Orbit College applauded for advancing student-centred training

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Picture: The Orbit College logo

By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 January 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education said Orbit TVET College stands out as a ‘beacon of excellence’ within the otherwise challenging technical and vocational education and training (TVET) section, epitomising the ideals of what a TVET college should aspire to be. This comes after the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education concluded the North West leg of its oversight with a visit to Orbit College in Rustenburg yesterday.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mr Tebogo Letsie said they were impressed by Orbit’s skills development during their class-by-class visits and tour of the college’s infrastructure. Letsie said committe members urged Orbit to maintain its high standards and continue the excellent work that the college is doing.

“The committee also commended the level of professionalism at Orbit, noting that this is what a TVET college should aspire to be. However, we noted that despite the excellent work, Orbit is not immune to the problem of staff in acting positions, which was raised by both labour unions and the Student Representative Council.

“The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Tebogo Letsie, said, “We have committed ourselves in this term to have a meeting with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to discuss governance issues, including DHET’s inability to fill vacant posts.”

“Currently, we have deputy principals and senior managers in acting positions, which should have been permanently appointed by the colleges themselves, but this has not been done. Not filling these posts takes a toll on the already available human resources, stretching them to do more work,” he said.

Letsie further sais Orbit College was also commended for its partnership with Intel Corporation and the DHET to inspire students to explore opportunities in artificial intelligence. He added that this collaboration aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative AI solutions.

“Additionally, Orbit College was encouraged to enhance its ICT systems to streamline and improve the efficiency of student registration processes. Today, the committee will conduct its last oversight with a visit to the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria,” said Letsie.

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Former municipal CFO back in court

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Picture: The accused, Mokgopane Hendrick Thokoane

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

.31 January 2025- Former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, Mokgopane Hendrick Thokoane (45), will be back at Christiana Magistrate’s Court today. Thokoane, who was granted a R10 000 bail, was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) on three counts of fraud and for contravening Section 173(3) of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said during the proceedings, it was revealed that Thokoane, in his capacity as the CFO and Senior Manager of the Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality, was responsible for assisting the Accounting Officer in managing the municipality’s bank account and implementing its budget.

“The investigations found that between April and May 2022, the accused procured services from Thabethe and Co to lease a vehicle for the mayor of the municipality, Sebang Motlhabi, without submitting the necessary documentation to the Office of the Municipal Manager.

“Notably, Thabethe and Co, leased the vehicle to the municipality without receiving a proper request for quotation or submitting any quotation to the Supply Chain Management office,” he said.

Gunya further said Thokoane allegedly misrepresented the circumstances surrounding the lease, falsely asserting that it had the Municipal Manager’s approval. He added that as a result of these misrepresentations, the municipality reportedly incurred a financial loss of approximately R167,600.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed Thokoane’s arrest and commended both the prosecutor and the investigating officer for their efforts in ensuring that the accused appeared in court. Makhari reiterated the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating commercial crimes and emphasised the importance of upholding justice and integrity within public service.

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Northern Cape Department of Education refutes mismanagement of funds allegations

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By REGINALD KANYANE

31 January 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Education said it acknowledges that it has experienced a delay in the disbursement of norms and standard allocations due to budget constraints. However, the department refutes allegations that the situation escalated as a result of mismanagement of funds.

The Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe said at the beginning of the 2024/25 financial year, the department absorbed a budget reduction of R232 million and a further reduction of R60 million during the financial year. Van der Merwe said over and above, the financial impact of 2024/25 wage adjustment was not allocated funding.

“The cost of living adjustment for the 2024/25 financial year is estimated at approximately R295 million. This is in relation to the wage agreement concluded for the 2024/25 financial year at 4.7% for all government employees.

“Therefore, the total funding gap due to budget reduction and the wage bill adjustment is almost R600 million for the 2024/25 financial year. Therefore, any suggestions that the department has squandered money unnecessarily are unfounded and devoid of any truth,” he said.

According to van der Merwe, the department has always been regularly subjected to oversight by the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, to account for the Annual Performance Plan (APP) implementation progress, where they transparently account fully on spending patterns and challenges.

“We further encourage any member of the public or education stakeholder, who is in possession of any proof of mismanagement of funds, to come forward and report this matter to the department, Office of the Premier or law enforcement entities.

“Through our engagements and the support of the Office of the Premier and the Provincial Treasury, we have secured a portion of the funds, which was paid to all schools,” said van der Merwe.

He said the funds were utilised to procure stationery, additional learning and support material, services to schools, learning aid for special schools and hostel subsidies. Van der Merwe said, however, additional funds are required to pay the outstanding allocations to schools.

“Important to note with regard to the provision of Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM), schools were provided with an option of procuring their textbooks either centrally or directly from suppliers.

“A total of 350 schools opted to procure their textbooks centrally, and the Department ensured 100% delivery. The other 204 schools made their own respective arrangements with suppliers,” he said.

Van der Merwe said the department is processing the payments this week to schools in terms of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). He said this will enable schools to provide a nutritious meal to learners for the rest of the first quarter.

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Three men jailed for killing a cop

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Picture: Three men who were sentenced for killing a cop/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 January 2025- Three men were sentenced to a combined 26 years by the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court for killing a cop. Tshepo Sthembiso Molaba (33), Thabiso Gladwin Phendela (30) and John Elvis Hlongwane (30), were found guilty on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, defeating the administration of justice and murder of a policeman.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the trio was arrested following an investigation into the murder of Warrant Officer Gaonathebe Diphephenyane, who was attached to Kimberley Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). Gunya said in July 2023, Diphephenyane was travelling from Kimberley to Rustenburg on an official trip when he was hijacked in Klerkskraal in the North West.

“He was robbed of the state vehicle, a cell phone and money. Diphephenyane’s lifeless body with signs of strangulation, was found dumped next to the road in Klerkskraal.

“A multi-disciplinary team comprising the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section, Crime Intelligence, North West and Northern Cape Provincial Detectives, Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management was assembled to work on the case,” he said.

Gunya further said the information led the police to Boikhutsong Township in Ventersdorp, Vosloorus and Brakpan in Gauteng, where the suspects were apprehended. He added that they appeared in court and were remanded in custody until their sentencing.

“Molaba was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, Phendela was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for defeating the administration of justice and Hlongwane was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for murder of a policeman.

“All three accused have been declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have lauded the investigation and prosecution team for working tirelessly to ensure that the accused face the full might of the law.

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Four undocumented suspects nabbed for illegal mining

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Picture: Some of items seized by police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 January 2025- Four undocumented suspects were arrested by the police and security personnel for illegal mining and trespassing in coordinated efforts at Kleinzee mine on 28 January 2025. This comes after multi-disciplinary teams of Operation Vala Umgodi, conducted vehicle and foot patrols at illegal mining hotspot areas.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said they received a tip-off from Vetus Security Guards regarding alleged illegal mining activities taking place at Kleinzee Mine. Shemane said the police swiftly reacted and operationalised the information.

“Upon arrival, four men were found engaging in illegal mining. The four suspects aged between 25 and 40, were subsequently arrested and the equipment that was used in the commission of illicit mining were confiscated.

“The public is encouraged to report illicit mining by using the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS App,” he said.

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Action SA: “The bust of drugs worth R37m in Zeerust is just a tip of iceberg”  

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Picture: The police seized drugs worth R37 million/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 January 2025- Two suspects from Tanzania (42) and Zambia (39), were arrested for dealing in drugs near Zeerust on Wednesday. The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has applauded law enforcement officials for their swift and effective response in arresting suspects in a recent drug bust near Zeerust.

Morweng said the operation, which resulted in the seizure of illicit substances called Crystal Meth, demonstrates commitment to tackle the scourge of drug-related crime in the province. He further commended the police and traffic officers for their diligence and professionalism in executing the arrest.

“The drugs are dangerous and mainly affect young people negatively. Therefore, we must commend men and women in uniform for their stunning work on the arrest.

“The preliminary investigations suggest that the street value of these substances is over R30 million. However, the confirmed value will be determined as further investigations unfold,” he added.

Morweng said the investigation will be conducted with utmost thoroughness, ensuring that all aspects are meticulously examined.

Meanwhile, the Action SA provincial chairperson, Kgosi Kwena Mangope said: “We strongly condemn the African National Congress (ANC) catastrophic failure in border management, which has once again been exposed by the recent drug bust at the Zeerust Border Post.

“This incident is yet another example of how South Africa’s porous borders have become gateways for criminal syndicates to operate with impunity. The ANC’s inability to enforce effective border security has not only facilitated organised crime, but also placed communities at risk by allowing illicit activities to flourish unchecked.”

Mangope said while commending law enforcement for intercepting the drug shipment, they emphasise that this incident starkly exposes the ANC’s long-standing inability to secure South Africa’s borders. He said the Action SA believes that Morweng’s admission that corrupt officials may have facilitated this drug trafficking operation is a damning indictment of the ANC’s governance.

“The interception of one drug shipment cannot be celebrated, while acknowledging the department’s own systemic failure. The fact that these drugs were being transported from Zambia via a minibus taxi highlights how easily international criminal syndicates exploit South Africa’s porous borders.

“This crisis stems directly from decades of ineffective immigration policies and border mismanagement under ANC rule. Action SA highlights two critical failures such as the complete collapse of border security infrastructure and patrol capacity,” he said.

Mangope alleged that this endemic corruption enabled criminal syndicates to operate freely. He said furthermore, this drug bust is only a symptom of a much larger problem.

“Undocumented foreign nationals now make up an estimated 10% of South Africa’s population. The ANC must take full responsibility for turning our borders into a haven for transnational criminals.

“Action SA remains committed to securing our borders for a safer and more prosperous South Africa. The people of the North West deserve better,” said Mangope.

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SPAR Proteas ready for challenge of Nation’s Cup

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Picture:Spar Proteas player against Jamaica/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 January 2025- The SPAR Proteas have moved from the heat and vibe of Jamaica to a chilly Britain for the Vitality Netball Nations Cup against England, Uganda, and Malawi this weekend, and head coach Jenny van Dyk believes her players are ready for the new challenge.

Van Dyk said this tour has been a great opportunity to test their resilience and mental fitness. She further said the change in climate is quite refreshing.

“We took steps on the journey from Jamaica to ensure that we did not suffer too much jet lag, like keeping the players awake at certain times. It’s never going to be easy, but we need to be able to deal with these challenges if we want to play the best in the world.

“The Nations Cup was an important part of the team’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games next year. Our first match is against Uganda on Saturday, but we are also working on our second match, against England the next day (Sunday),” said van Dyk.

She added they must be able to deal with the different styles of play. Van Dyk said the African teams have their own style and so does England, and they need to be ready to play them all.

The assistant coach, Zanele Mdodana, who was part of the last SPAR Proteas team to tour Jamaica in 2012, said there had been an incredible improvement in the way Jamaica played. Mdodana said most of their players play league netball in Australia and this has made them stronger.

“We learnt so much from playing there, even though we lost all three matches. This will help us in the Nations Cup. Our players are better because of this experience. I am excited to see the growth in the entire team,” she said.

Meanwhile, the SPAR Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane said the team was very excited about the challenge ahead.

“We haven’t had an opportunity like this since the World Cup in 2023. We want to take everything we learnt in Jamaica and implement it. The team would not be affected by the support for the England team.  

“Nothing can compare to Jamaica – the vuvuzelas, the pot lids being banged, the general noise. We couldn’t hear the instructions from our coaches. But in England, the arenas are bigger, and the noise won’t be as intense,” said Chawane.

She said the team’s mindset of always wanting to win had not been affected by the losses to Jamaica. Chawane said this team will always fight to the end.

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Mining can drive sustainable development, uplift communities

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Picture: Stilfontein Mine Shaft

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 January 2025- The North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said the mining sector must make headlines for the right reasons. Tyobeka said South Africa is not a refuge for illegal miners and their exploitation tactics.

He further said Stilfontein is a name irrevocably connected to South Africa’s mining sector. Toybeka added that it is high time that the country makes global mining headlines for the right reasons.

“The saga of the illegal miners in the Buffelsfontein Mine in Stilfontein caught the attention of global news agencies and painted a very skewed picture of mining in South Africa. It was and still is disheartening. We should be able to dictate what the picture of one of our most valuable sectors looks like.

“Our mines are resources of immense value, and they can contribute even more to the fortunes of all South Africans. We need the world to know this and we need the world to see this,” said Tyobeka.

He said in 2023, the mining sector contributed more than R200 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Tyobeka said it is a sector that employs more than 470 000 people.

“These are not insignificant numbers. The mines are feeder veins to their surrounding communities and a lifeline to countless households. That is why the NWU is actively pursuing the establishment of our School of Mines and Mining Engineering, which will be based in Rustenburg, to address the evolving needs of South Africa’s mining industry.

“The mining sector remains the backbone of South Africa’s economy, fuelling job creation, exports and industrial growth. Rich in minerals like gold, platinum and rare earths, mines are pivotal to global supply chains,” he said.

Tyobeka said with responsible governance and innovation, mining can drive sustainable development, uplift communities and secure the nation’s economic resilience. He said from 3 to 6 February 2025, Cape Town will play host to the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which is the largest conference of its kind in the world.

“The country and the continent need events like this to show that we will not be defined by failures that make for sensational reading, like Stilfontein, but by current successes and those to come.

“We are the world’s largest producer of platinum, with about 70% of global production hailing from South Africa. We are also a notable exporter of gold, iron ore, manganese, chromium, diamonds and more,” said Tyobeka.

He said South Africa is a global mining power, not a refuge for zama zamas and their exploitation tactics. Tyobeka said South Africans should take hands and work together to show the world who they are.

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Police urge relatives of illegal miners who died in Stilfontein to come forward

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Picture: A body of a person in mortuary/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 January 2025- The police request the relatives of 78 illegal miners who died in the Stilfontein mine to come forward and identify their loved ones. More than 80 bodies were retrieved by the rescue team at Buffelsfontein Gold Mine Shaft No 11, during the mine rescue operation a few weeks ago.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said this is part of ongoing investigations into the inquest dockets.

“Relatives of the deceased are requested to come forward for the identification process. Family members are requested to meet with the investigation team at Stilfontein Police Station on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 8am and 3pm,” he said.

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