North West schools win big at NSNP awards

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West schools win big/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

8 December 2024- The North West Department of Education said it is pleased to announce yet another win. This comes after the department took part in the 2024/25 National Schools Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Best Schools and Districts Awards held at Modjadji Primary School in Ga-Selwane village, Phalaborwa, Limpopo on Friday.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the programme was launched in 2009/10 to honour excellence, innovation, and the commitment of districts and schools in effectively implementing the NSNP programme in the country. Motsumi said the North West province obtained three awards out of five categories it was nominated for.

“The Uitschot Primary School from Ottosdal Farms, obtained the second position in best performing farm school in NSNP best practice awards and walked away with the prize money of R40 000. Tholo Primary School in Uitkyk, near Madikwe, obtained the second position in the category of Grade 5 LandScape Milk Parlour and received a certificate and Laminator.

“A learner from the school received a uniform voucher worth R1000. Tshwara-O- Dire Primary from Mogwase received a certificate and a learner from the same school received a school uniform voucher worth R500,” she said.

Motsumi further said Bojanala District was a finalist in the Best Performing District category and walked away with a certificate, while Onkabetse Thuto Secondary School in Setlagole village, was a finalist in the category for Best Performing NSNP Best Practice in the country and received a certificate.

Motsumi added that this recognition highlights the department’s outstanding efforts in promoting the well-being of learners through the NSNP, which plays a crucial role in ensuring that learners receive nutritious meals to support their academic performance and overall health.

“We extend her heartfelt congratulations to all the top achievers, and finalists as well as the rest of the school community that contributed towards this success. On behalf of the department, I wish to congratulate all the winners.

“To the finalists, I urge you not to despair. I am truly proud of the entire team that represented us in Limpopo province. In particular, I am thankful to the food handlers, volunteers, School Governing Bodies (SGB) and the entire team education behind every child fed, and towards this success,” said Motsumi.

She said it has now become a norm that whenever the province competes nationally, they can confidently expect excellent results. Motsumi stressed that these prestigious awards reflect the department’s ongoing dedication to providing healthy and nutritious meals to learners, which is integral to their academic performance.

“These top awards are a clear indication that as a department, we take serious precautions when it comes to the food of learners at school. We know that when learners eat a healthy meal, they are bound to perform well in their studies.

“This recognition not only celebrates the hard work of the department, but also underscores the importance of holistic learner development, combining nutrition with educational excellence,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

DA says firing Gwarube will signal end to GNU

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Minister of Department of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 December 2024- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it rejects any attempt by a faction of the ANC to influence the Republic of South Africa present, Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Siviwe Gwarube, or any other DA minister, for doing their jobs.

The DA leader, John Steenhuisen said doing so would signal an end to the Government of National Unity (GNU). Steenhuisen said this amid misinformation around the consultation process which has been taking place since Ramaphosa signed the BELA Act into law nearly 3 months ago, withholding clauses 4 and 5, to allow for further consultation from concerned parties.

“These consultations are ongoing through the clearing house mechanism within the GNU. During this time, Gwarube has met with members from solidarity, and the Presidency, at NEDLAC after a dispute was lodged by the union.

“This process is entirely separate from the consultation process, and conflating the two is misleading, and factually incorrect. This was a mandatory process in terms of the law, to prevent strike action arising out of the dispute,” he said.

Steenhuisen further said the outcome of this engagement was a settlement, signed by the Minister of Basic Education, the presidency, and the union. He added that the fact that the presidency has now distanced itself from this legislated process, which they were party to, is as disgraceful, as it is confusing.

“As leader of the DA, I would like to make this point loud and clear. We support the process followed by the minister, as she was fulfilling her legally obligated responsibilities, and respect the outcome of the negotiations at NEDLAC.

“We have been clear since the outset. We are in government to bring about positive change, including inclusive economic growth, and jobs, and at all times, we are guided by the rule of law, and the Constitution of South Africa. Anything to the contrary will not be tolerated,” said Steenhuisen.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Six illegal miners resurfaced in Stilfontein

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Stilfontein mine shaft

By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 December 2924- Six illegal miners resurfaced at Shaft No 10 in Buffelsfontein, Stilfontein, in the early hours of Friday morning, 6 December 2024. The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said illegal miners are all Mozambican foreign nationals and are currently being processed.

Mokgwabone further said the Vala Umgodi operation continues.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Five SAFA Regions throw their weight behind Jordaan

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Embattled SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 December 2024 – Several South African Football Association (SAFA) Regions travelled to Johannesburg to offer their support to President Dr Danny Jordaan and send out a statement on Thursday. Umkhanyakude, Zululand, Ugu, Umgungundlovu and iLembe Regions were present at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in the East of Johannesburg when Jordaan, Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo and Grit Communications Director, Trevor Neethling, appeared before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in the East of Johannesburg on 5 December 2024.

Magistrate Shirley Soko postponed the matter to 10 December 2024, after only a few minutes of deliberations, but the regions said they would return to support the SAFA President next week.

Ilembe Region president, Nkokhelo Zulu said: “I think the whole country knows that there are allegations that have been leveled against our President, and we are here today to support him as the region.

“Till today, we believe that the things we are hearing and the allegations against our Jordaan are not true. We are here to show that all these things they are saying, we do not believe them.”

Umkhanyakude Region President said there would have been more people at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court today, but many of them stayed behind to attend the 2024 SALGA Games in Ethekwini from 5-8 December 2024.

“They will be here with us next week when we return to support our president. We are coming from Umkhanyakude and we are here for one thing, to support the president as the region. We will be back.”

Meanwhile, SAFA said it will remain unwavering in its commitment to the growth and development of football in the country and continues to prioritise the sport’s potential to unite, uplift and create opportunities for South Africa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Population growth of elephants leads to deaths

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The elephants at Madikwe Game Reserve/Generic 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

6 December 2024- The MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they note concerns raised by The True Green Alliance Wildlife NGO on the starvation and death of elephants in Madikwe Game Reserve. 

Lenkopane said the conservation unit in the department has indicated that the elephant population at Madikwe Game Reserve has been growing at a fast pace over the 30 years. She further said the elephant population expanded to more than 1600 in 2024.

“We have instructed conservation specialists in the department to consider all scientific methods of controlling elephant population growth at Madikwe Game Reserve in order to prevent the ongoing negative impact on biodiversity in the park. 

“The team should explore options, which include but are not limited to non-lethal methods of population control such as translocations of elephants to other parks in the country. 

“The translocations might include any of the SADC countries that have diplomatic relations and bilateral agreements with the government of South Africa on environment and conservation,” added Lenkopane.

taungdailynews@gmail.cm

Morweng launches safer festive season campaign 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By OBAKENG MAJE 

6 December 2024- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said the government has adopted a comprehensive strategy to address the heightened risk of criminal activity due to increased movement of people, especially at the end of the year. 

Morweng, who activated the provincial leg of safer festive season operations said, whilst many of the law-abiding citizens are planning festivities with their families away from their homes, criminals are similarly planning on how they will pounce and steal what does not belong to them. 

He further said the activation is to ensure that they disrupt and obstruct those plans. Morweng added that the operation they activated in the province will run for 123 days beginning the first of this month to the end of January 2025. 

“This will run in conjunction with Operation Shanela, which has been very successful. Criminals have declared war on the state and we are simply accepting the challenge. We are ready and all men and women in blue are hereby given a directive. 

“The police must at all times fondly remember their oath. Among others, your guides that you will address the root causes of crime in the community. It also guides that you will prevent any action which may threaten the safety or security of any community member,” he said. 

Morweng said as they do so, they should remember at all times to uphold the constitution and abide by the rule of law. He said they should ensure all law-abiding citizens are and feel safe and live in a secure environment.

“Carry out your responsibility with integrity and dignity and never dishonour and degrade the image of the police. Wear your uniform with pride and treat everyone courteously and respectfully, whilst ensuring laws of the Republic are obeyed.

“As you carry out your responsibilities, you will rile many people who will accuse you of all kinds of things. Remember that yours is not just a career, but a duty to the nation. As you weather the storm of the critics, take to heart the words of an ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius, whose words still resonate today,” said Morweng. 

He also reminded the police that while many will see and applaud their excellence, many others will criticize and accuse them of ineptness. Morweng said Confucius once said: “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it”. 

“Don’t expect and wait for the applause because even the best performers are often not admired. Don’t wait for an ovation and expect praises because you will wait in perpetuity as no criminal will praise a police officer for work well done. 

“It’s going to be a long four months, but we trust in your ability to ensure the citizens are safe. We trust in you to ensure that all criminals speak ill of you whilst holiday makers speak well of you. In you, we trust that your discipline will stand you in good stead in the face of provocation and vexation,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Three members of Upington Public Order Police get promotion

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Three Upington Public Order Police promoted/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 December 2024- The Northern Cape Police, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection and Acting DPC for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, honoured the recently promoted members by conferring their new ranks.

The members from Upington Public Order Police were promoted to the ranks of Colonel, Captain, and Warrant Officer in different districts within the province.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said: “During her address, Otola reiterated on discipline, command, and control. She congratulated the members and wished them well in their new roles.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Deputy principal in court for allegedly raping a learner

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 December 2024- The deputy principal (63), from Kgwenyape Primary School in Brits granted R5000 bail. The accused who briefly appeared at the Brits Magistrates Court on 2 December 2024, is facing charges of sexual grooming, sexual assault and statutory rape of a girl learner (12) at the school.

It is alleged that, the accused took the minor child to the bushes near Majakaneng village, where he proceeded to have sexual intercourse with her. This comes after the accused allegedly kissed the victim in 2023, and began to send her nude pictures.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said, after seeing the messages, the victim’s friend informed her mother and the school teacher, who requested them to bring their phones to school for observation.

Mahanjana further said the mother of the victim was informed of the incident by the school and a case was opened against the accused on 23 November 2024. She added that the accused was arrested on 25 November 2024, after he handed himself over to the Brits Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences offices.

“In court during his bail application, the accused, through his legal representative, asked the court to grant him bail because he is a first offender, who is married with children. He added that he was employed as an educator and needed to pay his bond. 

“However, the state prosecutor Octavia Pletschke opposed bail, saying that the accused is charged with serious offences, which may result in a lengthy term of imprisonment if found guilty, which might make him evade his trial,” said Mahanjana.

Furthermore, Pletschke said that the accused had already threatened and intimidated the victim, her mother and the witness. She said, therefore, he will interfere with the witnesses and investigations, if granted bail.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Rosenburg said that the setting of the high bail amount and very strict conditions will ensure that the accused stands trial and that he does not interfere further with the victim or witnesses. He added that it is in the interest of justice for the accused to be granted bail, therefore, bail was granted of R5000.

“The bail conditions are that the accused reports daily to the Hartbeespoortdam SAPS, he may not have any direct or indirect contact with the victim or witnesses and that he should surrender his passport to the investigating officer,” he said.

taungdailyews@gmail.com

Brothers nabbed for possession of illegal firearm and ammunition

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 December 2024- Two suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. The arrest was a collaborative effort by Mahikeng Visible Policing members, including reservists and Community Police Forum (CPF).

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the police were performing safer festive season operation patrol duties on 29 November 2024, when they spotted two suspicious men on Station road, Mahikeng. Myburgh said the pair ran away when the team approached them, but were apprehended. 

“On searching the duo, a 9mm Glock Pistol loaded with five ammunition was found inside one of the men’s bags. They failed to give account for the possession and were both taken to the police station for questioning.

“Subsequent to the circulation of the firearm, it showed that it (the firearm) belongs to one of the two security officers who were found dead, near Danville, Mahikeng on 17 November 2024,” she said.

Myburgh further said following investigation that was continued at the pair’s rented rooms in town, six ammunition and a holster were found. She added that, both men who previously worked with the murdered security officers, were placed under arrest.

“The accused, Zithembe Zondi (27) and Sthembiso Zondi (43), briefly appeared before the Molopo Regional Court in Mmabatho on 2 December 2024. They remained in custody and investigation into the matter continues,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for their vigilance and cooperation, which led to the arrest and recoveries. Kwena said the success came due to excellent police community relations and the reservists, who displayed the will to serve the communities.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police are looking for missing Catharina Booysens

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The missing Catharina Booysens/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 December 2024- The police in Klerksdorp request community assistance in locating a missing teenager, Catharina Booysens (16), who is residing in Aldred Street in Freemanville, Klerksdorp. According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, Booysens was last seen by her foster parents on 11 November 2024.

Myburgh said a search was conducted around Klerksdorp and all leads were followed-up, but that did not yield positive results.

“At this stage, no one knows what she was wearing at the time of her disappearance.  She is light in complexion with a slender built body, grey eyes, a dimple on her chin, and brown hair that is cut into a bob hair style.

“Anyone who may have information regarding her whereabouts is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Tiny Tshiba on 082 568 6909 or 060 967 3965,” she said.

Myburgh further said those who have information can also call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. She added that anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from a smartphone.

taungdailynews@gmail.com