MAHIKENG man, Thato Molosankwe embarked on a life-changing journey to raise awareness against woman and child abuse. Molosankwe who also run Thato Molosankwe Foundation is currently walking from Cape Town to Mahikeng which is 1317.5km to raise awareness against the scourge.

“Woman and child abuse is a societal issue that need attention of each and every citizen. I decided to embark on this walk to raise awareness. The journey was not easy from the beginning because of lack of support and funding. However, I have received amazing support from people and well-wishers in various social platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook.

“They started to heed the call and showed their support. Woman and child abuse is a societal factor that needs to be condemned. Many people are affected because of that debauched behaviour. I duped this walk #FatherSonMentorshipWalkAgainstWomenAndChildrenAbuse. The main aim is to motivate fathers to take full responsibility in raising their sons,” Molosankwe said.

He further said fathers need to educate their sons to respect women and adore them. A 39 year-old man said he engaged with men while on his journey.

Molosankwe is expected to arrive in Mahikeng on Wednesday to celebrate Woman’s Day.

“Some of those I engaged with, they said women sometimes push them to the edge. However, they agreed with me that resorting to violence is not a solution,” Molosankwe said.

Greater Taung Local Municipality representative, Crespo Menyatso said the municipality is in solidarity with Molosankwe’s meritorious act. Menyatso said the municipality also encourages men to take a stand against women and children abuse.

“We have few programmes in place to address the scourge. Women tend to keep quite simply because their abusers are soul providers. We also need to educate men about the importance of treating women and children equally. Let us have various Men’s Forums across and talk about this.

“The move will create a sense of understanding between women, men and children. The municipality also encourages victims to talk about abuse. Conversation about the incidence, prevalence and danger abuse is not a fun conversation, because that kind of talk riles the nerves and puts fear in bellies.

“However, we need to understand that knowledge is power. Talking about the abuse will assist us to win a battle. The reality is, when it comes to sexual abuse, our children are not automatically as safe as we’d like them to be. We may build around them a fortress of protection, but I want to argue that we have to build a defense within them,” he said.

Jesse Leroy LeRoux, 37 from Worcester decided to join Molosankwe. LeRoux said he was impressed by Molosankwe’s courage.

“I decided to take a walk with Molosankwe because we have many women and children being abuse in the country. So, it is imperative to take a stand and fight the scourge. I have been living in the street for three months now and I am unemployed.

“I experienced physical abuse after my father abused me. Now, I decided to run away from home because I could not take it anymore. I would like to encourage all those who experience abuse in any forms to speak out” he said.

ANC coordinator in Dr Ruth Mompati region, Pontsho Kgosieng said: “We support the initiative that Thato Molosankwe embarked on. We want to commend his bravery as the ANC and encourage other men to take a stand. The initiative will also restore hope on many women across the country.

“Working together will also ensure that we raising a proper society that will condemn the women and child abuse across all spectrums. Men need not only stop abusing women and children, but also stand up and be counted in the fight against these violent acts. We believe that real men do not abuse women and do not mistreat their children,” Kgosieng said.

Taung Youth Batallion (TYB) board member, Vela Ntuli said they use sport to disseminate a message against women and children abuse. Ntuli said Molosankwe’s initiative also encourage people to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle.

“We are working with various stakeholders to fight women and children abuse. We cannot win the fight alone. However, it will take every citizen to have abuse-free society. We have also programmes where we support those abused victims and encourage them to come forward. Our organisation also supports those who survived domestic violence and assist them to follow legal processes. We want to see all those abusers behind bars and justice taking its course,”

One of residents who attended the event, Goitseone Gill said: “I wanted to show my support as a man and say #NotInMyName. Creating awareness is imperative because the message will be delivered and eventually we will win a fight against this scourge.”- Newsnote

BY REGINALD KANYANE

The African National Congress (ANC) in Bokone Bophirima is pleased at the
party’s splendid performance at the Naledi Local Municipality’s Ward 1
by-elections in Stella on Wednesday.

The by-elections were necessitated by the passing of councillor, Fannie
Matlabe. ANC provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said the ANC won by a very wide margin with 1111 votes to the Democratic Alliance’s 643.

“The Economic Freedom Fighters came in a distant third at only 213 votes while the Forum for Service Delivery managed only 13 votes. This victory of 56.11% of all the votes cast on the day. The voter turnout of 53.81% shows that our people still love ANC.

“We engaged in a partnership with our people and they recognise who is in the political space works for them. The people of Stella have once again put their faith in the ANC. It is evidence that the movement is the only one that understands our people’s needs,” Legoete said.

He further said they are prepared to walk with them on the road to the betterment of their lives. Legoete added that the leadership of the ANC in Bokone Bophirima sent gratitude to the people of Ward 1 in Stella, the local ANC leadership, the regional leadership and all volunteers who worked hard to ensure that the party once again comes out victorious.

Ward 1 newly-elected councillor, Grace Gamma said: “I am grateful and honoured to be the councillor in the area. The people’ support shows they still believe in the ruling party. Our people live in abject poverty and faced with challenges like unemployment, inequality and poverty.

“We have also experienced racism against our black community as the area is surrounded by farms. We need to give our people hope and ensure that service delivery reaches them out. We have won triumphantly and we will not disappoint them. ANC is a movement which operates on with open door policy.”

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Provincial Chairperson, Dr Tumelontle Thiba said: “The elections went well without any hassle. We have not received any complaints from political parties and ANC won with 56.11%. The voters turn-out was 53.81%.

One of the voters, Percy Dibateng said: “I voted for the ruling party because they have a track record unlike other opposition parties. The ANC policies speak direct to the people on the ground and they have our interests at heart.

“We recognise that there are few challenges that the party is faced with, however, ANC has faced various challenges in the past. So, we believe that tranquility will prevail after elective conference in December 2017.”

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​By BAKANG MOKOTO
A 13 YEAR-Old boy’s body was found floating in a quarry in Molelema Village, Taung on Saturday.

Phemelo Modirwa went missing two weeks ago. It is alleged that Modirwa visited his friend but failed to return home. 
A case of a missing person was opened at Taung Police Station after he went missing. Police investigations are underway and an inquest case has been opened. 
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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 
TAUNG- A 42 YEAR-Old man was arrested in Khaukhwe village, near Taung for being in possession of suspected stolen livestock on Wednesday.

Pudimoe Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sgt Tebogo Thebe said the police opened a case of possession of suspected stolen property.
“The intelligence led arrest came after information was received via crime intelligence that a certain vehicle was expected to come and load stolen meat at Khaukwe village, near Pudimoe.
“Police had been looking for the said vehicle after information was received that, stolen livestock was usually loaded in the said vehicle,” Thebe said.
He further said the police waited for the opportunity and pounced on the said vehicle with load of animal carcasses inside.
“Police caught the vehicle with a load of stolen meat which is believed to be a cow. The vehicle was also confiscated and stored at Pudimoe SAP 13 store,” he said.

Thebe said that the suspect is expected to appear in Taung Magistrate court on Thursday. He said that investigation continues as police believe that more arrests are imminent.

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BY BAKANG MOKOTO 
BLOEMHOF- TWO suspects aged 33 and 48 were arrested for being in possession of ivory on Wednesday. 

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the arrest of the suspects was a drive in an effort to address serious and organised crime. 

“The suspects were arrested through intelligence driven operation at approximately 17:45. According to information, a follow-up was made after intelligence was received about the suspects. 

“The latter were found inside a stationary motor vehicle at one of the streets in Bloemhof.  The police conducted a search that led to discovery of elephant tusks contained in a black plastic,” Mokgwabone said.

He further said the suspects were arrested after they failed to account for the possession. 

Mokgwabone added that the suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on Friday.  

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

NORTH West Provincial Legislature will host a Traditional Leaders Sectoral Parliament under the theme: “Enhancing the Constitutional Rights of Traditional Leadership.”

Deputy Manager in Communication, Namhla Luhabe said the debate on traditional authorities’ legislative gains will be in the Legislature Chamber on Friday at 9am.

“Traditional leaders will also debate on their Constitutional rights and harmonization of cooperative governance between traditional authorities and government.

“About 200 representatives from the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders including Headsmen, Local Government and Human Settlements, Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs departments and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) will be in attendance,” Luhabe said.

She further said all issues raised will be compiled into a detailed report and the relevant departments will respond in the feedback session.

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BY BAKANG MOKOTO

A PREMEDITATED Murder case against four suspects was postponed by Taung Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Tumo Phatudi, Olebogeng Mgijima, Zwelinzima Mohapi and Lebogang Serei were arrested after the murder of a prominent Taung businesswoman, Kegomoditswe Serei.

Serei who owned a mortuary was shot dead, while at her business offices a month ago. According to investigation, Lebogang Serei who is a stepson to the deceased allegedly hired hitmen to kill Kegomoditswe.

It is alleged that the motive behind the killing was prompted by a ‘will’ that Lebogang’s father signed and made Kegomoditswe a beneficiary. This allegedly caused ‘feud’ between the deceased and the suspect.

According to court, Lebogang hired Phatudi, Mgijima and Mohapi to carry out the murder. Phatudi who believed to be the one, who pulled the trigger, launched a bail application alongside with his accomplice.

Taung magistrate, Morulaganye Tsatsi postponed the case until Friday to give investigating officer, Kgosiyagae Kgatisang more time for investigations.

Taung Community against Crime organisation’s chairperson, Peggy Molathegi said: “We will continue to follow-up on this case. We want to see suspects rotting in jail and the law must prevail.”

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

KOLONG Bridge in Taung, will be officially opened on Thursday. The dual direction bridge project cost North West Public Works department close to R77m.

North West Provincial Government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said that the project entailed the construction of dual direction bridge adjacent to the old bridge.

“The construction of the bridge commenced in 2015 and was completed in April 2017. This was initiated after the old single lane dilapidating bridge connecting Taung and Manthe village, posed a risk to road users.

“About 173 job opportunities were created for locals in the process. Approximately R12.2m of the budget was spent on Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) as well as other businesses in the province for bridge construction,” Setswambung said.

Five families were repositioned from their stands to make way for the project. Public Works and Roads department constructed new houses for these families at the value of R7.1m.

He said the total cost of R87m was spent on the project. Setswambung said Mahumapelo will be accompanied by acting MEC for Public Works and Roads department,Ontlametse Mochware and Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Kgosi Nnyoko Motlhabane .

The event will commence at 10am.

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The story of Ontlametse Phalatse will be immortalised on celluloid when a new documentary film is released.

Phalatse’s is the story of a young woman who bravely fought against the rare genetic disorder called progeria. The story will be told by radio producer Keabetswe Mokoena.

While the aim is to educate South Africans on the realities of progeria, Mokoena said she had spoken to Phalatse when she was still alive about sharing her story through the film The Life of Ontlametse Phalatse.

Phalatse, who died aged 18 earlier this year, had a fighting spirit which Mokoena felt everybody needed to have.

The documentary will give an insight into Phalatse’s day-to-day life through the voices of her loved ones. “I went door-to-door knocking for interviews with people who had watched her grow [up],” said Mokoena.

Her life was a race against time, with doctors giving her a few years to live, but she pushed herself to reach matric.

As tough as she came across, Phalatse was actually bullied throughout her schooling.

“I spoke to Ontlametse’s school friends . Though young, many of her older friends admitted to getting most of their advice from her.”

Instead of launching the film at traditional movie houses, Mokoena plans to visit schools in Rustenburg and let the community enjoy it via a screen projector for a “bioskop” feel.

The North West government has given the thumbs up for the film to be shown in different schools as well as supporting the project financially.

“Every cent I am going to make through this film, 50% will go to Ontlametse’s family.

“This film is not mine, it is for the Phalatse family and the entire community,”

The film is expected to be released later this year.

Source:www.sowetanlive.co.za 

BY REGINALD KANYANE

South African football loving fans continue to rally behind their teams in the 2017 Carling Black Label Champion Cup Campaign. Supporters of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have cast over 6,3 million votes to date.

Both teams are starting to take shape with two weeks left for players who are currently not in pole position to make late advancements, but it all boils down to the Champion Coaches’ selections.

For this year’s campaign football loving fans have been tasked with choosing the formation for their sides and both supporters of the mighty Amakhosi and the Buccaneers have so far chosen the tried and trusted 4-4-2 for the clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 29 July 2017.

Over the last two weeks, the two teams have been active in the transfer market providing fans with exciting players to choose from. If Champion Coaches would like to see the new signees showcase their skills in this pre-season showpiece they may effectively do so as all newly recruited players are included in the voting system.

Kaizer Chiefs’ latest signing is versatile forward Bhongolethu Jayiya, who played a huge role in Cape Town City’s fairytale season under coach Eric Tinkler. Jayiya can play the position of either a winger or a forward who created headlines last season when he scored the fastest hat-trick in Premier Soccer League history.

If pace and skill is what supporters would like to add to their starting-eleven, then Jayiya could be that much-needed link in the Kaizer Chiefs attacking unit.

Newly signed Midfielder Philani Zulu could also provide Champion Coaches with the much-needed attacking qualities, as he frequently scores and creates goals.

Amakhosi recently signed Zimbabwean international defender Teenage Hadebe, on the defensive side. Hadebe comes with a fine pedigree as an experienced Warriors star who could further assist in solidifying the defence.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates have made a major signing of their own, bringing Thami Sangweni to the club to add some steel to their midfield and attacking potential.

In hope of steering The Sea Robbers to right direction, the Bafana international is sets to forge a strong alliance with the likes of Oupa Manyisa, Mpho Makola and Issa Sarr.

These changes to the teams not only provide Consumer Coaches with the chance to change their starting line-up, but also their formations if they believe the new arrivals can give them other options.

Potential Champion Coaches who are over the age of 18 can stand a chance of winning the Carling Black Label Champion Cup match day experience where two lucky fans will join their favourite team in training, sit in the pre-match briefing and be part of the technical set-up on match day.

If either set of Champion Coaches want to make changes to their side ahead of the 2017 Carling Black Label Champion Cup, they can do so by purchasing a Carling Black Label beer and dialing *120*660*.

They then enter their unique underliner code and then#.  Entry is FREE on USSD or they can go to www.carlingblacklabel.co.za.

Voting for the 2017 Carling Champion Cup closes at midnight on Tuesday, 25^th July 2017.

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