17 December 2024- In a bid to prioritize animal health and welfare, state veterinary clinics across the North West, will remain operational throughout the festive season. This is to ensure an uninterrupted access to critical veterinary services for farmers, pet owners, and the public.
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said, while clinics will operate with skeletal staff, every effort has been made to ensure no one requiring essential veterinary care will be turned away.
Sambatha further said services will be available during regular working hours, except for public holidays, ensuring minimal disruption to animal health needs. He added that this is an important initiative.
“Like human beings, animals have critical healthcare needs that cannot be overlooked. This initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening veterinary services across the province.
“The health and welfare of animals are central to the well-being of our agricultural sector and the communities we serve. This necessary arrangement guarantees farmers and pet owners’ continuous access to veterinary care during this busy period,” said Sambatha.
He said farmers and pet owners are encouraged to make full use of these services to ensure the health, productivity, and safety of their animals. Sambatha also extended heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated veterinary staff, who have selflessly committed to working during this period.
“We acknowledge their sacrifices in ensuring uninterrupted service delivery, while they could have been with their families.
“This initiative is part of the department’s broader effort to prevent and control animal diseases, which, if left unchecked, could negatively impact agriculture, a critical pillar of the provincial economy,” said Sambatha.
Picture: Criminals allegedly vandalised and stole borehole equipment at Mareeson Farm Borehole Station/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
17December 2024- The Mamusa Local Municipality said criminals have stolen and vandalized borehole equipment at Mareeson Farm on Monday. Now, the municipality said this has resulted in water supply disruptions in Extension 6, 7, 8, and 9.
The acting Municipal Manager at Mamusa Local Municipality, Frans Mabokela said: “The water supply to Extensions 6, 7, 8, and 9 has been disrupted due to acts of criminality at the Mareeson Farm Borehole Station.
“As a result, the mentioned areas will unfortunately not receive water until further notice. We want to assure the community that this matter is being treated with the utmost urgency and has also been reported to the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.”
Mabokela further said efforts are underway to assess the damage and expedite repairs to restore the water supply as soon as possible. He added that they appeal to the community to contact Ipelegeng Police Station for any information that may assist in arresting perpetrators.
Picture: An off-duty police officer allegedly assaulted a civilian at Rustenburg Police Station premises/Video
By OBAKENG MAJE
17 December 2024- The South African Police Service (SAPS) Management in North West said it condemns in the strongest possible terms an incident doing the rounds on social media platforms, wherein an off-duty police officer is allegedly seen assaulting a member of the public at Rustenburg Police Station.
The occurrence allegedly followed an argument that ensued in a barber shop at one of the malls in Rustenburg and involving the police officer, assault victim and other people on Saturday afternoon, 14 December 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said following the incident, one of the victims went to the police station to lodge a complaint. Tselanyane said the reports suggest that the police officer also went to the police station, where he found the complainant at the parking area.
“He allegedly chased the complainant until inside the police station premises and assaulted him. The on-duty police officers’ swiftly intervened and calmed the situation.
“The victim consequently opened a case of assault against the member, who also laid a counter charge of assault. Investigation into the matter is underway,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Management pointed out that the member’s conduct is totally unacceptable and displays a total disrespect for the rule of law by a law enforcement officer.
Picture: The missing San-Mari Rossouw found unharmed/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 December 2024- A girl (14), who was reported missing was found unharmed in Louis Trichardt. San-Mari Rossouw from Postmasburg was reported missing on 12 December 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Timothy Sam said the police were investigating the circumstances that led to Rossouw’s disappearance and requested anyone who have information that might assist the police in the investigation, to contact the Postmasburg Police Station and Detective Constable Sylvester Sehako at 082 302 0391 or 08600 10111 and or use the police MySAPS App.
“The police has now elevated the investigation to an abduction case. The investigations continue and the girl will be reunited with her family soon.
“The South African Police Service wishes to thank the media and communities for the circulation of the published information that led to her being found,” he said.
17 Sedimonthole 2024- Moroba o go neng gwa begwa fa a timetse, Catharina Booysens (16), o bonwe kwa Brakpan ka Lamatlhatso, mme o buseditswe gae. Sepodisi sa Bokone Bophirima, sene sa ikuela go mongwe le mongwe go ka thusa go batlana le Booysens wa kwa toropong ya Klerksdorp. Go ne ga begwa fa Booysens o a dulang le batsadi ba gagwe ba eseng ba madi, ane a nyelela ka di 11 Ngwanatsele 2024.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are: “Sepodisi ga mmogo le baagi, ba ile ba tswa letsholo go batlana le Booysens, fela seo se ile sa fetoga matsapa a bo phiri. Ka nako eo, go ne go se ope o a neng a itse gore Booysens one a apere eng fa a nyelela.
“Booysens o mosweu ka mmala, o na le mmele o mosesane, moriri o mo khunou, ga mmogo le matlho a mapududu, one a bonwa kwa Brakpan ntle le dikgobalo.”
Myburgh are sepodisi se lebogela tirisano-mmogo ya baagi. Myburgh are ba rotloetsa baagi go sala kaba ya bone morago ya Sefatlhego sa Buka go ka itse gore go diragalang mo dikarolong tsa bone.
Picture: The incoming PCC Executive Director, Dorah Modise/Google
By REGINALD KANYANE
17 December 2024- The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) has appointed Dorah Modise as its Executive Director, effective from 24 February 2025. Modise is a sustainability enthusiast with over 26 years of experience in areas such as environmental sustainability, international diplomacy, government (local, regional, and national), industry associations, and academia.
She served in several senior management roles at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment. Modise was instrumental in drafting the adaptation component of the White Paper on Climate Change and establishing the National Green Fund.
The outgoing PCC Executive Director, Dr Crispian Olver said during this time, Modise was intensely involved with the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development as part of the negotiating team and leader of the technical delegation at the Rio Plus 20 Summit in 2012.
Olver said she also served as the Deputy Director-General at the Gauteng Provincial Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and as Executive Director for city sustainability at the City of Tshwane, before her involvement in the private sector as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Green Building Council of South Africa.
“She is the current Regional Director for Africa for C40 Network. Among her academic qualifications, Modise holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science.
“Modise also holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Development and Policy from the University of Sussex, and a post-graduate Diploma in Environmental Diplomacy from the University of Geneva,” he said.
Olver further said the PCC is delighted to have recruited a professional of impeccable record to take the helm of this organisation at this critical time and early steps in the implementation of the Climate Change Act as recently assented by President Ramaphosa.
He added that with her time-tested multidisciplinary experience, they are confident that she will lead the PCC in mobilising and harnessing social dialogue and consensus, cooperation and action towards the achievement of South Africa’s just transition and the appropriate country responses and efforts for impactful climate action.
Meanwhile, the vacancy of Executive Director resulted from the retirement of Olver and his subsequent appointment by President Ramaphosa as Deputy Chairperson of the Commission from 1 January 2025.
16 December 2024- A 39-YEAR-OLD woman, who was arrested for alleged fraud, briefly appeared at Colesberg Magistrate’s Court on 12 December 2024. Hendrika Welhelmina Vorster was arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said it is alleged that between November 2011 and October 2012, Vorster, who was employed as a customer consultant at Standard Bank in Colesberg, opened various cheque accounts, revolving credit accounts, credit and loan accounts for staff members, friends and clients to whom credit facilities were granted.
“Furthermore, these credit facilities were granted without meeting the requirements for credit facility. Moreover, some of these credit facilities were granted without required documents such as proof of income, residential address copies, identity documentation and signed agreements.
“The accused further falsified the Standard Bank new delivery system by capturing and inflated applicants’ income which resulted in applicants qualifying for credit facilities, which they would not have qualified for had the falsification not happened,” she said.
Mnisi further said Vorster’s alleged unlawful conduct resulted in Standard Bank suffering potential prejudice of R1 846 663.73 as the clients were unable to make repayment to the credit facilities, which they were granted. She added that Vorster was granted R1000 bail and the matter was postponed to 19 February 2025, for legal representation.
16 Dec 2024- The president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said the Day of Reconciliation is an occasion, where the country remembers and celebrates its journey towards nation-building, healing, social justice and forgiveness. Ramaphosa said this day is dedicated to ‘healing historical wounds and forging new futures’.
He further said for much of the history, this day – the 16th of December – stood as a symbol of the wounds of their history. Ramaphosa added that, for some it was a celebration of victory.
“For others, it was a painful reminder of conquest and dispossession. Since the advent of democracy, we have sought to do away with symbols that are divisive.
“We chose to mark the 16th of December as a day of reconciliation. A celebration of our unity in diversity. It gives me great pleasure to commemorate this year’s Reconciliation Day here in Vredendal, the Valley of Peace,” he said.
Ramaphosa said history has no blank pages. He said under the inhumane apartheid system farmworkers bore the brunt of exploitation.
“White commercial farms were built on the labour of slaves and South Africa’s indigenous people. Since the advent of democracy 30 years ago, we have driven a series of legislative changes to advance the rights of farmworkers.
“We have passed a law to prevent the arbitrary eviction of families living on farms. And yet we know that farmworkers and labour tenants are still being evicted in a number of places without being afforded alternate accommodation,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they call on all employers to treat people humanely and ensure that they have decent accommodation. Ramaphosa said they insist that all should ensure that the law is uphold and the rights of all people are protected.
“The working conditions of farmworkers are regulated by the Labour Relations Act. For the first time, minimum wages were set for farmworkers. Now, no farmworkers may be paid below the National Minimum Wage.
“As part of land reform, we have encouraged employment share schemes. This is where workers in agriculture and other sectors can have shares in the companies that they work for,” he said.
Ramaphosa said There have been initiatives in the Matzikama area to implement this approach. He said they must look at how to expand this, so that the people in this area have a greater share of the local economy.
“Fellow South Africans, Reconciliation Day is about advancing reconciliation, justice and nation-building. It promotes social cohesion and healing. The past may be behind us but we are left with its wounds.
“We have deep scars as a reminder of our painful experiences. We cannot heal these historical wounds by forgetting our past. There are things that should be done to heal the wounds of the past,” said Ramaphosa.
He said, but they must also learn from the past. Ramaphosa said they have come a long way as a country of diverse cultures, languages, beliefs and traditions.
“Here in Vredendal, we have a beautiful and diverse community that is an integral part of our rainbow nation. Here, a person can be as proud of their coloured heritage or their Afrikaans language as they are of their South African identity.
“They can be white or African or Indian, speak English or Xhosa or any other language, while being a full and equal member of the South African nation,” he said.
Ramaphosa said history records the great acts of political activism by the people of this province. He said coloured people were not spared the brutality of slavery, dispossession and segregation.
“The apartheid regime tried to divide us and turn us against one another, but they did not succeed. Through democracy, we have worked to restore the dignity of all who suffered under apartheid, including coloured people.
“Our national Coat of Arms pays tribute to the Khoi and San. The human figures are depicted in an attitude of greeting, symbolising unity. This represents a sense of belonging to the nation and to a collective humanity,” said Ramaphosa.
Picture: The founder and multiple award-winning editor of Taung DailyNews, Obakeng Maje
16 December 2024- Since its establishment in 2014, Taung Daily News has emerged as a vital voice for communities in the North West and Northern Cape provinces. Founded by Mr. Obakeng Maje, a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in the media industry, the newspaper has made remarkable strides, earning recognition and respect both locally and beyond.
In 2024, Taung DailyNews added another accolade to its growing list of achievements by winning the prestigious Best Online Media House Award—an honor they also received in 2023, marking a back-to-back victory. This recognition underscores their commitment to excellence in online journalism, providing timely and reliable news to their audience.
Under Mr. Maje’s visionary leadership, Taung Daily News has not only excelled in digital media, but has also achieved remarkable success in investigative journalism. In 2022, Mr. Maje himself was honoured with the Poloko Tau Best Investigative News Story of the Year Award, further cementing the publication’s reputation for delivering impactful stories that resonate with their readers.
Taung DailyNews continues to play a pivotal role in shedding light on important issues affecting local communities, staying true to its mission of empowering citizens through factual and engaging reporting. As a beacon of community journalism, the publication has proven that perseverance, passion, and a commitment to integrity are key to success in the ever-evolving media landscape.
16 December 2024- The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said as the country spend the 16th of December celebrating the National Day of Reconciliation, they are reminded of the injustices that have scarred South Africa’s history and the profound impact these injustices have had on the nation.
Steenhuisen said, however, reconciliation is not about forgetting the past or pretending it did not happen but about acknowledging it, while celebrating the progress made as a country. He further said Reconciliation Day is about how South Africans are no longer strangers to each other, but patriots who are committed to building a brighter tomorrow on lessons learned.
“This year, the formation of a Government of National Unity has brought fresh optimism. This national government, encompassing diverse ideologies, beliefs, visions, and values, reflects a significant step towards shaping a new national story of shared aspirations.
“On this day, let us embrace this renewed sense of hope and dedicate ourselves to building cohesion and unity for inclusive economic growth and jobs, the keys to unlocking the opportunities that can lift up our entire country,” said Steenhuisen.
He said to those who say they no longer have the courage, hope, or largeness of spirit to rekindle the reconciliation that inspired this country 30 years ago, he said they will prove them wrong.
Steenhuisen said his call to all South Africans is simple: “Greet your neighbours. Wish them a blessed day and ask them about their hopes for South Africa. Seek moments of human connection, moments of proudly South African reconciliation.
“So, on behalf of the Democratic Alliance, I wish all South Africans a truly blessed Reconciliation Day.”
The Guardian 