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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Workshop explores the establishment of an Agri Hub in North West

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Picture: The delegation during workshop/Supplied

By OSCAR MOSIANE

30 January 2025- The North West University (NWU), in partnership with the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, held an extensive three-day workshop on beef beneficiation and goat aggregation from 22 to 24 January at the Mahikeng Campus’ Molelwane Farm.

The workshop aimed to equip agricultural stakeholders in the province with the essential tools and knowledge to conceptualise and establish an Agri Hub that will serve the community effectively. The department’s delegation was headed by North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha.

The event also featured notable attendees, including Kgosi Phenyo Motshegare, representing the Barolong Boora Motshegare tribe in Lokaleng, well-known breeder Dr Monty Chiepe, and farmers Andrew Aphane, Mompati Kgomanyana-Modimogale, and Mike Gcabo who shared their practical experiences.

Sambatha emphasised the importance of the Agri Hub concept and the university’s potential leadership in this initiative. He pointed out that the university has a wealth of researchers who can significantly contribute to the establishment of the Agri Hub within the province.

“It is highly advantageous for this project to be directed by the NWU, as it will remain insulated from disruptions caused by changes in administration or the MEC. Such transitions often hinder the success of projects due to resulting shifts in priorities at the leadership level,” he said.

NWU delegates under the leadership of Prof David Modise, executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, also shared a presentation. Modise emphasised the university’s mission and stated that this collaboration is both timely and essential.

“The primary objective is to coordinate all stakeholders to work together to improve livestock quality for the benefit of communities and farmers. This workshop represents the first phase of our efforts.

“In the future, we may consider expanding to include additional commodities, while staying mindful of the memorandum of understanding between the university and the department, and our collaboration with the colleges of agriculture within the province,” he said.

NWU honorary doctorate recipient, Chiepe, an esteemed earth scientist, social entrepreneur, and farmer from Botswana, expressed his satisfaction in sharing his expertise for the Agri Hub initiative.

“I am collaborating with the university and the department to outline a programme specifically designed to support farmers, particularly in the beef and goat sectors. Our objective is to ensure that small-scale and subsistence farmers derive benefits from the value chain, enabling them to advance towards becoming commercial farmers.”

Farmer Andrew Aphane of Aphamo Boerdery delivered a presentation on the management of feedlots, abattoirs, and the comprehensive value chain that has the potential to benefit the residents of North West Province once the Agri Hub is operational.

“The Agri Hub will serve as a centre of excellence dedicated to enhancing livestock genetics, optimising animal feed, and facilitating research.

“It will provide farmers access to significant research outcomes, enabling them to adopt methodologies that have been validated by experts as effective,” he said.

Motshegare commended the collaborative efforts of the NWU and the department for their shared vision that promises to benefit the entire province.

“As traditional leaders, we are encouraged by initiatives of this nature that aim to enhance our communities. We anticipate significant improvements in our agricultural fields and livestock, and we are prepared to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of this project,” he said.

The workshop included a comprehensive tour of Molelwane Farm, conducted by the Farm Manager, Hannes Lombard. Lombard provided participants with an overview of the current farm activities and the existing structures that will be utilised when the Agri Hub becomes operational.

This three-day workshop successfully brought together representatives from the agricultural sector, traditional leadership, government, academia, and local communities. Consequently, a concept document was developed to guide implementation efforts.

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Mokassa business robbery case back in court

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By OBAKENG MAJE

30 January 2025- A business robbery case against four men in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, is expected to resume today at the Taung Magistrate’s Court, for formal bail application. The accused were arrested after a swift response by the police and members of the community.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Aobakwe Motshela (26), Thatayaone Mongalenyane (26), Goitsemodimo Dikhucwe (33), and Zwelinzima Mohapi (31), were arrested on Tuesday evening, 7 January 2025, after allegedly committing a business robbery in Mokassa 1 village.

“It is alleged members of Visible Policing rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 6pm, informing them of a robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police joined members of the community who were found chasing the suspects.

“Three men were as a result arrested. The fourth suspect who was seen carrying a firearm, was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes,” he said.

Mokgwabone said a search for the firearm was conducted immediately and the following day, but that did not yield positive results. He said the accused briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court.

“They were remanded in custody until 16 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked members of the community and the police for their cooperation, which he said is a good example of what can be achieved if everyone is involved in the fight against crime.

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Two nabbed for allegedly stealing a vehicle

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Picture: The alleged suspected stolen vehicle/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 January 2025- Two suspects aged 20 and 36, were arrested for allegedly stealing a vehicle in Batlharos, near Kuruman. The police in Danielskuil successfully traced and recovered a vehicle.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the vehicle fitting the description was located with two occupants in the Danielskuil area on 27 January 2025. Masegela said upon questioning by the police, the two men could not produce proof of ownership or reasonable explanation for being in possession of the vehicle.

“The owner identified and confirmed ownership on consultation. The two suspects were subsequently arrested for theft of a motor vehicle.

“The management in the ZF Mgcawu District applauded the vigilance of the members and encouraged them to continue to stamp the authority of the state,” she said.

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A local philanthropist donates school shoes and soccer balls to underprivileged learners 

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Picture: A local philanthropist, Keseokile Phakedi and Baga Maidi Primary School representatives/Supplied   

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 January 2025- A local philanthropist and former Tlapeng Pirates FC player, Keseokile “The Beast” Phakedi (54), has distributed 15 school shoes and soccer balls to the underprivileged learners at Baga-Maidi Primary School on Tuesday.

Phakedi said school shoes serve not only as a practical necessity for them, but also carry significant symbolic value, representing a sense of pride and belonging.

“I came to celebrate my birthday with these learners and donated pairs of school shoes to the underprivileged, including soccer balls. I think this will continue to encourage them to work hard and ensure that they become great future leaders.

“That will bring changes to their backgrounds and also play a pivotal role in their developments. Most of the learners are being discouraged by their backgrounds, but I tell you now, please do not let your background determine your future,” he said.

Phakedi further said education is key and as society, there is a need to continue encouraging these learners to take their education seriously. He added that education assists many people to step into the realm of possibilities.

“I also understand that sport plays a crucial role in the lives of our young people. I regard sport as a nation-building because through sport, you can keep learners away from the streets.

“There are socio-economic challenges that we need to address including, teenage pregnancy, HIV-AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse and crime. However, we can do that through sport because it has the power to bring people together,” said Phakedi.

He said Taung has an abundance of talents that can be put to a good use. Phakedi encourages parents to support their children, who participate in sport.

“As parents, we need to understand that sport also plays a crucial role in the learners’ lives. It assists them to exercise and focus on their studies. 

“As a former player, I went to Kaizer Chiefs FC and Moroka Swallows FC for trials, but I was unsuccessful. However, I am not deterred as I would like to see more players coming out of our hometown and represent us in various elite leagues around the world,” he said.

Baga-Maidi Primary School principal, Lebogang Walter Mooketsi, shared the same sentiments. Mooketsi said they welcome the donation and encourage other stakeholders to support the school.

“We are grateful and to say we are happy is understatement. This is an encouragement on its own and we welcome the donation. We will take our learners through various sporting codes, as we start with our athletics.

“So, these soccer balls will come in handy. Our school starts from Grade R until Grade 7, and we have 107 learners. We hope this will encourage other parents to bring their children to this school,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education representative (Greater Taung sub-region), Kelebogile Phekonyane, who is also a former teacher of Phakedi at Walter Letsie High School said, they really appreciate what Phakedi has done. Phekonyane said in some instances, the department could not provide.

“He has identified learners with needs and supported them. Indeed, we are pleased with what he has done and we encourage other stakeholders to come on board,” she said.

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Triple murder case postponed

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Picture: Police divers retrieved bodies from a river/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

29 January 2025- A triple murder, kidnapping and assault to cause a Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) case against three accused persons, Mosweu Letsie (32), Tumisang Khoachone (21), Tshidiso Mohloboli (18) and Itumeleng Mosweunyane (24), was postponed by the Orkney Magistrate’s Court to 4 February 2025, for formal bail application. It is alleged that on Saturday evening, 18 January 2025, a fight broke out between Basotho at a tavern in Extension 3 in Kanana, outside Orkney. 

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the initial information indicated that, the one group overpowered the other and forced five victims into a vehicle and kidnapped them. Myburgh said they drove to Schoonspruit river, where they allegedly assaulted these victims. 

“One of the victims escaped and four others were thrown into the river. One of the victims swam to safety, whilst three others went missing. The matter was reported to the police, who immediately searched for the victims, who could not be found. 

“The police divers were activated the next day, 19 January 2025, to assist with the search operation. The first body was recovered by police divers early on Monday morning, 20 January 2025, approximately 800m downstream from the initial crime scene,” she said. 

Myburgh further said a second body was recovered at midday on Tuesday, 21 January about 650m downstream and the last body was recovered later the same day at about 4:40pm about 1.5km downstream from the crime scene. She added that excellent investigations by the Detectives led to the arrest of the first suspect on 20 January 2025. 

“Four suspects were identified and arrested. Letsie, Khoachone, Mohloboli and Mosweunyane, briefly appeared before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court between 20 and 22 January 2025, on charges of murder, kidnapping and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH). They were all remanded in custody until 27 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the police for working around the clock to identify and arrest the alleged criminals and retrieve the bodies of the deceased from the river. Asaneng also sent a strong warning that lawlessness will not be tolerated and said criminals will face the full might of the law.

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Plans to turnaround SOEs in North West

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

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 January 2025- The Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) said it has taken a firm decision to turnaround State Owned Entities in the province with specific reference to the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB). The department said in the 2023/4 financial year, DEDECT allocated a total of R286 million to the North West Parks and Tourism Board.

According to the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, the North West Parks and Tourism Board as a Schedule 3C Public Entity is expected to generate income in order to sustain its operations. Lenkopane said the Board is also expected to account in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

Lenkopane further said, the NWPTB is mandated to collect conservation levies, process lease agreements and 34 concessionaires located around Madikwe and Pilanesberg. She added that the NWPTB also manages a number of flats including Taung Hotel and a string lodges that include the Golden Leopard Resort.

“We have since appointed a Board of Directors that is expected to implement the turnaround strategy, especially around revenue enhancement, review of policies, exploitation of biodiversity economy and ensuring that communities benefit from lodges such as Madikwe and Pilanesberg amongst others.

“To date, 13 conservation areas have been claimed by communities and recently, we have been focusing on obtaining feedback from challenges and achievements from the 6th administration,” she said.

Lenkopane said as they enter the last quarter of the first year of the 7th administration, focus is on introducing new systems to improve the overall performance and operations of the entity. She said in the board meeting that took place on 27 January 2025, she emphasized the importance of accountability, revenue generation and community participation in the biodiversity economy.

“Together, we move North West forward in terms of governance. We will focus on filling all vacancies including rangers and gate attendants. The CFO position and all other senior positions in the board will be filled and subjected to performance agreements.

“A summary of key interventions consequence management on all contracts and transactions that do not comply with the PFMA, revenue enhancement, centralisation of Supply Chain Management processes and SLA with entities on money transfers,” said Lenkopane.

She said this includes involvement of communities in the biodiversity economy, institute forensic investigation and introduction of entity oversight mechanisms.

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A man sentenced to five years imprisonment for stealing his late brother’s R300 000

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 January 2025- A man (61) was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Upington Specialised Commercial Crime Court for theft. Johan Isaacs was arrested in October 2018 by the Upington based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said Isaacs was appointed as an executor on the estate of his late brother. Mnisi said an amount of R323 773 was paid by Liberty into his account.

“He used the funds for his personal gain and did not distribute to the beneficiaries as obligated to do. He made numerous court appearances until his sentencing. The court sentenced him to five years direct imprisonment,” she said.

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Tlhokego ya ditsela kwa Baga-Mothibi ke tlhoba-boroko  

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Setshwantsho: Kemedi ya baagi e kopane le mokhuduthamaga, Elizabeth Mokua mabapi le kago ya ditsela/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

29 Ferikgong 2025- Kemedi ya baagi go tswa kwa metseng e farologaneng kwa karolong ya Batlhaping Baga-Mothibi, ya re e solofela fa kopo ya bone e tla diragadiwa. Kemedi go tswa kwa metseng e faorolaganeng jaaka Madipelesa, Shaleng, Gataote le Rietfontein, ene e tsenetse kopano le mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha la Ditirelo Tsa Setshaba, Elizabeth Mokua mo letsatsing la Moshupologo.

Kopano eo, ene ele mabapi le ditsela tse di sa tsamaegeng kwa metseng ya bone.

Mongwe wa maloko a kemedi eo, Roger Mongale are ke nnete ba ne ba tsenetse kopano, mme ba solofela fa Mokua a tla amogela boikuelo jwa bone ka nako. Mongale are ba na le nako e telele thata ba ikuela go puso gore e ba agele ditsela tse di tsamaegang, mem ga go nko e tswa lemina.

“Bothata jo re bo itemogelang ke tsela e e sa tsamegeng go tswa mo motseng wa rona wa Shaleng go ya Kgomotso. Tsela engwe ke e golaganyang motse wa rona le tsela e e yang Kimberley kwa Northern Cape.

“Rona re kemedi e emetseng metse e farologang jaaka Shaleng, Losasaneng, Rietfontein, Gataote, le Madipelesa. Kgang ya tlhokego ya ditsela key a bogologolo thata. Ga e sale re bua ka yone ka nako ya puso ya Bophuthatswana,” Mongale wa tlhalosa.

Mongale are ba dumalane le Mokua gore, o tlile go kopana le tlhogo ya lefapha, mme o tla boela mo go bone ka dikarabo tse di maleba mo bekeng e e tlang. Mongale are gape ba kopile Lefapha go ba golaganya le puso ya Northern Cape, gonne go na le tsela e e tswang mo motseng wa bona, mme e feta kwa Boetsap, e lebe kwa Barkley West.

Kgabagare, majoro wa nama-o-sa-tshwere kwa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Itumeleng Maribe are: “Ke nnete re ne re tsenetse kopano le kemedi eo, ga mmogo le Mokua mabapi le ditsela tse baagi ba ikuelang ka tsone. Baagi ba tlhalositse fa ditsela tsa bone di sa tsamaege, mme ba ne ba ikuela go lefapha le le maleba go ka ba tlhaga thuso.

“Kopano ya rona e nnile le maungo, mme ke nnete gore go na le ditsela tse di sa tsamaegeng kwa metseng eo. Re ile ra kopa gape lefapha gore le netefatse fa le tlhokomela ditsela tse di farologaneng, gonne ga di tsamaege.”

Maribe are ba tlhaloganya gore go nnile le go fokodiwa ga tekanyetse-kabo ya lefapha, fela Mokua o ba tshepisitse gore o sentse a ile go kopana le tlhogo ya lefapha, mme o tla boela go bone ka dikarabo. Maribe are Mokua o tlhalositse fa ba tlile go dira tsheka-tsheko ya ditsela tseo, mme ba tle ka ntlhakemo ya bone.

“Gona le ditsela tse eleng gore kago ya tsone e ka diriwa ga mmogo le masepala wa rona. Jaanong se se tlhokegang ke gore lefapha le ye go dira tshekotsheko ya ditsela tseo, mme go itsiwe gore di ka jela puso bokae.

“Ke paki gore ditsela tseo ga di tsamaege, mme go setse go na le baagi ba ba latlhegetsweng ke botshelo ka ntlha ya ditsela tse di sa tsamaegeng tseo,” Maribe wa tlhalosa.

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