THE North West electoral commission (IEC) is confident that it will significantly reduce the number of voters without addresses in Tlokwe before the August 3 elections.

The commission was out in full force at the weekend trying to capture addresses for part of the over 9 000 voters who had to verify their status on the voters’ roll in line with the Constitutional Court judgment.

IEC provincial chairperson, Dr Tumelontle Thiba said that despite the low turn-out, they made considerable progress was made.

“We embarked on a targeted communication and registered campaign. We received more than 1200 voters who came through. This was the last attempt after we agreed as commission to give Tlokwe people another chance to bring their addresses.

“We were hard at work and our field workers were out trying to trace voters without addresses. We will wait for a full report on Wednesday to see if we managed to reduce 9 900 voters without addresses,” Thiba said.

All 76 voting stations were open for residents to register their addresses.

“We were loud hailing on Friday in the entire Tlokwe and approach those who share the same surnames with addresses to check if they know others without addresses. In most cases we found out that others without addresses reside with those who have. So that assisted a lot in getting addresses from those registered voters,” she said.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Des van Rooyen was in Tlokwe on Saturday, encouraging people to register.

The Constitutional Court ordered amongst other things that 2016 local government elections may proceed on August 3 using the current satisfied voters roll with exception of Tlokwe.

The Tlokwe independent candidates’ spokesperson, David Kham said they were not happy with the way the IEC was conducting the exercise.

He alleged that IEC representatives were doing door-to-door campaign with ANC members.

“We are unhappy at all and we believe IEC is so incompetent. They employed field workers without field orientation. If 350 field workers could not get addresses from registered voters, then the IEC has a problem.

“We are ready as independent candidates. We have also seen improvements. We also encouraged people to come out in numbers to update their addresses even though it was not easy,” Kham said.

ANC also unleashed its bigwigs to Tlokwe two weeks ago. The likes of Naledi Pandor, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Dr Siyabonga Cwele, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, ANC Chief Whip, Jackson Mthembu and Bheki Cele were all in town on a campaign trail.

PEC spokesperson, Gerald Modise said the people were grateful to meet with their leaders. He said they raised few concerns regarding basic service delivery.

“We visited Tlokwe and Matlosana this weekend. We also introduced our ward councillor candidates to the broader community. The people are happy and adamant that they will vote for the ANC on August 3. We visited few churches on Sunday too,” Modise said.

-TDN

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Picture: (Bophelong Psychiatric hospital)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

A BOPHELONG Psychiatric hospital will finally open its doors on Mandela Day on July 18. A R478 million state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital is set to improve the province’s mental health services for many people who previously had limited access.

Health department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said they will open the doors of the hospital after the construction of road entered the hospital was completed.

“This will definitely increase access to mental health care services. It will also boost chances of psychiatric patients to respond to treatment as they will be treated and cared for next to home.

“A total of R478 million was set aside for the construction of the psychiatric hospital. The department had initially planned to construct a 648-bed hospital, but following extensive consultation with mental health experts and recommendations by World Health Organisation (WHO), we decided to downsize psychiatric hospital in favour of community based psychiatric health care facilities,” he said.

Lekgethwane said the hospital will have 384 beds. He added that however the department will instead meet its 648-bed target by building facilities throughout the province.

Lekgethwane said each community based facility will make provision for residential needs.

“These include a day care center, a workshop for occupational activities and industrial therapy. It is envisaged that each of these facilities will function independently in terms of staff structures and will be located near health facilities to promote easy outreach of health professionals.

“We will construct community based psychiatric health care facilities in the four districts of the province namely Ngaka Modiri Molema, Bojanala, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Dr Kenneth Kaunda. We are also official opening Joe Morolong hospital in Vryburg on Wednesday,” Lekgethwane said.

-TDN

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Picture: (Miss Teen Africa, Palesa Koloane)

A NEWLY crowned Miss Teen Africa, Palesa Koloane from Setlagole village near Vryburg is expected to contest for Miss Teen Universe in Turkey in September. Koloane said she is excited to represent African continent at the fierce competition.

A 15 year-old model was crowned a winner of Miss Teen Africa recently (June 25, 2016) during the competition at Protea Hotel in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.

“I am intense about modeling. However being a winner in the whole continent, that alone inspires me. My parents taught me to remain grounded. When you start valuing yourself based on other people’s accolades, it is a little dangerous.

“I have learnt a lot and believe me, nothing can substitute hard work. The win comes as a juggernaut in my career. However my concentration is to finish school first and further my studies,” Koloane said.

Palesa said she competed against 15 girls from across the continent. She added that she tried her luck back in 2014, but she came as 1^st princess.

“I love knitting, going to the cinema with my friends. And I also enjoy spending time with my family. This is the second time I tried to win the title. Back in 2014 I was crowned as 1st princess hence I say hard work is key,” she said.

Miss Teen Africa said she was also excited to fly African flag across the world. The competition is scheduled in September 24 until October 6.

“I was born in Setlagole village near Vryburg, but I now live in Dassierand in Potchefstroom with my parents. I also obtained other special awards for Best Interview and Best Ramp model at the same event. During the competition, contestants were judged on their casual ramps, formal ramps, interview skills as well as their grooming quality.

The owner of pageant SA, Carolyne Botha said the entrants were required to represent their ancient forefathers. Botha said as a result, families start looking into their heritage and culture.

“The winners in each category, together with their runner-ups, take part in charity and community work within their respective provinces. This will assist to empower those who are impoverished.

“Some of the charity work involves visiting the sick and elderly in hospital, AIDS hospices, orphanages and old age homes as well as attending fundraising events,” she said.

Botha added that Pageants SA has been in existence since 1998. She further said they decided establish Africa pageant in 2002.

“Pageants SA has gone from strength to strength. We have acquired the licenses to over 52 International pageants. Over the last two decades Pageants SA has had several International title holders.

“Our most recent international accomplishments is Miss Teen World, Little Miss World, Mr Teen World, Miss Teen Universe, Little Miss Universe, Miss 7 Continents, Little Miss Globe, Modelling & Talent Champions – USA, Miss Tourism World, Miss Tourism Queen International, Mini Model of the World, Miss Model of the World, Miss All Nations, Miss Globe Classic and etc,” Botha said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

FIVE suspects aged between 30 and 51 appeared in the Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court for contravention of Section 13 r/w Regulation 55(1) of Marine, Living Resources Act, 1988 (Act No. 18 of 1988) on Monday.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Leonard Hlathi said the suspects were apprehension after they were found to be in suspicious agricultural products at Skilpadshek Port of Entry on Friday.

“The police conducted a search on the trucks that were crossing the border to Botswana. Further investigation and confirmation with experts revealed that the products were lobsters and different types of fish. The suspects were arrested after failing to account for the products including transportation permits thereof,” Hlathi said.

He said the suspects were remanded in custody until July 18 for further investigation and also to get a Chinese interpreter. Hlathi said matter was handed over to the Hawks for further investigation.

-TDN

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Earlier this year, the SABC announced it was taking the decision to promote ‘responsible journalism’.

Icasa’s Rubben Mohlaloga says the SABC must reverse the editorial decision not to broadcast violent protest footage.

“The SABC is directed to withdraw its resolution as published in its statement of 26 May 2016, which states that the SABC will no longer broadcast footage of the destruction of public property during protests.”

The SABC board has now been given seven days to write to Icasa to confirm the reversal of the controversial editorial changes.

The fate of broadcaster’s suspended employees, who face disciplinary action for challenging the editorial changes, is still unclear at this stage.

Meanwhile, a briefing is due to start at the SABC’s offices in Auckland Park.

Source: http://www.ewn.co.za

-TDN

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Picture: (The late MEC of Social Development Kgakgamatso Nkewu) 

BY REGINALD KANYANE

COMMISERATION messages continue to pour in to North West MEC of Social Development department, Kgakgamatso Nkewu’s family and friends after her tragic death. Nkewu died in a terrible car accident on Friday near Vryburg while on her way to Taung from Mahikeng.

She was supposed to join ANC deputy president, Cyril Ramaphosa and other members who were at Molelema village in Taung for door-to-door local government elections campaign.

Provincial government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said the car that Nkewu was travelling in rolled several times after they collided with a cyclist.

“The car rolled several times and caught fire. Nkewu was thrown out of the vehicle and her two VIP protectors suffered injuries. They were admitted at Joe Morolong hospital in Vryburg and the cyclist and Nkewu were certified dead on the scene,” Setswambung said.

North West provincial legislature speaker, Sussana Dantjie extended her heartfelt condolences on the passing of Nkewu.

“We send our deepest sympathy to her family, friends, and the African National Congress and Bokone Bophirima people at large. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek. May the soul of our beloved Comrade Kgakgi rest in peace,” Dantjie said.

Rustenburg local municipality executive mayor, Mpho Khunou said: “It is with pain and sorrow that I on behalf of people of Rustenburg convey my heartfelt condolences for the sudden death of the late Bokone Bophirima social development MEC, Kgakgamatso Nkewu. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”

ANCWL provincial secretary, Bridgette Mogakwe said they were saddened by the sudden death of their provincial deputy chairperson. Mogakwe said the late Nkewu was also a provincial treasurer of the ANC in the province.

“Her death came at the time when the ANCWL in the province was still celebrating her deployment as MEC for social development. However, we will continue to celebrate because her death came when she had already made notable strides in only two months in her office as MEC.

“We would like to send our deepest condolences to the family of comrade Nkewu. We promise to stand by the family in prayers and hoping that this pain of losing their loved one will not shake their religion and trust in God. We would also like to send our heartfelt condolences to the cyclist who also died during the same accident. We also hope that the two protectors who sustained injuries recover speedily,” Mogakwe said.

She added that all ANCWL programmes in North West will be suspended in order to focus on the preparations of the funeral. Mogakwe said the funeral arrangements were underway and the public will be informed in due course.

The late Nkewu originates from Molelema village in Taung. She served as ward 15 councillor in Greater Taung local municipality and she was appointed as a municipal speaker from 2006 to 2010. Nkewu was also appointed as Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) at GTLM. She was appointed as MPL in North West provincial legislature in December 2015. A 44 year-old deceased also served as treasurer for ANC in the province and she was also a provincial deputy chairperson for ANCWL.

Nkewu’s family spokesperson, Jeffrey Mohitlhi said they lost a daughter, a sister and a mother.

“We were shocked to hear about the news and we rushed to the scene. We were communicating with her on her way and she was excited to visit her childhood area. We hope that God will be with us and give us serenity in these trying times,” Mohitlhi said.

-TDN

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Picture: (Taung Magistrate’s Court) 

BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West police said they have arrested a man who was a fugitive after he allegedly killed his girlfriend at Rooiwal village in Taung last week on Wednesday. Cynthia January was allegedly found dead with stabbing wounds on her head at a river in Rooiwal village in Taung.

North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said: “A suspect is expected to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday. He was arrested in connection of a murder of his girlfriend.”

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence that the ruling party will retain all wards in Taung.

Ramaphosa visited Taung on Friday to meet with voters during a door-to-door campaign as the race for the August 3 local government elections hots up.

“The people of Taung are very committed to the ANC. They can see what the party is doing through the provincial and local government. The provincial government under premier Supra Mahumapelo is doing fantastic work.

“There are few challenges, but for all those challenges there are clear strategic plans to improve. Even the ordinary people on the ground understand, so we are unshaken. We will continue to work hard as the ruling party to improve the lives of our people,” Ramaphosa said.

Together with other ANC leaders, Ramaphosa visited Magogong village where he lambasted those who left the ANC and registered to as independent candidates.

“We want to warn those who left the party and contest the elections as independent candidates. Our people will not be deceived by you. They know that ANC is the only party that could help them to get out of abject poverty. ANC works for the betterment of its people’s lives.

“We understand what our people want and we walked that path too. So you are not to be trusted because you do not answer or report to anyone. You left the ANC because you were not elected as councillor candidates. That alone shows that you are power hungry,” he said.

ANC provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo said: “We do not have time to respond to small parties who go around accusing us. Our main objective is to improve the lives of the people. So those who alleged that ANC is corrupt must go and report it to the law enforcement authorities because talk is cheap.”

Some residents urged Ramaphosa to improve water and sanitation process in their areas.

One of the residents said: “We welcome the visit of the deputy president. This shows that want we raised will be taken into consideration. We are living in abject poverty because of unemployment and inequality. Crime continues to show its ugly head too.”

Another resident also shared the same sentiments. She urged Ramaphosa to bring more changes to the town of Taung.

“Taung is predominantly rural, so we urge Ramaphosa to continue to bring changes and improvements. We have a Mall and a newly built taxi rank. This gives us hope and we also want to applaud North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo with his vision in turning Taung into a city,” the resident said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West premier Supra Mahumapelo said they will continue to work hard for the betterment of the province. Mahumapelo addressed media about the progress and state of affairs in the province at Hartbeespoort Dam in Madibeng local municipality on Wednesday.

“We are concern how people continue to perceive our province. The province has been professed as it is incapable of delivering good governance to its people. People believe that North West is marred with protests and that affects our economy growth. They also highlighted that we are incapable of governing our finance properly.

“The people also think that we are not paying our service providers in time. However out of that entire crisis, we came up with strategic plans. It is imperative for me to share our vision with you. Media plays a pivotal role in the society,” Mahumapelo said.

He added that the media can assist to build the good image of the province. Mahumapelo said they needed to strengthen their relationship with media to achieve that.

“Media play a fundamental part and we welcome any proposal from you. We accept that for the past five years, we experienced bad auditing report opinion. However we are now moving towards the right direction now.

“We have now improved our supply chain system by making sure that we pay our service providers within 30 days. We also came up with five concretes. We know that North West province is predominant rural. So we invested in Agriculture, Culture and Tourism (ACT),” he said.

According to Mahumapelo, agriculture will boost the economy because people never live without food. He said if the province invests in crop production, the economy will grow.

“We need to come up with premeditated plan on how we can invest in agriculture. We have encouraged more youth to be in farming. They can become entrepreneurs and create job opportunities for others.

“We can also invest in culture. North West has rich heritage history. We can bring many tourists to the province through our heritage. We will be doing sod-turning for few roads construction next week. We want to improve the roads in Mahikeng. We will also make sure that Mahikeng becomes the safest city in the world,” he said.

Mahumapelo added that they were in plans to upgrade rural towns by turning them into cities. He said towns like Taung and others will be upgraded in rural cities.

“We have also improved ways of fighting corruption within local municipalities. Corruption affects service delivery, so we need to curb it out altogether. We are also in talks with health department to increase timeline at various clinics. People carp that some of our health facilities do not operate 24 hours a day. So we want media to disseminate our plans to the broader communities. Hence we brought you on board,” he said.

MEC for culture, art and traditional affairs, Ontlametse Mochware said they will appoint a new CEO at Mmabana Foundation. Mochware said they will also introduce Mmabana activities at schools.

“Our children must have these activities at their door steps. This will be after school care activities. We will talk to public works department to get some of unused schools to make sure that children can easily access it,” Mochware said.

MEC for rural, environment and agricultural development (READ), Manketse Tlhape said they planning to have Agri-parks at each district across the province.

“We have only one agri-park in the province currently. We will be having our first harvest soon and the future looks promising. We also created many job opportunities through farming,” Tlhape said.

-TDN

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A woman has been stabbed multiple times outside a shop in Orkney, North West on Friday.

The 28-year-old was left with critical injuries said ER24 in statement.

Paramedics said the woman was opening up her shop when she was approached by an unknown number of armed men who allegedly forced her to open the shop and thereafter began to stab her.

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said: “On arrival, paramedics were lead into the shop where they found the woman lying on the floor in a large pool of blood.

“Paramedics immediately assessed the woman and found that she had sustained roughly 12 stab wounds, leaving her in a critical condition.”

Paramedics treated her on the scene and transported her to the Life Anncron Hospital for further treatment.

Details surrounding the incident are still unknown, local authorities are further investigating.
Source: http://www.thenewage.co.za