‘Walk away from abusive relationship’

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Picture: The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 December 2024- In her effort to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), North west MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, embarked on GBV roadshow in Myra village, near Taung, to raise awareness. 

Dantjie urged members of the community to confront social stigmas and offer support to survivors of GBV. She also encouraged community members to stop abusing and discriminating against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and intersex (LGBTIQ+) community because of their sexual preference as it is also considered GBV. 

“Since COVID-19, Gender-Based Violence has risen and became a second pandemic. Let us not judge our LGBTIQ+ community, but accept and love them because they are our children and deserve to be taken care of. 

“We plead with women to stop using their children as an excuse to stay in abusive relationships. A loving mother will not allow her children to witness her being abused as it is emotionally damaging them,” said Dantjie. 

She further said the public should use the services of their social workers to get out of that abusive relationship. Dantjie added that there are safe houses that the government has built to accommodate and give counselling to victims of GBV. 

“During our roadshows, we also introduced our new flagship programme dubbed, Re Thuse Re go Thuse that encourages community members to report their challenges to the department in order for them to get help. 

“We distributed 100 food parcels to families facing undue hardships. Food parcels do not end poverty, but they are a means to help our people so that they do not go to bed hungry,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West called for stronger partnerships against GBVF. Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, who is the Convenor of the MRM North West Interim said, the civil society led movement promoting the Charter of Positive Values. 

“GBVF as a persistent pandemic that is insulated by male chauvinism, patriarchy, culture and religion. The limited involvement of civil society organisations, church and traditional leaders as well as Men and Youth organisations, undermines the objective of what is supposed to be an action driven mass campaign. 

“The exclusion of civil society from implementation of government programmes contributes towards perpetuating atrocities and stereotypes that need to be overcome if respect for women’s rights and gender equality are to be entrenched,” he said. 

Kgwele said the starting point should be narrowing the social distance and establishing genuine partnerships that will also assist to address the trust deficit that exists for meaningful and sustainable interventions. He appealed to the business sector to support initiatives and programmes aimed at enhancing sound family and community values. 

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Mankuroane o kgala ka bogale go thubiwa ga mephato

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Setshwantsho-papiso: Mophato o haladitswe mono Bokone Bophirima

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

10 Sedimonthole 2024- Mephato ele mebedi e thubilwe kwa motseng wa Mabereng, gaufi le Taung, ka di 6 Sedimonthole 2024. Se se tla morago ga magatwe a gore bangwe ba borra-mophato jaaka Kgethisi Kgethisi, Mogote Pico ga mmogo le Spengwane Bareetseng, ba ile ba tsenya mophato ntle le ditlankana tse di maleba. 

Komiti ya porofense e e ikarabelang ka tsa go tlhatlhela ga mephato (Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee), e e leng karolo ya Lefapha la Merero ya Setso mo Bokone Bophirima, ga mmogo le sepodisi, ba ne ba tsoga ka makuku a naka tsa kgomo go ya go halatsa mephato eo. 

Modula-setilo wa komiti eo, Kgosi Godfrey Ramosetlhe Gasebone are, batho ga ba utlwe, mme ke tlolo-molao go tlhatlhela mophato ntle le ditlankana tse di maleba. Gasebone are gore motho a feleletse a sa neelwe setlankana se se maleba go ka tlhatlhela, seo se raya gore ga a dira jaaka a ne a laetswe. 

“Jaanong, batho ba rona ga ba utlwe. Ba fetotse setso se sa rona kgwebo. Bana ba isitswe kwa dikolong tse dingwe tse di siameng tse di nang le ditlankana. 

“Gona le metse e mengwe e go neng go sa tshwanelwa go tlhatlhelwa mophato mo go yone, gonne gona le dikgosi tse di tlhokafetseng,” Gasebone wa tlhalosa. 

Mongwe wa bo rra-mophato e e thubilweng, Mogote Pico are: “Ba thubile mephato ya rona, mme ba re ba batla ditlankana tsa go tlhatlhela. Setlankana seo, ba se nyeleditse fela mo tafoleng ya bone. Rona re ile ra bona go le maleba gore re tlhatlhele fela. 

“Ga re itse gore sepodisi se tsaya kae maatla a go thuba mophato. Nna ke itse fa Lefapha la tsa Merero ya Setso fa le thuba mophato, le tshwanetse go tla go bona pele. Ba tshwanetse go tlhalosa gore mophato o thubiwa motlase ga mabaka a fe.” 

Kgabagre, Kgosi Sam Mankuroane are: “Go thuba mophato ke botubi. Ga o kake wa tlogela mophato o tsene nako e telele jalo, mme o be o tla go o thuba. Goreng lefapha le ne le sa lebe kwa kgotlha-tshekelo go kopa lekwalo-thibelo?

“Gatwe go tlhokafetse dikgosana di le tharo, mme ba re bangwe ba seka ba tlhatlhela. Ra tlhaloganya gore ko ga Baga-Maidi, go tlhokafetse Kgosi Kelebonye Motlhabane.” 

Mankuroane are se seneng se tshwanetswe ke go dirwa, ke go itsise borra-mophato botlhe gore ga ba tlhatlhele ngwaga o go ilela kgosi. Mankuroane are se se makatsang ke gore, ba bangwe ba neilwe ditlankana fa ba bangwe ba timilwe. 

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A local anaesthetics leads to untimely death of a patient at Taung District Hospital

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Picture: The deceased, Koketso Mosesane (supplied)

By OBAKENG MAJE 

10 December 2024- The Mosesane family in Rooiwal village, near Taung is still reeling in shock and demand answers from the embattled Taung District Hospital. This comes after their daughter, Koketso Mosesane (23) died at the hospital on 12 November 2024. 

It is alleged that Koketso went to the hospital to undergo tonsils operation after struggling with it for some time and developed a bad breath.  

Marry Mosesane, who is the deceased’s mother, said her daughter went to the hospital to seek medical attention and she was booked for an operation. Mosesane said doctors also cleared her of any diseases that might hinder the operation.  

“She went to the hospital on 11 November 2024, as she was supposed to undergo an operation the following day. On 12 November 2024, I spoke to Koketso in the morning before she was taken to the theatre. 

“However, I was surprised to see nurses at my doorstep around 4pm the same day. They told me that my daughter had passed on. According to them, Koketso died in the theatre,” she said.

Mosesane further said the nurses alleged that Koketso was injected with local anaesthetics to keep her relaxed, while an operation or procedure is carried out. She added that, however, she allegedly reacted to the injection before any operation could commence and that led to her untimely death.  

“I am hurtful because of the reaction I received from the hospital. The hospital management does not want to take any responsibility. 

“So, I must take legal actions against the hospital because I believe this is a medical negligence case. As a mother, I need to know what was the cause of my daughter’s death,” said Mosesane. 

Baron Seitshiro, who is Koketso’s uncle, shared the same sentiments. 

“As family, we are disappointed in how the hospital management handled and addressed this matter. Two police officers arrived at our home and alleged that Koketso’s post-mortem shows that she had water in lungs. 

“However, the police refused to give us a post-mortem report. The hospital management even tried to coerce the mother of the deceased to sign unexplained documents in the process,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Boitshoko Moremi said: “The hospital acknowledges the incident of Mosesane in theatre. Internal investigations have commenced to establish facts as to what might have led to the untimely death of the patient. 

“This is done with the District Clinical Specialist Team. This will also allow the hospital to review internal protocols to deal with this issue. Preliminary meetings with the family have started and the hospital is planning psychosocial sessions to offer therapy to the family.”

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Amajimbos through to COSAFA U17 semi final

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Picture: Amajimbos players

By REGINALD KANYANE

10December 2024 – The South African U17 Men’s National Team (Amajimbos) will face neighbours Zambia in the semi-finals of the 2024 COSAFA Championships and CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations Regional qualifiers on 11 December 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Amajimbos won all three of their Group C matches to top the group with nine points, while Zambia also topped Group B with nine points to be drawn against South Africa in the semi-finals.

Angola topped Group A with seven points and will play the best runners up of the tournament, Zimbabwe, who finished second in Group B with four points and a better goal difference than Mozambique.

Speaking to http://www.safa.net Amajimbos Head Coach, Vela Khumalo emphasised that all the players in the squad had to have a taste of the tournament.

“Today, we played the younger players and we believe they did well in scoring three goals in the first 15 minutes of the match however, with youngster it is always a challenge because the lose concentration.

“We are happy to have scored goals but aren’t happy about conceding today, but it was important that we give all our players a run in the tournament,” said Khumalo.

He further said they are looking forward to the semi-final. Khumalo added that it is a do or die and as the Technical team, they have put a lot into building this team.

“Now, it is up to the boys to show how badly they want to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.

Meanwhile, South Africa will play against Zambia in the all important semi-final, which will determine which of the two nations will book a ticket to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This match will be played on 11 December 2024 at 15h00 at AW Muller Stadium in Auckland Park.

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UNISA principal and vice chancellor re-appointed

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Picture: UNISA principal and vice chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 December 2024- The University of South Africa’s (Unisa) Council announced the re-appointment of Prof Puleng LenkaBula as Principal and Vice-Chancellor for another five years, effective 1 January 2026.

This announcement follows a recent review process undertaken of her first term of office. Council was satisfied that the process was robust, rigorous and turned out to be fair.

The decision by the Unisa Council is in line with the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 in South Africa, which allows a university principal to be reappointed for a second consecutive term after their first term expires.

LenkaBula was appointed as the first woman principal and vice-chancellor in the university’s almost

150 year-history in January 2021. Her first term has been marked by notable achievements in the university’s improved scientific output, teaching and learning, and research – increase in internationalisation and partnerships, student-centredness and improvement in the university’s academic rankings and financial growth.

Under her leadership, there has also been a notable increase in commitment from academics, researchers and support staff.

Speaking on behalf of the Unisa Council, Chairperson, Dr Dan Mosia said: “Council reaffirms its confidence in the leadership of LenkaBula. She has been instrumental in fostering sustainable growth and stability at the institution and is ideally positioned to lead Unisa into its next chapter of growth and innovation.”

Meanwhile, commenting on her reappointment, LenkaBula said: “I am deeply honoured and appreciative of the confidence expressed by the University Council in her.

“She said she is committed together with the university’s management to advancing the university’s mission of Shaping Africa’s Intellectual Futures and to continue to create opportunities for students and staff alike to succeed.”

She said she is looking forward to working closely with the various university communities, alumni and diverse stakeholders to bring this vision to life.

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Stilfontein rescue operation quite complex

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Picture: Food parcels delivered at Stilfontein Mine Shaft

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 December 2024- Six more illicit miners surfaced at Margaret mine shaft in Stilfontein. A total number of 1420 illegal miners have resurfaced at various abandoned mine shafts and Margaret mine shaft in Stilfontein thus far.

Eight bodies in total were recovered at Buffelsfontein number 11 shaft.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said on Saturday morning, six more illicit miners surfaced at Margaret shaft mine. Myburgh said they were all Mozambican foreign nationals.

Meanwhile, the National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola said the North Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria heard the court application brought forward by the Mining Affected Communities United in Action that sought to compel the South African Police Service (SAPS) to allow communities to supply food, water and medication to illegal miners.

Masemola said the SAPS argued and raised concern regarding the implementation of the interim order.

He further said their view is that the continuous supply of food, water and necessities defeats the purpose of their ongoing operations, which seeks to put a stop to these ongoing illicit mining activities. Masemola added that, while the matter was postponed, the court varied the interim court order which was issued on 1 December 2024.

“This court order did not provide limitations to the supply of food and necessities. As of today, limitations have been put into place in terms of this order. Food and water will now be supplied from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.

“No food will be lowered on weekends. Hazardous substances including paraffin, gas, and diesel will no longer be allowed to be lowered down to the illegal miners,” he said.

Masemola said the Stilfontein rescue operation that is being undertaken is not as easy as it seems. He said it is quite complex with the depth of the shaft playing a major role in how this operation is carried out.

“Unlike the Sabie operation in which the shaft is 150 metres deep, the Stilfontein shaft is 2km deep to where these illegal miners allegedly are, making it a very difficult and high-risk operation to undertake.

“With the rescue team having recommended that the necessary resources and expertise must be acquired.

The practicality and risks involved are also being taken into account,” said Masemola.

He said the liability involved is also a major factor. According to Masemola, police are not experts and can

therefore, not lead this rescue operation.

“At this stage, the mine must acquire services to conduct the rescue operation in which costs are involved. We are in possession of a quotation that indicates that there must also be a 100% upfront payment.

“It should be agreed upon that government must approach this process with due diligence and the utmost care taking into consideration the

applicable supply chain management processes involved,” he said.

Masemola said these processes must be above board in line with relevant prescripts.

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14 compliance notices issued against suppliers  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 December 2024- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued 14 compliance notices to suppliers’ non-compliant goods. Twelve of these suppliers are based in the Western Cape, and one each in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.

The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said these suppliers have mainly contravened Section 24 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Ntaba said with respect to the Western Cape, the NCC conducted market monitoring inspections in the City of Cape Town, where 40 suppliers were inspected.

“Of these inspected suppliers, 12 have been issued with compliance notices, and 23 are being further investigated. In these inspections, the NCC’s found inconsistencies with labelling requirements, where suppliers did not properly label the goods or affix ingredients on the packaging.

“Failure to label goods in accordance with the CPA contravenes Section 24 read with Regulation 6. Section 24 of the CPA provides that a “trade description must be applied to the goods or any covering, label or in or on reel, or which goods are packaged or attached to the goods,” she said.

Ntaba further said trade description must include the country of origin and any other prescribed information. She added that in addition to these matters, the NCC is finalising investigations from inspections conducted in Limpopo, Gauteng, Northern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Meanwhile, the NCC’s acting Commissioner, Hardin Ratshisusu said: “From the concluded investigations, the NCC found that consumers continue to be exposed to unsafe foodstuffs and most suppliers do not comply with the provisions of the CPA.

“The NCC continues to prioritise cases of expired and unsafe foodstuffs.”

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More than 5582 persons and 2969 vehicles stopped and searched

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Picture: Some of the suspects arrested

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 December 2024- More than 5582 persons and 2969 vehicles were stopped and searched during the Northern Cape SAPS multi-disciplinary high density operation, Operation Shanela.   The disruptive actions across the province commenced on 2 until 8 December 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Segio Kock said the police and other law enforcement agencies executed numerous actions that included, random stop and searches of 5582 persons and 2969 vehicles.

Kock said actions also included visibility patrols, vehicle check points, roadblocks, compliance inspections at liquor outlets, second hand goods dealers and scrapyards, firearm dealers and visits to spaza shops.

“During the operations, 247 suspects were arrested for various crimes such as dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of counterfeit goods and possession of drugs.

“This includes robbery, assaults, house-breaking and theft, malicious damage to property, assault GBH, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the detention of illegal immigrants,” he said.

Kock further said the police detectives traced and arrested several daily wanted suspects, who have been on the run from the police for various crimes including, house robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of a firearm.

He added that the police actions also focused on the confiscation of dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, tik, dagga, mandrax, alcohol, cash and vehicles were confiscated.

“Tuck shops were also raided and expired items removed and destroyed. Operation Shanela remains consistent in putting more boots on the ground during the safer festive season operations in its quest to squeeze crime in all hot spot areas throughout the province,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the joint efforts of the law enforcement agencies, Community Police Forums (CPF) and Community in Blue Patrollers, that led to the arrest of the criminals.

Otola also appreciated the efforts of police members and reiterated that the police are ready to keep the province safe, secure and peaceful during this festive season and beyond.

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A policeman in court for allegedly raping a woman

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Picture: A policeman, Luthando Meintjies, who is accused of rape/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 December 2024- A policeman (27), who is facing three counts of rape, three counts of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), and one count of kidnapping. On 15 November 2024, Constable Luthando Meintjies, a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), allegedly arrived at his place of residence with the complainant (23), at night after consuming alcohol.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said it is alleged that during the night, the accused informed the complainant that she must call her mother as he wanted money to buy more beers. Senokoatsane further said when she could not get the money from her mother, he allegedly began to assault and proceeded to rape her numerous times during the night.

“She tried to escape and hide in the bathroom, but the accused broke down the door to open it. Whilst all this was happening, she was able to send her uncle text messages for him to come and rescue her from the accused.

“The uncle allegedly arrived at the accused’s home with the police. Meintjies was arrested and charged with rape, assault GBH, as well as kidnapping. The matter was remanded to 10 December 2024, for further bail purposes,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sekoatsane said the state will oppose the accused’s release on bail.

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