Picture: (Deceased, Katlego Zethi and her daughter during happier times)

By REGINALD KANYANE

A DOUBLE Murder case against Taung pastor, Sabata Mannie was transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng. Mannie (30) was arrested and charged with two counts of murder after he allegedly killed his girlfriend, Katlego Zethi (28) and her two year-old daughter.

The atrocity took place last year in October at Taung Ext 6. According to police, the suspect handed himself over at Taung Police Station. He allegedly informed the police about the incident and later took them to the crime scene. The police said they found the victims lying dead inside the house next to the toilet.

It is alleged that the suspect strangled the victims to death. Katlego Zethi was a daughter to the former speaker of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Deliwe Zethi.

  The North West panel of judges are expected to discuss the merit of the case on November 8. They will also set the date for trial after intensive discussions. The suspect is still in custody after he was denied bail during his previous court appearance.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Nelson Mandela Foundation donated sanitary towels to Batlhaping High School in Taung recently. The Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sello Hatang said many female learners miss school days because of lack of sanitary towels.

“The foundation aims to create, establish, protect and preserve a centre of memory about the late Dr Nelson Mandela. We also aim to convene dialogue around critical social issues, including particular issues regarding human rights and democracy, in order to contribute to a just society.

“The foundation saw the need for young female people particularly in rural areas to have access to sanitary towels. Lack of sanitary towels makes it impossible for young girls to go to school. We also understand that girl children are the most disadvantaged group.

“We took it upon ourselves to ensure that we donate sanitary towels to them. The aim of the foundation is to assist 2 million school girls by 2020. We donated sanitary towels to 480 girls here at Batlhaping High School today and we hope the donation will last them for a year. As the foundation, we also urge other stakeholders to play a fundamental role in assisting those who are destitute,” Hatang said.

He further said it is imperious for the society to contribute to avoid girl learners missing school. Hatang added that if that happens, the country is running a risk of developing illiterate society. 

“We cannot have young people with no future hence we call all stakeholders to play their part. The late Dr Nelson Mandela was clear on his mission of what he was willing to die for back in 1962. However, it hurts to walk around today and see young people with nothing to die for. It is not government’s role alone to provide for the needy. Mandela believed that education is at the hub of developing any community and the future lies right there.

“We have partnered with the Department of Education across the country. The foundation also has schools that are working with in Klerksdorp, Rustenburg and Taung. We visited Mahikeng recently and donated sanitary towels too. The project is reaching each and every corner in South Africa,” Hatang said.

Batlhaping High School Teacher Liaison Officer, Isak Bessie welcomed the donation. Bessie commended the foundation and said the sanitary towels will ensure that girl children stay at school while having their menstruation.

“We are grateful that the foundation assisted our deprived girl children. On behalf of the school management, School Governing Body (SGB) and learners, we want to express our gratitude to them. According to research, almost 50 days of schooling is lost every year because of lack of sanitary towels.

“Mr Hatang also shared motivational talks with learners and urged them to face challenges head-on,” he said.

One of beneficiaries, Boipelo Moshweu, 18, from Mokassa 2 in Taung said: “We welcome the donation because some of us come from deprived backgrounds. Our parents could not afford to buy sanitary towels for us and we end up using cloths and tissues. That affects one’s confidence and we cannot concentrate in class.”

Grade 12 learner, Modisang Mangwegape, 20, said: “I stay with my grandparent and siblings. Life is hard because no one is working at home. We heavily rely on our granny’s pension money. However, the money is not enough to support all of us. Having sanitary towels will assist me to concentrate on my school work without necessary worrying about menstruation periods. I think the packets I received will last me for three months.”

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For the past 23 years the people of Greater Taung Municipality have been struggling to get their vehicles tested for roadworthiness. The Taung Vehicle Testing Station which has since been closed in 1994, was recently renovated, refurbished and upgraded. Thus readied for being officially opened by the Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane.

In the last 23 years motorists in Taung had to travel over 70km to Vryburg to access a vehicle testing services or had to travel about 40km to Hartswater, which is in the neighbouring Northern Cape Province.

Speaking during the official opening of this long awaited Taung Vehicle Testing Station, MEC Motlhabane said the department has noted serious concerns that; the non functioning of this station has not only frustrated the motor vehicle owners, but also the law enforcement officers who could not have suspected un-roadworthy vehicles tested locally, here in Taung.

“Today we are not only shortening your journeys to Vryburg and Hartswater but we are cancelling these unnecessary trips. Let us use this testing station effectively in order to ensure that our vehicles are compliant and fit for the road.

Remember that whenever a vehicle is tested outside the province, Hartswater which is in Northern Cape in this regard, it becomes a loss of revenue to Bokone Bophirima, which is what we are safeguarding. The province needs the skills, infrastructure and personnel to operate this vehicle station, and we do have, by the way.” said Motlhabane.

According to the systems report, recently there are about 430 unlicensed motor vehicles around Taung, of which; 180 are light-loading vehicles, 05 heavy-loading vehicles, 17 mini buses as well as 205 light passenger vehicles carrying less than 12 persons.

“These 430 unlicensed vehicles are on our roads on daily basis and as a result, they increase potential accidents and road safety risks. We therefore humbly request owners of these vehicles to come to this station and test their vehicles,” concluded Motlhabane who further appealed to officials employed at the station to be vigilant against individuals who would attempt to bribe them.

In his response to the opening of the station, the Chief of Batlhaping Ba-Ga Phuduhutswana, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane expressed his gratitude and appreciation. “The opening of this station brings us a great sigh of relief because we have been frustrated for the past years having to cope with the long distances to access these services. We are grateful and we are committing to taking a good care of the facility,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

THREE men from Mokassa 2 village in Taung appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday for stock-theft. Kenneth Gaoraelwe, Lebogang Seutlwetse and Rebaone Dichaba will be remanded in custody until 9^th of November 2017 for formal bail application.

It is alleged that the trio were found in a possession of suspected stolen cattle in Takaneng village, near Taung. The stock-theft police acted on a tip-off and a trap was set.

Meanwhile, North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo warned livestock thieves. Mahumapelo said their days are numbered and they will work hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies.

He was addressing media during the launch of the Mabeskraal Livestock Auction Pens recently.

Mahumapelo added that he was aware of the pain farmers feel because of people who steal their livestock daily across the province.

“I want to warn people who specialise in stealing the livestock of our hard working farmers. We are going to work more with our police to look for them and make their lives a living in hell because it cannot be business as usual while we know that there are people who have committed themselves to terrorising our farmers without being caught.

“The auction is established to benefit the communities of Mabeskraal and surrounding villages. The Mabeskraal Auction was yet another delivery of an intervention by the Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ) department to link smallholding farmers to the market,” he said.

A total of 356 livestock were sold at a total turnover of R1.5m during the auction pan launch. For local farmers, the launch remains an ecstatic moment. Chairperson of Moses Kotane Farmers Association, Keitumetse Motsosi, said the auction would not have come at a better time. Having experienced a strain, Motsosi said the difficult market access and unsatisfactory prices had been weighing heavily on farmers.

He said local farmers had always been optimistic about better times as far as their business was concerned because they knew the current government administration priorities. Motsosi said local famers would want to work closely with government to ensure their business was sustainable.

The Premier said the department was on track to making the lives of farmers in Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD) easier.

“We want to assist the department to get rid of all the challenges that our farmers are experiencing in their day to day lives and all other things discouraging our farmers. Our department is also moving with the necessary speed in making sure that our farmers are well taken care of and our wish is that all the auctions we are opening are really going to help our farmers,” he said.

As part of the livestock marketing programme in VTSD areas, the department has successfully launched four livestock Auction Pens in Taung Local Municipality and Driefontein (Morokweng, Ganyesa and Bona-Bona).

READ also launched the Provincial Agricultural Growth and Investment Show Livestock Auction in the previous financial year as well as Tshidilamolomo this current year. The province has spent about R 35.5 million to establish and support the livestock auction programme.

MEC for READ, Manketsi Tlhape said the launch of these advanced village-based livestock auctions continue to record satisfactory turnover, resulting in a need for similar auctions across the province.
“Our farmers and local people, especially in our villages, are embracing these auctions because of they are open, affordable and discourage people from buying stolen livestock. These auctions also play a role in educating our people in our villages, townships and small dorpies that farming is not a game but it is real business,” she said.

Newly elected Provincial Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional Leaders, Kgosi Moshe Mabe, welcomed the launch of the auctions saying they would help livestock farmers in villages.

“We are also excited about the auctions programme that our provincial government is embarking on to better the lives of the farmers, especially in our villages. As traditional leaders we also want to commend the department for speedily implementing the programme which has already started to benefit our people,” he said.

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RUSTENBURG-born politician, Amos Lekgotlha Mataboge was elected as a new regional chairperson for ANC Bojanala region recently. Mataboge who serves as Rustenburg Local Municipality Single Whip is adamant that the newly-elected Regional Executive Committee (RET) in Bojanala will bring peace, unity and stability.

A 65 year-old politician was born at Maile village, 30km outside Rustenburg. Mataboge said he was forced to relocate to the farm in Brits because of apartheid.

“My parents were working on a farm and I had to go and stay with them at the tender age. I started my Grade 1 while I was 13 years because we were poor. However, I did not give up and continued with the struggle. In 1963 my parents moved back to Maile village. However, I approached Maile Primary School and I was admitted.

“In 1970, I went to Mositle Secondary School to do Standard 6. I finished my matric at Raumane Sepeng Secondary School in Rustenburg back in 1973. I went to Johannesburg and I was introduced to politics by Sizwe Madikizela who was working for Radio Freedom. We suffered the consequences of being black during apartheid.

“However, the ANC support gained momentum from other countries. I came back home and started to be actively involved in politics before the dawn of democracy. I led the preparatory committee for the visit of ex-President Mandela at Mogwase and I was part of intervention structure in the riotous situation in Tweelaagte.

“We assisted to secure the release of our activists 1994 and led ANC delegation to the Mogwase Transitional Local Government negotiations 1994. I also led ANC delegation to the Rustenburg Transitional Local Government negotiations between 1993and 1994. I was elected as ANC Mogwase Branch Chairperson in 1993 until 1994.

“I also served as the Western Transvaal Regional Executive Committee Member between 1993 until 1994. I was elected as Rustenburg Sub-Regional Secretary in 1992 until 1993 and being deployed in Mankwe and Bafokeng areas 1993 to 1994,” he said.

Mataboge said: “I was deployed to handle the crisis areas like Phatsima, Boitekong and Ramokokastad. There was an infights between Azapo and the ANC.”

He was appointed as ANC Branch Executive Member in ward 20. Mataboge also served as ANC Moumo Branch chairperson from 2003 until 2004.

“I was deployed as ANC Bokone Bophirima Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member from 2006 until 2009. In 2014, I was elected as ANC Bojanala Regional Executive Committee member until 2016. I am now the REC chairperson for Bojanala region and we will adhere to the ANC policies and ensure that we fly its flag high.

“The ANC has fought for a political freedom and also committed to win an economic emancipation fight. The party is faced with an on-going struggle against racial privilege and oppression. However, we will win that struggle and we need to implement policies as guided by the Freedom Charter,” Mataboge said.

He said: “ANC symbolises the strong non-racial, non-sexist and united country. The ruling party is the only movement that fights for the power of the people. It is the only organisation that wants to see a victory over economic freedom and equality. Our fights represent the land, which sustained our people for centuries and from which they were removed by colonial and apartheid governments.”

He further said he support the land redistribution without compensation. A 65 year-old politician said people cannot do anything without land. Mataboge said the wealthy of the country need to be shared among all South Africans.  

“We have natural minerals that belong to the people. However, the wealthy of this country is used to benefit only a small racial minority. ANC need to ensure that it changes policies to ensure that the wealthy of the country is shared equally among the people. The party should implement the central demand of the Freedom Charter that the people shall govern. 

“The ANC in Bojanala is commitment to build and deepen popular democracy and the active involvement of the people in the struggle to improve their lives. We have already come up with strategic plans to address divisions within the region. We also want to urge those disgruntled members in the region to raise their matters within the ANC structure instead of going to court,” Mataboge said.

He added that it is their responsibility as ANC members to uphold the values and principles of the party. He further said humility and a selfless dedication to the struggle for a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society is imperative.

Mataboge previously deployed as a councillor and a Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Planning and Human Settlement Department. – Newsnote

SAB ‘s flagship brand, Castle has officially introduced South Africa’s first homegrown non-alcoholic beer, rightly named Castle FREE!. 

This new brand was also announced as the official sponsor of the HSBC Rugby sevens event in Cape Town, continuing the journey this iconic brand started with sport lovers many years ago.

In the long tradition of Castle as a unifying drink, with Castle Lager historically known for bringing South Africans together, Castle FREE is set to take this idea to the next level by creating a sense of belonging with more people, in more places.

“The Castle brand has over the years, been closely linked to the top three sporting codes in the country, it was a natural progression for the newly launched beer to sponsor a sporting event” says Castle Brand Director Vaughan Croeser.

“Castle has always gone hand-in-hand with friends, family and of course with sports. We are a nation of sport enthusiasts, which over the years has been the driving force behind our nation building and unity, even if mostly of the armchair variety.” he added. 

In attendance was South Africa’s Sevens and Blue Bulls flyhalf, Tim Agaba who formed part of the on-stage panel made up of himself and media personalities – Unathi Msengana and Janez Vermieran. The trio shared how the newly added non-alcoholic variant will accommodate more of their friends and family.

Agaba is impressed with the alcohol free beer for coming on board as sponsors of the Cape Town HSBC Rugby Sevens. He further described how the newly launched beer will add a different and interesting dynamic as it caters for everyone “Rugby players will enjoy this too as a lot of them do not drink, especially those who will not be playing (that weekend), but will be attending. They will really enjoy this” he concluded.

Also present was Director General of Sports and Recreation, Mr Alec Moemi who praised ABIn-Bev for their contribution to sports in the country as well as their awareness of social issues in South Africa that are directly linked to the misuse of alcohol.

The HSBC Rugby Sevens Cape Town leg is set to take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 9-10, 2017. The Cape Town Sevens tournament is the second of 10 global destinations that will comprise the 2017/18 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. The Springbok Sevens team are the current Sevens series champions.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The construction of new Kgomotso Registering Authority in Kgomotso village, near Taung is expected to create job opportunities for locals. MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane did a sod-turning at the site and introduced the contractor to the community.

Motlhabane said the R2.6m project is set to take atleast eight months before its completion. He further said they expect young men and women to benefit in terms of job creation.

“We will be responding to the call of bringing services closer to our people. The department will also ensure that the effective and efficient renewal of motor vehicle licenses, registration of new vehicles, de-registration of stolen and recovered vehicles or permanently unfit for use, notifications of change in respect of vehicle particulars and re-registering of stolen and recovered vehicles.

“The Registering Authority is expected to benefit communities from more than 20 villages surrounding the Kgomotso village with an estimate of more than 5000 vehicle population. The phase two of the project will include the construction of the testing ground for the vehicle testing station, satellite office for Taung Station Law Enforcement,” he said.

Most of the people in this villages, have been receiving services from Hartswater which falls under the Northern Cape Province.

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
MEC for Community Safety and  Transport Management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane will officially open the long awaited Taung Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) on Friday.

Motlhabane said this will bring ‘sigh of relief’ to the communities of Taung and neighbouring villages and farms. 

“The station has been closed for years, resulting in vehicle owners to travel long distances to get services that the station could not provide.

“We will officially open the station for services to the communities, after renovations to meet the required standards,” he said.

Motlhabane will be accompanied by   Greater Taung Local Municipality Mayor, Charles Motlhabane. 

“We will also do the sod-turning for the construction of the Kgomotso Registering Authority. This is part of bringing services closer to the communities, as most of the motorists from these areas have been travelling more than 70 km to access services. 

“Most motorists received services from the neighbouring Northern Cape Province,” he said.

Following the moratorium on the operating licenses, Motlhabane will further handover about 200 amended operating permits to taxi operators.

He said the permits have been re-developed with new conditions and specifications to designated route of operations. 

“The amendment will assist with the ongoing taxi feuds. All the three key activities will culminate at the main event where we will deliver the keynote address at Mmabana Taung.

“These activities are part of the October Transport Month activities, which is set to raise awareness of the important role of transport in the economy, and to invite participation from civic society and business in providing a safer, more affordable, accessible and reliable transport system for the community.

“The October Transport Month Campaign is an annual feature on the calendar of the Department of Transport and is one of the platforms and vehicles through which the department engages directly with stakeholders. The month was officially launched in October 2005,” Motlhabane said.

The three key activities scheduled to take place as follows:

Date           :        27 October 2017

Time           :        07H30 – Sod turning at Kgomotso Registering

Authority in Kgomotso village

                    :        10H00 – Official opening of the Taung Vehicle

Testing Station (VTS)

                    :        11H00 – The official handing over of the amended

                             taxi operating licences

Venue        :        Main event will be held at the Mmabana Taung.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Sixteen shacks were raged by fire at Mogwase Unit 8 informal settlement on Monday. The Moses Kotane Local Municipality spokesperson, Beauty Makganye said their Disaster Management structure is currently gathering information on the extent of damage. Makganye further said the assessment will include people were affected.

“The fire is suspected to have been caused by paraffin stove. The municipal mayor, Ralesole Diale, Speaker of Council, Sipho Vava, Portfolio Head of Community Safety, Victor Kheswa and ward councillor, Diphetogo Mmolawa have visited the scene to get a brief on the fire incident.

“We have already engaged with SASSA, Department of Social Development, Mogwase Fire & Emergency and Bojanala Platinum District Municipality’s disaster management for assistance,” she said.

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BY BAKANG MOKOTO
Messages of condolences continue to pour in after the death of Mosetsanagape Mokomele-Mothibi. The deceased who was former North West MEC of Social Development, Mokomele-Mothibi passed away last week after a long illness.

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipal mayor, Boitumelo Mahlangu said they were touched by Mokomele-Mothibi’s passing.

“We want to take this opportune moment to send our heartfelt message of condolences to the family, friends, relatives, the ANC and its alliance. May Mokomele-Mothibi’s revolutionary soul rest in eternal peace. Her legacy and contribution will be preserved for generations to come.

“The municipality is in great agony and sadness. Mokomele-Mothibi was one of the selfless servants of the people. She will be remembered because she was hell-bent and committed to serve our people with diligence and utmost dedication and discipline,” Mahlangu said.

She further said Mokomele-Mothibi was a servant of both the poor and the working class. Mahlangu added that the deceased was also committed to build the society that is non-racial, non-sexist, united, democratic and prosperous as envisaged by the constitution of the republic.

“Mokomele-Mothibi’s passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of the residents of Bokone Bophirima. Our District Municipality’s flag will be flying at the half-mast as a tribute and honour to the fallen heroine of the African National Congress. Mokomele-Mothibi’s acute ideas and aspirations will not perish for as long as the ANC is alive.

“This fallen patriot of the toiling masses of our people and the ANC was steadfast to the cause of the poor and the working class. She aspired to build National Democratic Society as envisaged by the National Development Plan (NDP),” Mahlangu said.

The African National Congress (ANC) in Bokone Bophirima also shared the same sentiments. ANC provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said Mokomele-Mothibi was directly elected as Proportional Representative (PR) Councillor at Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality.

“She was an active member of an ANC branch in Ward 5, Taung Sub Region. Mokomele-Mothibi also served as an ANC Regional Executive Committee and Regional Task Team member in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region. The ANC had deployed her in different positions including as a former MEC for Social Development back in 2014.

“Mokomele-Mothibi was also a Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Conservation, Environment and Tourism at the Provincial Legislature. We convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Mokomele-Mothibi and the community of Pudumong for their loss,” she said.

ANCWL provincial secretary, Bridgette Mogakwe shared the same sentiments.

“We will incessantly remember and appreciate her undivided commitment, hard
work and loyalty in the struggle for gender and economic freedom. Mokomele–Mothibi has over the years passionately volunteered her rare skills, which saw her confidently and successfully occupied leading positions in both the organisation and in government,” she said.

The funeral is underway at Vuselela FET College at Pudimoe near Taung.

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