R130m Baga-Mothibi CHC marred with infrastructural defects

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Picture: The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Karabo Magagane/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 February 2025- The newly-built Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre worth R130 million marred with infrastructural defects. The startling revelations were confirmed during a week oversight visit by the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development. The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Karabo Magagane said the facility was handed over by the North West Department of Public Works and Roads back in 2022.

Magagane said the original budget for its construction was R130 million, but it escalated to R250 million due to various infrastructural defects, including leakages in water pipes, faulty electrical tubing, and poor panelling.

“An additional R50 million is required to bring the facility up to standard. However, this budget has been earmarked, but not yet approved, pending the adjustment budget.

“The contractor initially appointed for the project was removed, but is now allegedly working on renovations at Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital under another consortium,” she said.

Magagane further said as a result, the committee demanded a forensic report to investigate amongst others, the appointment of the contractor, penalties for incomplete project deliverables and the alleged re-appointment of the contractor for renovations at Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital. She added that the facility has a borehole installed, but the irrigation system remains unconnected, limiting access to water.

“The fire hose and extinguisher were last serviced in May 2024, creating a potential fire hazard. Additionally, many electrical wires are exposed, including those in the filing room, posing further risks.

“Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) are handled through dispatch, which causes delays, particularly in areas with poor road access. Additionally, the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) program could function more efficiently if HPRS were operational” said Magagane.

She said, however, there is currently only one computer for data capturing, with no additional workstations available. Magagane said immediate action is needed to address these operational, safety, and financial concerns to ensure the facility provides efficient and safe healthcare services to the community.

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The newly-built Baga-Mothibi CHC worth R130m marred with infrastructural defects

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 February 2025- The newly-built Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre worth R130 million marred with infrastructural defects. The startling revelations were confirmed during a week oversight visit by the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development.

The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Karabo Magagane said the facility was handed over by the North West Department of Public Works and Roads back in 2022.

Magagane said the original budget for its construction was R130 million, but it escalated to R250 million due to various infrastructural defects, including leakages in water pipes, faulty electrical tubing, and poor panelling.

“An additional R50 million is required to bring the facility up to standard. However, this budget has been earmarked, but not yet approved, pending the adjustment budget.

“The contractor initially appointed for the project was removed, but is now allegedly working on renovations at Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital under another consortium,” she said.

Magagane further said as a result, the committee demanded a forensic report to investigate amongst others, the appointment of the contractor, penalties for incomplete project deliverables and the alleged re-appointment of the contractor for renovations at Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital. She added that the facility has a borehole installed, but the irrigation system remains unconnected, limiting access to water.

“The fire hose and extinguisher were last serviced in May 2024, creating a potential fire hazard. Additionally, many electrical wires are exposed, including those in the filing room, posing further risks.

“Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) are handled through dispatch, which causes delays, particularly in areas with poor road access. Additionally, the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) program could function more efficiently if HPRS were operational” said Magagane.

She said, however, there is currently only one computer for data capturing, with no additional workstations available. Magagane said immediate action is needed to address these operational, safety, and financial concerns to ensure the facility provides efficient and safe healthcare services to the community.

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Picture: The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Karabo Magagane/Facebook

Motlatsa-mogokgo wa sekolong sa Mankuroane o neetswe lekwalo-kgalemo morago ga go leleka baithuti kwa sekolong

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Setshwantsho: Baithuti ba sekolo se segolwane sa Mankuroane baebela le mebila

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

18 Tlhakole 2025- Bangwe ba batsadi ba baithuti ba ba letseng ba lelekilwe kwa sekolong se segolwane sa Mankuroane mono Taung, ba re na nesetsa pula tshwetso ya Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima. Se se tla morago ga gore lefapha le tlhalose fa le tlile go neela motlatsa-mogokgo, George Mpolokeng wa sekolo se se umakilweng lekwalo-kgalemo (warning letter) mabapi le go leleka baithuti kwa sekolong.

Go ya ka mongwe wa batsadi ba baithuti o sa batleng fa leina la gagwe le itsiwe ka ntlheng ya go tshaba go shotlakakiwa are, motlatsa-mogokgo o ile a laela batlhokomedi ba tshireletso kwa sekolong go ntshetsa baithuti bao ba ba neng ba latofadiwa ka go sa apara uniform ya sekolo kwa ntle ga legora la sekolo.

“Tota se motlatsa-mogokgo a se dirileng ke bo kotlase le go senyetsa bana nako. Jaaka re bua jaana, baithuti ba, ba letse ba ebela le mebila ya motse wa Lokaleng, mme ba sa ya sekolong. Go riana, ba siilwe ke dithuto.

“Fa bana ba, ba sa falole fa ngwaga e fela, batsadi batla be ba shupa barutabana ka monwana. Ke ka moo re akgolang lefapha ka tshwetso e. Re ikuela go bagokgo kgotsa barutabana go se gatake maatla a ba a neeilweng ke lefapha,” motsadi wa tlhalosa.

Are se ba se dirang se, ke go kgokgontsha bana, ga mmogo le batsadi. Motsadi are kamoso bana ba tla tlogana ba gana go ya dikolong ka ntlheng ya dilo tse.  

Kgagare, sebueledi sa Lefapha La Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Mphata Molokwane are: “Lefapha le amogetse pego eo go tswa motsamaising wa kgaolo mabapi le maitshwaro a motlatsa-mogokgo kwa sekolong se segolwane sa Mankuroane.

“Lefapha le kgala ka bogale maitshwaro a makgasa a motlatsa-mogokgo, mme le tlile go mo neela lekwalo-kgalemo (written warning), mabapi le kgang e. Ga gona maipato ape a tla dirang gore lefapha le efoge kgang e.”

Molokwane are kgoreletso ya dithuto kwa dikolong ga ya letlelelwa, ntle fela fa mogokgo a bone tetla go tswa kwa tlhogong ya lefapha. Molokwane are seo se direga fela fa ditiragalo tseo, di ama sekolo jaaka metshameko.

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Cleaning staff issue files to patients at Upper Majeakgoro clinic  

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Picture: The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Karabo Magagane/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development conducted an unannounced oversight visit to Upper Majeakgoro clinic, Ga-Mothibi Community Health Centre, Taung In-Patient Centre, and Taung Old Age Home. The oversight visits formed part of the Oversight Week programme that the North West Legislature undertook on the 11-13 February 2025, with the aim to strengthen oversight and public participation while promoting accountability and transparency in government.

The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Karabo Magagane said they began with the oversight visit at Upper Majeakgoro clinic, where several infrastructural challenges were found. Magagane said that has left the clinic in a poor state such as a dilapidated building with cracked walls built on a wrong foundation.

She further said the clinic has no ceiling in the rooms. Magagane added that, however, the Operations Manager informed the committee that a contractor has begun with installation of ceilings in January 2025.

“Other major challenges are that there is no electricity due to electrical wiring issues and the building has no running water, which impacts negatively on service delivery. The facility currently makes use of a JoJo tank, in which the staff are forced to draw buckets of water from.

“Additionally, there is no filing clerk in the front office. This function is sometimes performed by nurses, and when they are busy, they occasionally rely on the cleaning staff to retrieve patient files,” she said.

Magagane said as a result of these operational challenges, the clinic failed the assessment required to obtain gold status. She informed stakeholders that the purpose of the visit was to assess the challenges faced by the clinic, as its primary role is to provide proper healthcare to the community and also check preparations in place for the rollout of the National Health Insurance (NHI).

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Ditheetso tsa kopo ya beile mo kgetsing ya polao di a tswelela

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Setshwantsho: Balatofadiwa ba polao, Phemelo Maine ga mmogo le Okemetse Phatlhanyane

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

18 Tlhakole 2025- Ditheetso tsa kopo ya beile mo kgetsing ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, di tla tswelela mo letsatsing gompieno kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. Balatofadiwa, Phemelo Maine (40) ga mmogo le Okemetse Phatlhanyane (27), ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya Boingotlo Makaota (16).

Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2. Go ya ka moagisani, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya ga Maine.

Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.

“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se phuthetswe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”

Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.

“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Mokomishinara wa Sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e. Asaneng are polao eo ya go tlhorontshiwa ga bong e kabo e efogilwe fa baagi ba ne ba le malala-a-laotswe.

Kgabagare, Maine o ile a ipona molato mabapi le ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene, mme o solofetswe go ka nguna-nguna seo le mmueledi wa puso. Phatlhanyane ene o setse a inkeme fela ka gore a neelwe beile, mme kopo ya gagwe e ka rediwa fa kgetsi e boela kgotlhatshekelo.

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Road users urged to be vigilant amid rainy weather

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Picture: Some of the roads flooded

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 February 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng urged motorists, pedestrians and all other road users to be cautious as they navigate the roads. This comes after the province experiences extreme rainfall.

Morweng said according to weather reports, the North West is among the provinces that are anticipated to experience persistent wet weather conditions in variations throughout the week.

“We call for road users to navigate roads carefully and adhere to road safety protocols in order to deal with unexpected occurrences and avoid accidents.

“Road crashes have been proven to be susceptible to harsh weather conditions, it is for this reason that we encourage road users in general to be careful as they navigate expected downpours,” he said.

Morweng further said motorists must significantly reduce their speed and increase their following distance, ensuring that headlights are on to increase visibility. He added that they should also ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, as well as to remain alert while driving and pay attention to surroundings at all times.

“We also encourage pedestrians to ensure that they wear visible and bright clothing, walk on the right side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, avoid jaywalking and cross roads only at designated crossing points.

“Furthermore, law enforcement officers will be on high alert during this time to deal with any eventualities,” said Morweng.

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) spokesperson, Oupa Segalwe said: “There is a return of heavy showers across parts of South Africa from 16 until 20 February 2025. Heavy on-and-off showers are expected at times this Sunday across the North West and Gauteng provinces.

“This includes the northern region of Free State, Highveld areas of Mpumalanga and south-

western Limpopo. The resulting localised floods are expected to affect susceptible areas, bridges and roads.”

Segalwe said SAWS once again advises the communities living in low-lying areas and flat plains to be on the lookout for the disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa. He said motorists and pedestrians should be extra cautious, where roads are slippery and/or visibility is affected.

“These conditions with cloudy to overcast skies are expected across South Africa along with subregions of ordinary showers and thundershowers. The rainfall accumulation is expected to be in the region of 20 to 50 millimetres (mm).

“Daytime temperatures in these regions are also expected to be cool. The transport of moist tropical air from continental low over Botswana is the main source of the current cloudy and showery conditions,” said Segalwe.

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Water Supply Challenges in Schweizer Reneke

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Picture: Residents getting water from a municipal truck/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 February 2025- The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, together with its Implementing Agent (Magalies Water) and Mamusa Local Municipality, said they are aware of the water supply challenges in Ipelegeng Township and some parts of Schweizer Reneke town. The municipality said it was compelled to halt further the abstraction after the level of the Wentzel Dam had reached critically low levels, prompting immediate suspension of operations as a result of the rapid depletion of water.

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality spokesperson, Joseph Motlhasedi said if the operations were not implemented, this would otherwise have led to extensive damage to the pumps as they would cavitate. Motlhasedi said during an urgent meeting, which was held this morning, the District Municipality in consultation with its relevant stakeholders, have resolved to ensure that community receives alternative water supply in the interim.

“It was agreed that the municipality will deploy three additional water trucks as soon as possible to increase the current number of trucks. Eskom is currently at Rapoedi boreholes site replacing a broken transformer and fixing a borehole that is currently out of service and requires repairs.

“After this exercise is completed, the two boreholes will mitigate the impact of the water shortage within the jurisdiction at the reservoir by increasing the levels. The technical team consisting of Mamusa Local Municipality, Magalies Water and District Municipality, are currently busy shifting the abstraction point to a better location within the dam,” he said.

Motlhasedi further said the community is humbly requested to be patient, while alternative supply of water is rolled-out.

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Police addressing socio-economic challenges affecting learners

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Picture: Learners during a campaign against bullying/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 February 2025- The police in Northern Cape engaged with approximately 150 Grade 8 learners from a high school in Douglas on Thursday. Members from the Kimberley SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences unit, Warrant Officer Shaniela Antonie, and Constable Harris Witbooi, addressed the learners.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said, they outlined their roles and concerns with the increased occurrences of bullying at schools. Kock said Antonie and Witbooi, also highlighted topics relating to the types of bullying, cyberbullying, and sexual offenses.

“The SAPS Provincial Forensic Social Worker Commander, Colonel Lezelda Raymond educated the scholars on teenage pregnancy, how to take care of their bodies and emotions, including general safety hints.

“Sergeant Anton Baartman from Douglas SAPS Social Crime Prevention and Dineo Speak from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), addressed the criminal aspect of bullying and explained the consequences they can face if found guilty of such an offence,” he said.

Kock further said the Sarag NGO and Department of Transport, Safety, and Liason Safety Volunteers, delivered motivational messages and pledged to support the police with initiatives in fighting the scourge of bullying at schools and in the communities. He added the police cautioned children against general criminal behaviour as it will limit their prospects.

“The police will continue with awareness programs and the sharing of information to support and empower victims of bullying and assist in eradicating this type of behavior from our schools and society at large,” said Kock.

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Breaking News: Acting school principal in Taung nabbed for corruption

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Picture: The acting school principal in Taung nabbed for corruption/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 February 2025- The acting primary school principal (57) in Taung, was arrested by the members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team on Monday, for alleged corruption. It is alleged that during the period between January 2022 and November 2024, the suspect was an acting school principal when she offered the complainant a contractual post of Head of Department (HoD) at the same school.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports allegedly indicate that, the complainant contract was duly renewed in 2022 and 2023. Mathebula said, however, in 2024, it was not renewed as another candidate was considered for the same post.

“The suspect reportedly informed the complainant that she would recommend to the department that he be given the acting principal post. Furthermore, the suspect allegedly informed the complainant that she would expect a payment of R4500 in monthly instalments for her acting allowance, which she would have forfeited.

“The complainant was subsequently hired as an acting school principal and allegedly started paying the suspect in February 2024, an amount ranging from R4500 to R5200,” he said.

Mathebula further said investigation revealed that the suspect was paid R30 500 in total. He added that, following an investigation, the suspect was apprehended and charged with corruption.

“She will appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2025,” said Mathebula.

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Picture: The school principal nabbed for corruption/Supplied

More than 1000 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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Picture: Liquor seized during Operation Shanela/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 February 2025- More than 1000 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. With heightened police visibility and crime prevention, combating actions like roadblocks as well as stop and searches were conducted.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said 1076 suspects were arrested. Myburgh said of 1076 arrests, 5 were held for murder, five for attempted murder, three for rape, six for robberies and 40 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“This includes 39 suspects nabbed for malicious damage to property, 142 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), 69 for common assault, 24 for illegal mining, 18 for burglaries and many more other offences. 

“Moreover, detectives conducted raids that led to the arrest of 505 wanted suspects for business robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH and house robbery,” she said.

Myburgh further said during the operations, 300 premises, 2169 persons and 769 vehicles were searched. She added that 290 high visibility patrols were conducted including 264 stop and searches, while liquor premises and second-hand goods dealers were visited for compliance inspections.

“In total, 4966 actions were executed in different crime focus areas. In Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom, the police raided numerous liquor premises on 14 February 2025, leading to the closure of eight illegal liquor outlets.

“Throughout the province, 10 more unlicensed premises were shut down and 38 licensed liquor premises were inspected. Regarding second-hand goods dealers, 65 premises were also inspected,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, emphasized that police across the province will through Operation Shanela, which is focused on enhanced crime prevention and combating, continue to have a zero-tolerance approach for criminals. Asaneng said they welcomed the results achieved and urged members to continue to be consistent and dedicated in stamping the authority of the state to ensure the well-being and general safety and security of the communities.

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