collaborating with one of the powerhouse gospel artists in Kwazulu-Natal and we are upbeat about that.

“Bangiwe’s music is well-executed and provides that redemptive act. He is spiritually gifted and people enjoy his music. My dream is to see his music appealing internationally and breaking all barriers,” he said.

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Taung missing girl found unharmed

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A 16-year-old girl who was reported missing at Manthe village in Taung returned home unharmed after four days. This was confirmed by the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone.

It was reported on various social media platforms that two girls went missing after they were allegedly kidnapped on Sunday at Manthe village by unknown person/s. However, Mokgwabone refuted allegations and said only one case of kidnapping was reported.

“We can confirm that only one case of kidnapping was reported on Thursday. It is alleged that a girl left her home on 16 August 2020 to go to the sports ground, but she never came back home till Thursday.

“She allegedly informed her grandmother that she was kidnapped after returning home. No one has been arrested and investigation into the matter is underway,” he said.

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Five nabbed for ‘hijacking’ a liquor truck

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Five suspects appeared at the Molopo Magistrate’s Court for truck hijacking on Friday. Kagiso Monsho (31), Tumisang Mosebi (31), Moluki Kitso (36), Tebogo Kaonosi (44), and Onkarabetsi Gaobuse (48) were apprehended by the Mahikeng Flying Squad and Public Order Police (POP) at Lotlhakane village near Mahikeng.

North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “The accused were apprehended after they allegedly hijacked a truck delivering liquor. It is alleged that the truck owner became suspicious after the drivers failed to answer their cell-phones.

“The matter was reported to the police and at the same time, the tracker was activated. The truck was eventually found in the bushes along Lotlhakane road. Further investigation into the matter led to the apprehension of the suspects in Dithakong West village after being spotted off-loading liquor from a Nissan bakkie and Toyota Quantum,” Funani said.

She further said the suspects were also found to be in possession of a Uzzi rifle and 11 rounds of ammunition. Funani added that the accused were remanded in custody until their next appearance on 26 August 2020.

“The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena congratulated the members for the rapid response which led to the arrest of the accused, recovery of the truck, liquor and confiscation of an illegal firearm and ammunition,” she concluded.

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Tavern owner in hot water for breaking lockdown regulations

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Klerksdorp-based tavern owner (54) is expected to appear at Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2020. This comes after patrons without wearing masks were seen on a video that went viral on social media dancing and jamming at the owner’s tavern.

According to information, the incident took place at Jourberton Township in Klerksdorp on Wednesday. Now, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said police in Jouberton acted swiftly on the matter and subsequently issued a notice to appear in court for contravening Regulation 14(6) read with 5(2)(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).

“He may also elect to pay an admission of guilt fine of R2000.00 payable on or before 7 September 2020. Members of the public and business owners are urged to ensure strict compliance with the general measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 as stipulated in the lockdown regulations, including mandatory wearing of cloth face masks and keeping of social distancing,” Mokgwabone said.

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SANCO in North West calls for lifestyle audits on govt officials 

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SANCO

By REGINALD KANYANE

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West calls on the Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro to conduct a lifestyle audit on public representatives and government officials as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance ethical, accountable and transparent leadership.

SANCO provincial secretary, Packett Seaketso said there are numerous allegations of large scale corruption and looting that is continuously taking place in the province. He said the North West Provincial Government cannot look the other way, but instead has to act swiftly.

“To this end, the asset forfeiture unit should be activated with immediate effect. The Auditor-General (AG) has made adverse findings on almost all the municipalities in the province. Instances of fruitless, unauthorised and irregular expenditure are on the rise and consequence management is to be implemented as a matter of urgency on all the affected municipalities.

“SANCO has never made any pronouncement to support any municipality in the face of looting and maladministration that characterise municipalities. Communities require services from municipalities and not corruption. We have also noted with grade concern the recycling of administrators in municipalities when section 139 of the constitution is implemented,” he said.

Seaketso added that despite this recycling, there is no improvement in the affected municipalities. He said service delivery remains a challenge to the communities and the provincial government should have to seriously review these interventions and consider measures that will bring about visible service delivery improvements.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West shared the same sentiments. DA provincial ChiefWhip, Freddy Sonakile said they challenge Mokgoro to snap out of his “great embarrassment” over allegations of corruption among Members of the Executive (MECs) and call for lifestyle audits by a credible service provider.

“The recent media reports on MECs’ failure to account to the North West Provincial Legislature’s respective portfolio committees on the overall misappropriation of funds and tender fraud, is a crying shame, but being “embarrassed” about it, will not suffice.

“It is common knowledge that the factionalism within the ANC compels Mokgoro to wait on the go-ahead of his political party – who has been responsible for 26 years of looting state coffers – to reshuffle his cabinet,” he said.

Sonakile said the least that the Professor can do, is to order a lifestyle audit to save what is left of his stature.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial chairperson, Shakes Botswe said Mokgoro must act decisively as he always ‘preaches’ for good governance. Botswe added that in light of rampant corruption and consistent poor audit outcomes, the audit should be extended to all senior departmental officials and municipal accounting officers.

“We hope that Mokgoro will do the right thing and the lifestyle audit should be carried out on all senior staff in a bid to tackle corruption in government. No doubt that the lifestyle audits will contribute significantly in defeating corruption and the abuse of public resources for private gain,” he said.

Botswe also said that hundreds of millions of rands looted from government coffers would be recovered, and the future tender processes should be open to public scrutiny.

However, Mokgoro said: “I will apply my mind and will provide an opportunity for further consultation before a final decision is reached. There are many components to consider before implementation. So, I will give an update on the decision soon.”

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ANC in North West mourns the death of Maine

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Sophie Maine

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in for the bereaved after the passing of the ANC stalwart, Sophie Maine. Maine who was a member of the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) in the North West died on Wednesday after a short illness.

The ANC Interim Provincial Committee spokesperson, Kenny Morolong said MaSoph as Maine was affectionately known belonged to a generation of outstanding revolutionaries whose lives were committed to the destruction of the evil system of apartheid. Morolong added that MaSoph’s generation created a free, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa.

“MaSoph played a critical role in mobilizing women in the then Western Transvaal behind the banner of ANC. She distinguished herself through her service to the movement, serving in many capacities including as the first Branch Chairperson of the ANC Women’s League in Ipelegeng, Schweizer Reneke in 1990, and Regional Chairperson of the ANC Women’s League in the Western Transvaal.

“She has also served as Provincial Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Women’s League in the North West. Following the democratic breakthrough in 1994,  MaSoph was deployed to represent the ANC as one of its first Members of Parliament and served two terms in the National Assembly,” he said.

Morolong further said the ANC in the North West has lost a matriarch, a disciplinarian, and embodiment of the true values of the movement. He said MaSoph was selfless and disciplined.

“The ANC IPC will remember MaSoph for her frankness during discussions. She was an unwavering commitment to the work of the movement. She was so dearly loved and cherished.

“So, we will forever be indebted to the selfless dedication of her to the cause of complete liberation of our people. We, the leadership of the ANC in the province, dedicate ourselves to working towards realizing her yearning desire to rebuild the structures of the ANC in the province and fostering unity among our membership,” said Morolong.

He added that the ruling party conveys their heartfelt condolences to MaSophy’s family, relatives, friends, and comrades. Morolong said they owe MaSophy a debt that can never be paid for her contribution to the liberation struggle and in shaping the democracy.

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Newly-appointed mayor to bring stability at Ramotshere-Moiloa 

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Picture: Ramotshere-Moiloa Local Municipality mayor, Lerato Selebogo 

   

By OBAKENG MAJE

Women continue to play pivotal roles within the society as they possess efficient skills and they are primarily recognised in various fields as they render their participation in an effectual manner.

It has long been correctly assumed that women’s feminine values would contribute positively in the masculine, hierarchical world of politics and this was proven to be true in 1956 when more than 20 000 women staged a march at the Union Building in Pretoria to protest against the proposed amendments that required African persons to carry the pass.

Fast-forward, the initiative inspired women such as the newly-appointed mayor of Ramotshere-Moiloa Local Municipality, Lerato Selebogo. A 32-year-old politician showed her pedigree through the years in politics and brings values of fairness, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, persuasiveness, and empathy into a patriarchal political world.

“I am so grateful to be given such a big responsibility. I envisage more improvements in service delivery. Even though our municipality is rural and relied heavily on conditional grants, we will continue to serve our people with pride.

“We understand that there are some challenges at the municipality, but we cannot look away. The municipal council engaged in a meeting recently and resolved to implement Batho Pele principle. The municipality managed to resolve its non-payment of electricity with the power utility, Eskom.

“We understand the frustration our people were subjected to. However, we can assure them that what happened will never ever be repeated again. In 2016, when we ascended to the office as councillors, we realised that the municipality owes Eskom the amount of R95 million and we derived a plan as the council to pay off that debt,” she said.

Selebogo further said the municipality failed to pay Eskom recently because of some challenges, but that has since been resolved. She said they have engaged with the National Treasury and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in order to pay Eskom.

“We had a virtual meeting with Eskom and agreed to pay them R1.5 million which we did. They gave us a grace period until 29 July 2020. We approached the national treasury to get our equitable share because the municipality did not pay salaries of employees too. So, we prioritise Eskom and the money was paid after we interacted with the Ngaka Modiri Molema District municipality and the National Treasury.

“I am going to ensure that I receive the Section 17 report which comprises of the municipal budget. Consequence management will be applied if there is misappropriation of funds and ensure that we hold our officials accountable. We have more projects in the pipeline and we will be implementing them according to IDP even though the municipality has no money,” said Selebogo.

She said mostly communities complain about basic services like provision of water, sanitation, lack of accessible roads, and high-mask lights. Selebogo added that these were genuine issues and they will prioritise them.

 Selebogo’s political career and her upbringing

Selebogo said she did not enjoy her childhood because of some hardships in her upbringing. She said growing up from a poverty-stricken family was not easy.

“I was born and raised in Dinokana village in Zeerust. Even though my upbringing was like any other child, I experienced some difficulties and did not enjoy my childhood. My father was a miner at Impala in Rustenburg and that caused us to move from one place to another.  

“I was also subjected to abuse, but that will be a topic for another day. My parents separated when I was only 11 months old and I was raised by my grandmother from my father’s side,” said Selebogo.

She went to Rustenburg after finishing her matric to look for a job. However, fate forced her back home after a year to take care of her sick grandmother.

“I had to be there for her and my child including everybody else. However, I told myself that this is not the end of the world and I soldiered on. I remember I once received a scholarship in Johannesburg to further my studies, but I could not go because I had no money for transportation and accommodation.

“It was heartbreaking, but I never lost hope because God always has a plan for our lives. I went to register for an office administration course at Taletso TVET College in quest of furthering my studies. My sick grandmother was so happy after I was accepted, unfortunately she passed away a few days after that,” she said.

Selebogo was forced to drop out of college after a year because of politics and lack of funds. Buoyed Selebogo said she was sitting at home one day and decided to do introspection.

“I mulled about my future and realised that it was unnecessary to keep on complaining. The negative energy brings a bad omen. I told myself that I am going to be the change that I was looking for.

“I had a dream of registering a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) to assist those who are in needy. So, I approached a few of my friends and shared the idea. I was happy when my dream came into reality. We formed the Hope For The Need organisation and approached local businesses for assistance,” Selebogo said.

They started to donate foods and clothes to the deprived even though it was difficult. She said her team comprised of twelve unemployed youth who had the same vision.  

“I started to develop an interest in politics back in 2011 after I was introduced by my fellow comrade, Tshegofatso Mothupi. I was so grateful to meet remarkable women in my political journey such as Audrey Magagane and Thandi Modise. They showed pedigree and stewardship in politics, so I was inspired.

“To women, please do not limit yourselves and stop depending on men. There are so many opportunities available for you to explore and that will enable us to overcome many barriers. I have learned that when women are performing various types of roles, they ensure that they work effectively towards promoting the well-being of their family and community,” said Selebogo.

She also urges the society to continue a fight against the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

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