Learners to compete on best road safety models 


Learner patrollers

Picture (Facebook) : Learner Patrollers 

BY REGINALD KANYANE

Eight schools in North West province will compete for the best road safety design models during the annual Provincial Participatory Road Safety Education Techniques (PET) project. Community Safety and Roads department spokesperson, Thabo Sematle said the event will be held at Orion Safari Lodge in Rustenburg on Friday next week.

“The project is a flagship programme set to change learner’s attitude towards road safety. This will also encourage them to be aware of road safety challenges in their community. The initiative will enhance learners’ presentation skills. The participants are provided with resource materials for building the models.

“Those models will be used to conduct oral and display presentations. Adjudicators will assess the projects and make judgement. The models are expected to illustrate the community road safety problems and bring solutions,” Sematle said.

He further said the winning school will represent the province at the National Competition.

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VUSI NOVA ‘SHOCKED AND TRAUMATISED’ FOLLOWING HIJACKING


JOHANNESBURG – Afro-pop musician Vusi Nova’s team says he’s shocked and traumatised after being taken during a hijacking in Melville.

Muthaland Entertainment raised the alarm after the singer was attacked, along with some musicians, outside his home early on Friday morning.

It’s understood that a group of armed men dragged some of the people out of the Nova’s car and sped off with him and another occupant.

https://altbc.marfeel.com/statics16432/marfeel/remote.amp.html?1503591987101




He was found just a short while ago.

Muthaland spokesperson Delphine Klassen says: “The police are busy taking down statements for processing the case. I’ll go and see him in a while. He’s grateful and happy that he has been found. He’s safe.”

Source: http://www.ewn.co.za 

 ‘Taung singer ready to break into showbiz’


Picture: Taung-born singer, Boitshepo Lethuane aka #Nadiacal

BY REGINALD KANYANE 

It is not easy to become a model especially coming from far-flung areas like Taung. However, Boitshepo Lethuane said she is adamant to make her mark in dog-eat-dog industry. 

“I am a singer, a song writer and a model. I know it is difficult to break into the entertainment industry. However, my talent and creativity will come in handy. I have released more than ten singles so far and that speaks volume. Any singer with potential can achieve her dream.

“I’ve worked with various local artists and embarked on charitable duties across Taung. I am currently doing Grade 12 at Mankuroane Technical School in Taung. However, I will further my studies next year hopefully at University of Johannesburg,” Lethuane said.

#Nadiacal as Lethuane is affectionately known in music fraternity, believe that women have what it takes to compete in male dominated industry. She further said rapping is a calling, while entertainment industry is her playground.  

“I am an entertainer and I fell in love with showbiz since tender age. I would like to further my studies next year and study Communication Science. Even though many parents believe that modelling, singing and acting cannot be chosen as career, my grandmother understand. 

“Things have changed for the better since the dawn of democracy. We need to explore those opportunities and ensure that we make our mark. I also want to encourage young girls not to be dependable. I believe that we also need to be given equal opportunities like our male counterparts,” she said.

#Nadiacal said she was inspired by Mahikeng-born first lady of Motswako, Refilwe ‘Fifi Cooper’ Mooketsi. She further said music talks about real issues that affect the society.

“Through music we can address many concerns that affect the youth especially in rural areas. Our people continue to live in abject poverty and they have lost hope. We need to work together as a society and ensure that we change the lives of the masses for the better.

“The youth also need to stand up and be counted. We cannot continue to rely on government for our survival. The government has brought many opportunities and let us take advantage of that,” Nadiacal said.

She added that staying with her grandmother was the best thing ever happened to her. Nadiacal said parents need to open up and talk to their children about daily challenges.

“My mother is working in Vryburg, while my dad is in Mahikeng. However, we communicate often. I stay with my granny who I share everything with. We see young children indulging in drugs, alcohol and substance abuse.

“Parents need to ensure that they monitor their children and talk to them. I also want to wish Grade 12s at Mankuroane Technical School all the best. With discipline, dedication and determination we can do it,” she said.

Miss Teen Universe representative, Phemelo Mhlanga said: “It is not easy to become a model because the craft needs discipline, dedication and determination. The modelling career prepares you as a person to achieve your goals. It is not like in olden days where one cannot make a career out of it. There is abundance of opportunities in the industry and I’ll advice parents not to prevent their children to embark on it,” Mhlanga said.

He also calls on all those who want to be models to join his organisation. Mhlanga said people should have knowledge, passion and love for the art.

“Having the right attitude will go a long way to ensure you get noticed by the right people. We have magazines, fashion, and advertising agencies looking for models. So, models should not limit themselves and need to explore all avenues. If one want to embark on the field, joining professional modelling agents is imperative.

“The modelling agencies are very good at what they do and will be able to see your potential even if you think you do not have any. So, if you really want to be a model and you do not think you can, the point is to try anyway. You might find that an agency will be able to turn you into one of the best models,” he said.

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Manthe murder case postponed


Picture: Baitshepi Monchwe (deceased)

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

MURDER Case against a man from Manthe village in Taung was postponed until 5 September 2017.  Lucky Aiseng, 29, briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after he allegedly killed his girlfriend, Baitshepi Monchwe, 28, a week ago.

Taung Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sergeant Tebogo Thebe said the atrocity was caused by a domestic dispute.

“The suspect and the victim are both from Manthe village, near Taung and they were in a relationship,” Thebe said.

It is alleged that Aiseng bludgeoned Monchwe at his residential area. The deceased’s auntie, Kgomotso Monchwe said the incident left them dejected.

“I saw my sister (Baitshepi’s mother crying and I went to check on her. She was crying uncontrollably and could not say a word.

“We went to Malaza’s bedroom (as Luckyboy Aiseng is affectionately known in the area) and found Baitshepi’s body in pool of blood. She was bleeding from her mouth and with a fatal wound under her right armpit,” Kgomotso Monchwe said.

The suspect and the victim have two children together.

Taung Community against Crime representative, Bakang Mankuroane said: “We want to condemn what happened in Manthe village. We also want to emphasise that women should speak out against any form of abuse.

“As the organisation, we believe that the fight against women and children abuse is a societal issue. We urge men to take a stand and ensure that women are protected.”

African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) provincial secretary, Bridgette Mogakwe shared the same sentiments. Mogakwe said justice should take its course.

“We believe that perpetrator must face the law. Killing women must be condemned in all forms. We urge all community members to fight against domestic violence, femicide and women and children abuse,” she said.

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ANC Presidential hopeful, Dlamini-Zuma not ‘welcome’ in Marikana


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Tourism department visits Taung on Tourism Lekgotla



​BY DINEO LOLOKWANE
Integrated tourism planning and development will once again take center stage when the North West Department of Tourism embarks on district tourism makgotla engagement sessions across the province to solicit inputs and also actively engage with key stakeholders in all spheres of government and the private sector.

The department spokesperson, Dineo LOLOKWANE said they will travel across the province to share legislative changes that may be coming up in the industry but also seeking inputs into various tourism legislations and policies.


“This will seek to advance and enhance the way in which the department and the industry conduct its business and also seeks to ensure that it reaches its set targets and achieves its constitutional mandate.

 

“In the spirit of Saamwerk-Saamtrek, these district makgotla continue to serve as valuable platforms for improved inter-governmental relations, solidifying of partnerships, creating collaboration, improve joint and meaningful sectoral planning and a pedestal for radical economic transformation by working together to achieve goals set in the National Development Plan (NDP) by 2030,” she said.

 

These District Makgotla will be held under the theme “Sustainable Tourism, A Tool for Development” as follows:

 

DISTRICT

DATE

TIME

VENUE

Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati

22 August 2017

08H00

Taung Hotel School

Bojanala District

24 August 2017

08H00

Brits Town Hall

Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District

29 August 2017

08H00

Matlosana Recreation Centre

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ANC in N Cape & N West strengthen ties


ANC (N West) Provincial Chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo, ANC (N Cape) Provincial Chairperson, Zamani Saul and ANC (N Cape) Provincial Secretary, Deshi Ngxanga

AFRICAN National Congress (ANC) in Northern Cape and North West held a joint press conference to address issues affecting the party at Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre, in Taung on Monday.

ANC Northern Cape provincial chairperson, Zamani Saul said strict discipline should be implemented to protect the integrity of the organisation. Zamani said people should not question ANC directive.

“ANC Provincial Working Committee of Bokone Bophirima and Northern Cape engaged in a meeting. The meeting persuade to develop a common approach on political and organisational matters affecting both provinces as well as the ANC in general. There is a need to identify areas of convergence and equally establish fundamental reasons on why there is divergence in some areas.

“The two provinces are creating principle on the current challenges that ANC is facing are not new especially in South African Development Countries (SADC). It is revolutionary and urgent to look with serious scrutiny into the challenges which are facing the organisation and develop fundamental and practical measures to combat these challenges,” he said.

ANC provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo shared the same sentiments. Mahumapelo said there is no revolutionary party that will not support the ending of division in the organisation because the unity of the organisation is sacrosanct.

“The meeting emphasised the need to reclaim the integrity of the ANC. The fundamental transformation of the ANC was also at the helm with regards to discussion. The two provinces agreed that there is a need to have lively branches that are programmatic based in a quest to position the ANC as the leader of society.

“The two provinces commonly discussed the issues of characterising the current problem and one of the values of the ANC which self-criticism, which remains to be the tool in analysing this problem. There is generally an ideological degeneration in the movement as a solution the joint PWC agreed that we should embark on an unseasoned ideological struggle,” Mahumapelo said.

ANC Northern Cape provincial secretary, Deshi Ngxanga said: “On the International Relations, the joint PWC agreed that it becomes important to stick by the Mangaung resolution that the ICC court order should be reviewed. The Postbank matter was also a matter that both PWC’s agreed on, the PWC’s are of the view that the matter must be fast-tracked to ensure that our people benefit.

“The Financial and Fiscal Commission that deals with revision of revenue to be reviewed. The two provinces agree that currently as it is not beneficial to rural provinces. There must be an alignment of local election as well as national elections. This will assist the ANC to combat deepening division and also to allow ANC election machinery to be used for only one election which will impact positively on the cost campaigns.”

ANC North West provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said the two provinces are neighbours who share a rich cultural and political history. Legoete further said the discussions at the joint PWC meeting are work in progress and the provinces will continue to work together.- Newsnote

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RDMAs announces its nominees


awards

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Diageo SA has announced the name of nominees for the 7th Responsible Drinking Media Awards. The RDMAs representative, Nicci Mitchell said that they have received more than 300 entries.

Mitchell said: “The Best Newspaper – Nicole Arend (Varsity Newspaper), Le Roux Schoeman (Die Burger) and Zoe Mohapo (The Sowetan) were nominated, while Sharlene Rood (News 24), Daphne Grundling (Netwerk 24) and Le Roux Schoeman (Netwerk 24) were nominated for the Best Online.

“Thosw who were nominated for the Best Magazine were Ernusta Maralack (Kuier) and Kieran Legg (Men’s Health), while Mohau Mamafha & Eusebius McKaiser (Talk Radio 702), Cleopatra Jones (SABC 3’s Special Assignment), Nomfundo Mzolo (Gagasi FM) and Veronique Smal (MFM) will compete for the Best Broadcast.”

Mitchell added that Nomfundo Mzolo (Gagasi FM), Veronique Smal (MFM) and Simphiwe Dlamini (Ugu Youth Radio) were nominated for the Best Community Media category. He

Best Best Up & Coming – Veronique Smal (MFM), Nomfundo Mzolo (Gagasi FM) and Cleopatra Jones (SABC 3’s Special Assignment)

“The RDMAs recognise journalists and media at large for their efforts to positively influence perceptions and habits related to the irresponsible use of alcohol. The awards are open to South African journalists who produce content that relates to responsible drinking and the impact of alcohol abuse, including issues such as drink driving, underage drinking, foetal alcohol syndrome, binge drinking and alcohol-related violence.

“Any published material on any media platform that aims to support this cause is eligible to enter the awards and win a prize. The 2017 judging panel was a mix of media experts consisting of media and reputation strategist Joanne Botha, author and former editor Ryland Fisher, TV anchor and celebrity media personality, Leanne Manas, news analyst and columnist Angelo Fick and former editor and political analyst, Mpumelelo Mkhabela,” Mitchell.

“The number of entries into this year’s Awards has been outstanding,” says Joanne Botha who has sat on the RDMA judging panel for the past three years.

Botha said the fact that so many media are writing about responsible drinking issues is a testament to how passionate they are about the topic and how relevant these stories are to the society.

“The winner of each category will walk away with R15 000 and a public acknowledgment for their efforts to help combat alcohol abuse in South Africa. There will also be an award for Journalist of the Year for the overall best entry, as well as for Media House of the Year for the media house with the most unique entries.

“Winners will be announced at an official awards ceremony on 31 August 2017. People can visit our website visithttps://diageordma.co.za/. for information on the awards. Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, The Singleton, Talisker & Lagavulin whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice,” he said.

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Mokassa Primary School principal demoted for maladministration 



MEC for Education and Sport Development department, Sello Lehari has demoted two principals after they were implicated in maladministration. 
The department spokesperson, Freddy Sepeng said Bokamoso Primary School principal in Klerksdorp, Jackkie Pooe and Mokassa Primary School (Taung) principal, Kealeboga Mothibi were demoted to HoD positions. 

“The department deliberated on those issues after thorough investigations. Pooe spent R119 000 belonging to the school. However, she will repay the money in 36 months. The two principals were demoted to Head of Department (HoD) positions.

“The two principals will be removed from those schools and be transferred. The department is still in a process to relocate them,” Sepeng said.

It is allegedly that Mothibi spent R800 000 belonging to the school on His personal use.

North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Traditional Affairs Chairperson, Oageng Molapisi said they held a meeting with the department on 26 April 2017. 

Molapisi further said the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the outstanding disciplinary cases in the department and the challenges the department is facing in finalising such cases.

“During the 2014/15, the department’s Internal Audit conducted investigations on allegations of irregular transfer of funds to Mokassa Primary School. In September 2015, the department’s Internal Audit revealed that on the 18th October 2013, Mokassa Primary School received a transfer payment of R627 021.50 instead of R129 027.50 which resulted in overpayment of R498 000.

“On the 21st October 2013, the department requested the principal, Kealeboga Mothibi and School Governing Body (SGB) in writing to refund the department an amount of R498 000. A cheque was issued by the school in the name of Mothibi on 24 October 2013. However, Mothibi cashed the cheque at FNB Hartswater branch and used it for his own personal gain,” he said.

Molapisi said on 23rd October 2014, the school received a transfer payment of R497 491 73. He further said the department requested Mothibi on 30 October 2014 to return the money.

“The cheque was issued by the school in the name of Mothibi on 4 November 2014, and he cashed it in at FNB Hartswater. In December 2014, Mothibi refunded the department an amount of R497 491 73 after being confronted by the Departmental Internal Audit. Mothibi also borrowed money from the school to the amount of R20 860 for the payment of electricity without following proper procedures. In 2015, Mothibi paid back the R498 000 that he took in 2013.

“Mothibi was officially charged for misconduct for contravening the Employment of Educators Act 76 of 1998 on November 2016. The hearing took place on 30 November 2016 where Mothibi was dismissed with immediate effect. He appealed his dismissal through the office of MEC, Sello Lehari. However, the matter has been finalised,” he said.

Molapisi also shed more light on Bokamoso Intermediate School principal, Jackkie Pooe. He added that the school is based in Klerksdorp in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and Pooe resides in Gauteng.

“She was travelling from Gauteng Province to Klerksdorp on daily basis. Pooe was found guilty of mismanagement of funds at the school in 2015. She was subjected to disciplinary hearing that commenced in October 2015 and was concluded in April 2016.

“Pooe was found guilty and the sanction was that she should be dismissed. She appealed against the sanction through the office of the MEC, Sello Lehari.”

Molapisi said another case was against Onkgopotse Tiro Comprehensive School principal, Edwin Teach Kgonothi. He said the case against Kgonothi started in 2012 where there was investigation against him for mismanagement of school funds. 

“It was alleged that Kgonothi used some of the school money for his personal benefit. In 2014, there was a precautionary suspension against him, and the department appointed a forensic team to do investigations.

“The team came with the same conclusion that Kgonothi was guilty and must be charged. It was agreed that Kgonothi must be removed as the principal and be placed at the department to work there. The department failed to implement the recommendation,” Molapisi said.

He further said an instruction was given by Court on 2 February 2017 for the department to conduct a disciplinary hearing against Kgonothi. Molapisi added that the department took a decision that since this case is already implicating Ngaka Modiri Molema Education District; they have to outsource the Public Protector and Labour Relations from Gauteng Province in order for the case to get a fair trial. Newsnote  

ANC presidency candidate, Dr Nkosana-Dlamini Zuma to grace N West events


​BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in Bokone Bophirima will  host and join other key events to commemorate Women’s Month and give honour to the women of 1956 and many others who fought for the liberation of South Africa and its women.

In some of the key events scheduled to wrap up the Women’s Month activities, the ANC Women’s League will host and join other empowering seminars and dialogues under the main message of Building Young Women’s Confidence, which will be addressed by ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who’s also former African Union Commission Chairperson.
ANCWL provincial secretary, Bridgette Mogakwe said from 22 to 24 August the ANCWL in the province will hold and/or join the following key events:
Event 1: Courtesy visit to Bapo ba Mogale Traditional Leadership in Madibeng
Date: Tuesday 22 August 2017 at 10h00

18h30: Young Women’s Dialogue at North West University Mahikeng Campus

Lecture: The role education can play in influencing Radical Economic Transformation

Event 2: Join the Provincial Economic Summit organised by Bokone Bophirima
Provincial Government for all women of the province at Mmabatho Convention

Centre at 09h00

Date: Wednesday 23 August 2017

Theme: The Role of Women in African Economy

Keynote Speaker: Cde Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

Event 3: Cadre’s Assembly, Matlosana Auditorium, 10h00
Date: Thursday 24 August 2017

Theme: Women united in moving South Africa forward

Keynote Speaker: Cde Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

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