NWPTB employees not paid their salaries

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Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 January 2025- The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) said it has strengthened its monitoring and oversight mechanisms to intervene at the North West Parks and Tourism (NWPTB). This comes after the entity’s failure to pay employee salaries, despite receiving its quarterly financial allocation from the department at the beginning of the fourth quarter of the current financial year.

The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they have consistently released the quarterly allocation to the entity as per the legislation, with the last of the year released earlier following the entity’s request. Lenkopane said failure to pay salaries might be a bad omen brewing a regress on the department’s employed mechanism to right the financial wrongs and deficiencies that adversely affected the entity’s audit outcomes.

“This is a risk and the entity’s financial management needs more attention. It is inconceivable that the entity is unable to pay salary at the beginning of the fourth quarter, while the funds have already been transferred.

“This appears to be a regular occurrence, but it needs to change. The risk of not paying salaries is not a new phenomenon in the entity. This situation has been prevalent in the previous administration dating back as far as 2022,” she said.

Lenkopane further said the records prove that the entity has failed to generate and or sustainability manage revenue for its benefit. She added that this situation cannot continue unattended, especially in this new administration.

“The department is left with no choice but to put magnifying glasses on the financial affairs of the Board. I have since instructed the department’s Accounting Officer, where necessary, to invoke the Treasury Regulation 8.4.2.

“It gives him powers to withhold a transfer payment or grant, other than division of revenue, if he is satisfied that the entity is failing to meet certain financial conditions, and no financial value is realized,” said Lenkopane.

She said this provision of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) applies to all the entities. Lenkopane said the department has begun the process of putting measures to strengthen the oversight on the entities.

“This is to help steer the ailing entities to the right direction. A task team consisting of financial experts and auditors from DEDECT will be appointed to look closely into the finances of the entity.

“The team will also be mandated to open all the reports written by the experts that were appointed by the Board of Directors during the 6th administration and to implement their recommendations,” she said.

Lenkopane said the NWPT Board of Directors has, in its first meeting of 2025, drafted a Revenue Enhancement Plan and resolved to appoint a subcommittee to look into Revenue Enhancement, and exploit the opportunities in biodiversity economy. She said her department is in full support of this initiative in quest for diversification to explore closely into these particular untapped and sustainable biological resources, altogether with their markets for contribution into the Provincial Gross Domestic Product.

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Former Taung Agricultural College principal, Motlagomang Prudence Matlhoko found guilty of fraud   

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Picture: Former Taung Agricultural College principal, Motlagomang Prudence Matlhoko

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 January 2025- Former Taung Agricultural College principal, Motlagomang Prudence Matlhoko (43), found guilty of fraud by the Taung Regional Court. Matlhoko was facing two counts of fraud after she submitted fraudulent travel claims between October and December 2017, while she was still employed at the college.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit revealed that Matlhoko submitted claims for a vehicle that was at the garage for repairs. Gunya said it was further established that she utilised an official vehicle for the two trips she submitted claims for.

“The accused was paid over R17 000 for the claims submitted. Following an investigation, Matlhoko was arrested in March 2020, and released on warning. She made several court appearances until she was found guilty on two counts of fraud and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment or to pay R12 000.

“Half of the fine which is suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of fraud during the period of suspension,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West acting Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the sentencing and lauded those who worked on the case.

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Donald Trump to thrash SA’s economy?

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Picture: USA president, Donald Trump

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 January 2025- He is back and South Africa’s economic welfare – like that of most other global economies – is not on his list of priorities. On Monday, 20 January, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States of America (USA) and wasted no time in making the same waves that were hallmarks of his first presidency.

He signed orders to remove the USA from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris climate agreement. Trump has never shied away from his rhetoric of America first, second and third.

According to economist Prof Waldo Krugell from the North West University (NWU), “bad outcomes” might be on the horizon for South Africa.

“There has been much speculation about what Donald Trump’s second presidency of the USA will mean for South Africa and our economy. Most of the comments are about his trade policy and the possibility of tariffs on imports into the USA.

“This is especially about trade with China and Mexico. There is also talk of a general tariff for the products they import, but something like this should not have a major impact on South Africa’s export competitiveness, because all countries are affected,” he said.

Krugell said the greater danger is that the Trump administration will pay little attention to the rules of the World Trade Organization. He said it will affect South Africa, if they simply decide to, for example, charge additional tariffs on steel, cars, or citrus.

“The much bigger impact will be how his policies affect economic growth, employment, government debt, inflation, and interest rates in the USA and how that will spill over into our own exchange rate and interest rates.

“The import tariffs will increase inflation. If his pro-business policies accelerate their economic growth, it will increase inflation. If his deportation immigration policy shrinks their labour force, it will increase wages, which increases inflation,” said Krugell.

He further said he will keep their interest rates high and the dollar strong. Krugell said, if his tax relief plans increase their national debt, it will also keep interest rates high.

“These are bad outcomes for South Africa. Our economy is barely growing and has very little inflationary pressure. We would like to cut interest rates further, but will not be able to do so if USA rates remain high and the rand-dollar exchange rate is weaker.

“Trump’s influence on the domestic fortunes of the USA might pay dividends, but his four-year term will do little to make South Africa’s economy great again,” he said.

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The number of hospitalised illegal miners increases

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 January 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it is working closely with the North West Department of Health in ensuring that healthcare is provided to illegal miners in police holding cells. The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said on a daily basis, the police conduct inspections at police holding cells.

“Those who require further medical care are referred and admitted to a local hospital under police guard. The number of those admitted in hospital has just risen from 9 on 13 January to 32 on 21 January 2025.

“All who are hospitalised are currently under police guard. The narrative that illegal miners are not receiving adequate medical care is thus refuted and devoid of truth,” she said.

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The family of the late NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile Mdi rope in services of Gerrie Nel in attempted murder and murder case

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Picture: South African lawyer, advocate Gerrie Nel

By OBAKENG MAJE

21 January 2025- An attempted murder and murder case against the owner of Meat Brother’s Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), has been postponed to 30 January 2025, for pre-trial conference, while the trial is expected to commence on 6 February 2025.

Mangwegape, who is out on a R5000 bail, is accused of shooting and killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).

On 17 December 2023, Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited the Meat Brother’s Pub that was full to capacity. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.

Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully, but Mangwegape pulled out a gun and shot them. Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.

The state also highlighted that the ballistic test results have also arrived and it is ready to go to trial.

Meanwhile, the ANCYL spokesperson in North West, Molebang Mohlomi said in a statement that, they condemn violence meted against patrons at the Meat Brother’s Pub. Mohlomi said it is alleged that security guards and bouncers unleashed live ammunition towards unarmed civilians, who were trying to gain access to the establishment.

“This barbaric behaviour bothers public safety. This shows how business owners lack respect for their clients. A clinical approach to review licences of public places must be applied to ensure those who are bestowed with the responsibility to protect patrons are PSIRA compliant.

“We have sent our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. Equally so, we call upon law enforcement agencies to speedily resolve this brutish crime,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Facebook post of Mpho Skweit, who is Mdi’s uncle suggests that they have roped in the services of South African advocate, Gerrie Nel to come and oversee the proceedings of the trial and provide legal counsel, where necessary.

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Police probe shooting incidents in Rustenburg

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Picture: A gun confiscated by police for ballistic testing/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 January 2025- The police in Sun City have launched investigations following shooting incidents that occurred on Thursday morning, 16 January 2025, at Portion Zero (Tuse Mine), Witrandjie village, near Sun City, outside Rustenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the reports suggest that employees of two private security companies exchanged fire, which resulted in three men sustaining serious injuries. Myburgh said following the intervention and stabilisation of the situation by Sun City Visible Policing and Rustenburg Public Order Police (POP), firearms that will be subjected to ballistic tests, were seized.

“In addition, two attempted murder charges and three separate cases of malicious damage to property were registered after three vehicles were found with bullet holes.

“The motive of the incident is yet to be established. No one has been arrested and investigations are underway. We would like to indicate that contrary to social media reports, the shooting incidents did not involve the police,” she said.

Myburgh further said members of the community are once again urged to use social media platforms responsibly rather than peddling lies and causing unnecessary panic.

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Mokgosi: “Ditsobotla is faced with serious challenges”

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Picture: The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality offices

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 January 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said they had a consultative engagement with the municipal council of embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality in Lichtenburg, to deliberate on the state of the municipality.

Mokgosi said the engagement presented to the municipality with urgent deliverables pertaining the need to bring solutions to the lack of operating services such as financial recovery plan, provision of water and sanitation, roads, electricity and management of the bulk accounts.

He further said the municipality is still not functioning as expected and cannot meet its statutory obligations of providing community services even though they have deployed skilled individuals. Mokgosi added that it is clear that Ditsobotla is a municipality that is faced with serious challenges.

“Last week, they made headlines after changing the mayor and the municipal speaker. But, we felt that with all that administrative and political challenges, at the centre of everything is our own people, our community members.

“We convened a meeting last week, where we discussed various issues as a government. In the presence of our meeting, we had officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation, including the Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, based on the challenges for service that are here,” he said.

Mokgosi said in their discussion, they agreed that there is a need to engage the municipality so that they are in agreement in terms of how they are going to intervene. He said they have intervened with Section 154 in the Constitution and different subsections of Section 139, but to the large extent, they are of the view that they are not yielding any results.

“We have now decided to come here with the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi, to engage the municipal council and say, let’s agree on how we are going to intervene.

“Over and above, we were looking at the provision of electricity. For example, the municipality does not have the financial capacity and necessary skills to handle the provision of electricity,” said Mokgosi.

He said even though the municipality is the licence holder to provide electricity to various communities, they have proposed that Eskom takes over. Mokgosi said the municipality does not have the capacity to invest in operations and maintenance of the electricity, hence every time when there are electricity challenges, it is unable to cope.

“So, we said one of the options is that Eskom should take total operation of the electricity here so that we set aside what the municipality seems to have as a challenge.

“So, is a conversation that we have to come here for because by law, that is the prerogative of the municipality and we cannot just come here and take over that function,” he said.

Mokgosi said they are in agreement and the municipality has expressed its view. He said they will go back and explain the proposal further in detail.

“If we have exhausted all options without a solution, we will be left with no choice, but to apply the law. The environment here is toxic and there is no cooperation. We have deployed people here and they are not given a necessary space to do their work,” said Mokgosi.

The Director from Centre for Good Governance and Social Justice, Boyce Mpempe said: “Stealing from the poor and self-enrichment is a challenge, hence the current situation at Ditsobotla. Those who are elected do not care about the poor of the poorest, but their own needs.

“That has brought divisions amongst themselves and they have lost principles and ethics in the process. You will see councillors interfering in administration issues and having interests in awarding of tenders.”

Meanwhile, the municipality was reconstituted in January 2023, following a by-election in December 2022, occasioned by the dissolution of the municipality due to persistent political and administrative instability.

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Molapisi steadfast on addressing blocked projects

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Tuesday, 21 January 2025

Picture: Some of beneficiaries receive their houses/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West Department of Human Settlement said it will continue to remain steadfast on its commitment of unblocking blocked projects and ensuring that communities have quality houses. During the recent Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, the department handed over three houses, which were left unfinished by contractors who abandoned sites.

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said the houses are part of the blocked projects in Klerksdorp. Molapisi said applauded the department and the contractor who finished the houses for ensuring that families in need of quality houses are prioritised.

“This shows that the department is moving in the right direction towards ensuring that the issue of blocked project becomes a thing of the past. I am happy to witness lives changing for the better through this provision of houses by the department.

“The ongoing working relationship of the department with contractors is a blessing, as it helps the department to meet its mandate and deliver adequate housing for those in need,” said Molapisi,” he said.

Molapisi further acknowledged the housing backlog that the department is faced with. He added that the department is having engagements with municipalities to address them.

In addition, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi handed over eight title deeds to beneficiaries at the community feedback session. Mokgosi said this is part of the ongoing programme of restoring people’s dignity and aims to bring a sense of ownership of a particular piece land, entitling the owner to the land and property.

“Title deeds are legal documents that assure residents that the property they have been living in over the years are theirs. From today onwards, you can be at peace that the property you have lived in and raised your families over the years are yours and are valuable assets to hand over to the coming generations.

“The remaining 318 title deeds were given to the Matlosana Local Municipality to facilitate their hand over,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Johanna Jumar (81) from Alabama Township, in Klerksdorp, was full of excitement as she received keys to her new house. Jumar is staying with her three grandchildren and the family depends on government’s social grants and old age grand received by the grandchildren and self.

“I lived in a shack for over 25 years and I have never imagined that one day my dignity will be restored like this. For all those years of heavy storms and winds all I could do was to have faith that one day I will have a proper house,” said Jumar.

Another house beneficiary is Frenkel Beqeke (64), who is a father of two from Kanana Township, near Orkney. Beqeke spent most of his life working at the mines and local filling stations before settling in at Klerksdorp town. Even though he has had an opportunity to work, Beqeke said he could not make enough money to be able to build a proper house for his family.

“With the receipt of the new house, I will now be able to sleep peacefully without having to worry about being blown by strong winds and heavy rainfalls,” he said.

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Eskom edges closer to meeting load shedding target

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo.

Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, says eyes at the power utility are now firmly fixed on reaching a year without implementing load shedding – a target that is just slightly more than two months away.

This as Eskom reached 300 days without implementing the scheduled rolling black outs today.

“Credit goes to all our 40 000 dedicated and skilled Eskom employees, who are committed to serving South Africa. Our sights are now firmly focused on delivering one year without load shedding at midnight on 26 March 2025.

“These 300 days without load shedding have been characterised by a significant reduction in unplanned outages, which have long been one of the biggest challenges, a notable improvement in the energy availability factor of approximately 7%, and savings in diesel expenditure of R16.42 billion,” Nxumalo said.

The State-owned entity’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said the performance is putting the power utility on a “path to profitability”.

Eskom’s performance has been on a steady upward trajectory since the implementation of the Energy Action Plan introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022, as well as the implementation of the power utility’s own Generation Recovery Plan.

“Public sentiment is shifting. Business leaders, who once had to invest precious capex in self-generation, have enquired whether they should revert to investing in Eskom for their power needs.

“The savings we are making in diesel spend are invested in the business to drive efficiencies further and place Eskom on a path to profitability and long-term operational and financial sustainability,” Marokane said.

Eskom said it will continue to focus on implementing plans to further improve performance.

“Eskom expresses gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Minister of Electricity and Energy, the Eskom Board, government and the National Energy Crisis Committee, for the collaborative effort in addressing the country’s electricity challenges.

“Eskom will continue to focus on implementing generation recovery, strengthening governance, and tackling crime and corruption, while future-proofing the organisation to enable energy security, growth and long-term sustainability to the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Northern Cape Premier, Zamani Saul expands his cabinet

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Picture: The Northern Cape Premier, Zamani Saul

By OBAKENG MAJE

21 January 2025- The Northern Cape Premier, Zamani Saul has expanded his cabinet. Saul said in his capacity as Premier, his foremost commitment is to ensure that his government is strategically positioned to deliver services effectively and address the pressing needs of the communities.

He further said in light of this commitment, he is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Members to the Executive Council (MECs), effective immediately. Saul added that this decision follows an extensive period of consultation, rigorous evaluation and a clear assessment of how best to align their leadership structure with the challenges and opportunities before them.

“The rationale for expanding the Executive Council is straightforward and compelling- to enhance the capacity of this government to meet its mandate

and accelerate progress on our strategic priorities.

“These appointments are not merely about adding positions, but about strategically positioning expertise where it is most needed to drive meaningful change,” he said.

Saul said as they are facing increasingly complex demands in service delivery, it is imperative to have a leadership team that is not only diverse and capable, but also firmly committed to achieving the goals of a modern, growing, and successful Northern Cape. He said the two appointees embody this vision and bring with them proven track records of excellence, dedication, and an unwavering focus on public service.

“Mangaliso Matika has been appointed to lead the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture. His mandate will include driving the transformation of this critical sector, ensuring that our cultural heritage is preserved, and promoting the diverse artistic and linguistic richness of our province.

“His extensive experience positions him as the ideal leader to advance initiatives that uplift and unite our communities,” said Saul.

He said Limakatso Koloi will assume leadership of the Department of Transport, Safety, and Liaison. Saul said her role is pivotal in fostering a secure environment and advancing mobility for the people of the Northern Cape.

“Her extensive background and commitment to safety and infrastructure development make her an invaluable addition to the Executive Council.

Both appointments reflect my administration’s dedication to responsive and results-driven governance.

“I am confident that their leadership will significantly enhance our collective ability to deliver on the priorities that matter most to our citizens. The swearing-in of the new MECs by Judge Pule Tlaletsi, Judge President of the Northern Cape High Court Division, will take place at 12pm today.

“I wish them both success in their new roles and look forward to the positive impact they will make as we continue our work to build a brighter future for the Northern Cape,” he said.

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