Lenkopane champions rural women’s economic empowerment

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Picture: North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane 

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 November 2024 – North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, has emphasized that sustainable development relies on recognizing the critical contributions of rural women to an inclusive economy. Lenkopane called on government, private sector stakeholders, and business forums to unite efforts to empower and include women as key players in economic transformation.

She made these remarks during an impactful outreach event at Sannieshof Lodge and Events, where rural women entrepreneurs from across the province gathered to gain valuable insights into government services and enterprise opportunities aimed at enhancing their economic independence and social well-being.

“The outreach aligns with the government’s broader agenda to drive economic growth and bridge gender inequalities in rural areas, supporting the 2023 Integrated Rural Development Sector Strategy and advancing the goals of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act to prioritize sustainable development and social transformation.

“The event highlighted several key areas essential to supporting rural women’s economic inclusion, such as facilitating access to finance, providing skills development and training, addressing policy barriers faced by rural women, and enhancing business skills and resource accessibility to help women create sustainable jobs,” said Lenkopane.

She further said the department along with its entities, the North West Gambling Board, North West Parks & Tourism Board, and North West Development Corporation (NWDC), joined forces with development finance institutions including the NYDA, SEDFA, SARS, NEF, and WECONA, to share information on services available to empower women in business. Lenkopane added that women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners received guidance on a range of government-supported opportunities, from small business and cooperative registration to funding, business recovery programs, liquor licensing, and possibilities within biodiversity and tourism.

“Local SMMEs also showcased their products, reflecting rural women’s ambition and drive to expand their business impact. I would like to send my gratitude for the high turnout and the enthusiasm of participants’ eager to explore economic empowerment programmes led by the government.

“Our outreach initiatives, like this one and Thuntsha Lerole Reload, ensure that rural women have equal access to opportunities as their urban counterparts, fostering equitable communities and driving economic growth,” she said.

Lenkopane highlighted the department’s ongoing commitment to providing financial, non-financial, and incubation support to empower women, youth, and people with disabilities across the province. She also stressed the critical role of information access in empowering communities, urging women to leverage the opportunities presented by departments and other funding institutions.

“Our department is dedicated to helping people understand and capitalize on the economic opportunities available to them, to transform lives and uplift rural communities.

“Government outreach programs like these are essential to improving public access to critical information, fostering direct engagement with officials, and cultivating a culture of economic inclusivity in rural communities,” said Lenkopane.

She re-affirmed the department’s commitment to gender equality as the economic priority, recognizing the role of women in advancing rural development and driving sustainable job creation.

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A mother who stabbed her son sentenced to 6 years imprisonment

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 November 2024- A mother (34) was sentenced to six years imprisonment by the Carnarvon Regional Court for the brutal stabbing of her son (14) in Vosburg. On 9 March 2024, the accused and her son had an altercation at their home in Vosburg and that led to the stabbing of her son on his hip and arm.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said she was subsequently arrested and sentenced on 7 November 2024. Kock said the sentence was wholly suspended provided she did not commit assault with the intent to inflict Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) during the period of suspension.

“She was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The SAPS Management lauded Detective DR Potjeng of the Carnavon SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection

and Sexual Offences Unit for the thorough investigation that led to the sentence,” he said.

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SANCO paint a grim picture as North West govt celebrate 100 days in office

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 November 2024- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in North West said there is nothing to celebrate as the situation continues to deteriorate. This comes after the 7th administration of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), marked 100 days in office last week.

SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam painted a grim picture regarding poor service delivery, inaccessible roads and high rate of unemployment. Jam said since the 7th administration took over, there is nothing to write home about.

“We appreciate the fact that the ANC-led government has been in office for 100 days. However, from the service delivery point of view and improvement in terms of people’s lives, there is nothing to celebrate. North West province is still leading in terms of high rate of unemployment and the 7th administration was aware of this during ascendancy to the office.

“However, there is no sign or attempt to address this matter, which to us is serious. The high rate of unemployment should be described as a state of emergency because you cannot have a province as rich as North West in terms of minerals, tourism and agriculture, but have a high rate of unemployment,” he said.

Jam further said people of the province have embarked on protests over lack of provision of water, and these are the issues the 7th administration entered into the office knowing. He added that as SANCO, they brought all these to the attention of the ANC during electioneering.

“We have promised the people that the ANC-led government will address those challenges. We also promised them to hold the ANC accountable. So, it is disconcerting to tell you today that the people of the North West are still struggling with provision of water.

“We have mayors in various municipalities using the allocated funds for provision of water for different projects. So, we are still trailing way behind and the entire province is still struggling with accessibility of water, which is a fundamental human right,” said Jam.

He said there is nothing to celebrate and they see no improvement. Jam said in actual fact, the province is moving backwards.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema shared the same sentiments. Moema said there is nothing tangible that one can point at in regard to the 7th administration achievement.

“Again, there is no concrete plan in place to address the high rate of unemployment in the province as North West is sitting at 54%. Currently, most municipalities are failing dismally to pay their employees. For example, it has been three months since EPWP employees received their salaries.

“The same goes to the employees of Ditsobotla Local Municipality. As we speak, they have received a memorandum that informed them that they might receive their payments late,” he said.

Moema said the government is failing to rescue municipalities and create job opportunities. He said also, crime statistics are increasing.

Meanwhile, COSATU provincial secretary, Kopano Konopi said: “Truly speaking, 100 days is quite a short period to seek what we call due diligence. We are expecting that the 7th administration has used these 100 days to set the system in place.

‘So, we will observe in the next 100 days, if the system is there or not. We believe that they are still acclimatising themselves. Whatever that they have achieved now, it will be the inheritance of the 6th administration.”

Konopi said the 7th administration plans will start to hatch in the next fiscal year. He said they should focus on economic growth, curbing the high rate of unemployment and addressing dysfunctional municipalities,” he said.

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A bail application against nine accused from Modutung resumes in court

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Picture: A house belonging to a traditional healer torched 

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 November 2024- The bail application in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case against nine accused, who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, will resume today at Taung Magistrate’s Court.

Letlhogolo Mothobi (38) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Thomas Morakanele (29), Tshepo Sekgetho (31) and Lesego Mongale (34), appeared on a charge of arson. Mokgwabone said the police also arrested the 9th suspect, Lebogang Morakabe (44).

“Morakabe is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property together with Mothobi and Boikanyo. A multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.

“The accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing the crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine. Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house. He added that goods were looted from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze.

“The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects.

Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law. 

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More than 2000 suspects nabbed during operation

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 November 2024 – More than 2570 were arrested for various offences during operations conducted between 4 and 10 November 2024. The North West police said with the focus on stabilising identified crime hotspots in the province and applying a multi-disciplinary approach to prevent and combat serious and violent crimes, police are working together with other law enforcement agencies to curb the crime.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the alleged offenders were among others, nabbed for crimes ranging from sexual offences, murder, rape, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common.

Mokgwabone said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, burglaries at business and residential premises, driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of gold bearing material to illicit mining.

“During the operations, 301 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. Of the total arrests, 372 suspects were arrested during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.

“As part of actions executed, 203 premises, 2 569 persons and 543 vehicles were searched. In addition, 131 licensed liquor premises, 72 second-hand goods dealers and 29 farms were visited for compliance inspections. The operations also led to the confiscation of 83 ammunition, eight firearms, three vehicles, a variety of drugs and assortments of liquor,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded all role players for their dedication and stamping the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all citizens during this period.    

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Portfolio Committee concerned over withdrawal of SABC Bill

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Picture: SABC building in Auckland Park, Johannesburg

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 November 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Sangoni Diko said she has noted with grave concern the decision of the Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi to withdraw the South African Broadcasting (SABC) Bill from Parliament, as reported in the Sunday Times newspaper on 10 November 2024.

Diko said the Portfolio Committee has not yet been formally notified of the withdrawal of the proposed legislation in line with the Rules of the National Assembly. She further said nonetheless, the report states that the minister has decided to withdraw the Bill, believing it is “totally flawed”, does not address the funding model of the public broadcaster and assigns too much power to the minister in appointing board members.

“While appreciative of the fact that as the executive authority, the minister may rescind the Bill for whatever reason before its second reading in the House, the Chairperson holds that this decision by the minister would be highly ill-advised, and it is no exaggeration to say it would sound the death knell for the South African Broadcasting Corporation.

“The challenges facing the SABC require a considered and urgent response, not trigger-happy action, which serves no purpose but to frustrate and disrupt processes already underway. To withdraw the Bill at this stage means to delay the implementation of crucial reforms necessary to save yet another crucial and strategic public institution,” she added.

Diko said initiated by the government in 2018 and only introduced to Parliament in October 2023, the SABC Bill seeks to, among others, provide for the continued existence of the SABC, provide for its governance and consequently amend the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Act and the Electronic Communications Act (ECA). She said to date, the Bill has undergone a thorough public participation process, with 6th Parliament having received about twenty written submissions from the SABC itself, academia, youth representatives, organised labour, and other interested parties.

“The 7th Parliament, understanding the urgent challenges facing the public broadcaster, prioritised this critical legislation and held oral hearings into the submissions in September 2024. The committee diligently studied and interrogated these submissions, and all concerns raised by stakeholders were attended to.

“The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), which the minister leads, was expected to have responded to the issues raised during the public participation process by the 17th of October 2024,” said Diko.

She said this process was underway and agreed to by the committee and in the Minister’s presence would have provided the committee with a clear way forward to amend the Bill as provided   for in the Rules of Parliament and subvert any unnecessary delays in the processing of this sorely needed legislation.

Diko said they remain convinced that the issues raised by civil society, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), relating to a lack of clarity on the funding model of the public mandate of the SABC, time limits on the President on the appointment of the SABC Board, the creation of a subsidiary Commercial Company and Board and the potential “lack of independence” in the appointment of the subsidiary Commercial Company, were not insurmountable and could have been remedied through an amendment by the committee.

She said Rule 286 of the National Assembly Rules explicitly confers authority on parliamentary committees to amend or, where necessary, redraft bills before them.

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Two suspects nabbed separately for possession of firearms and drugs in Dryharts

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Picture: Some of the firearms and ammunition confiscated by police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 November 2024- Two suspects aged 26 and 51, were arrested separately in Lehatlheng Section in Dryharts village, near Taung for dealing in drugs, unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition. The suspects were arrested during a crime intelligence-driven operation on Friday morning.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, search and seizure warrants were executed at two residences by the members of Pudimoe Visible Policing Support. Mokgwabone said at first residence, the police allegedly found 100 full and eight halves of mandrax tablets, 72 sachets of crystal meth, 80 sachets of nyaope and 145 sachets of dagga.

“All with estimated street value of R21 200. The police also found R7 032 cash in possession of the house owner, a woman (26). The money, which was suspected to be the proceeds of crime, was seized and the woman was arrested.

“The search continued at the second and last residence, where 76 quarters and two halves of mandrax tablets with estimated street value of R2 500 were found. In addition, the police found a black shopping carry bag containing two 9mm pistols with magazines, one R5 magazine, six R5 ammunition, 31 x 9mm ammunition, three 7.5mm ammunition and three handset two-way communication radios,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the suspect (51), was also arrested. He added that both suspects are expected to appear respectively in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2024.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and seizures of the drugs, as well as the firearms, which he said are used in the commission of serious and violent crimes.

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Learners with mental health challenges get assistance   

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they have collaborated with the North West University (NWU) to tackle mental health challenges among learners, teachers, and parents, especially during the examination period in their efforts of assisting learners in their studies. Motsumi said her department realized that many learners become overwhelmed during finals, feeling scared and uncertain about preparation.

She further said to address this, parents need to be well-informed and involved to assist their children at home. Motsumi added that the collaboration with the NWU is due to the promotion of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategy adopted by the government.

“Education is a societal matter, alone we will not be able to achieve good performance without the involvement of other stakeholders. We need each other in order for learners to excel. Our learners during this period are extremely overwhelmed and their minds need to be focused.

“I wish to appeal to parents and guardians to adhere to the experts’ advice on mental health. The department has set a target of a 90% pass rate for 2024, aiming to position the province as a top performer. To support this goal, the department has implemented various initiatives, including incubation camps,” she said.

Motsumi indicated that the collaboration between the department and the NWU, is an exercise of Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC).

Meanwhile, the NWU Psychologist and Senior Lecturer, Dr Khido Ramadie visited various schools in the province prior to the examination, motivating them. Ramadies urged parents to create a calm learning environment for their children at home.

“Help set a routine study table, encourage breaks and foster open communication. Monitor progress without pressure. Parents should be able to provide reassurance to their children, be it emotional supportive and remind them that they are not alone.

“Parents should promote healthy coping. They should be mindful about deep breathing or meditation. Parents should ensure that learners embark on physical activities so that they can be fresh when they are writing examinations,” said Ramadie.

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SANCO inspect tuckshops in Taung amid rising concerns over food poisoning

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Picture: The stakeholders conducting inspection in various tuckshops in Taung

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 November 2024- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in Taung conducted and inspected different tuckshops across the area on Friday. This follows the national outcry regarding foreign-owned tuckshops allegedly selling musty goods.  

Some of foreign-owned tuckshop owners are accused of endangering the lives of locals by selling expired products. Recently, the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) said it is deeply concerned by the alarming rate of food poisoning incidents that have claimed the lives of many children – with 19 lives lost and 437 affected in Gauteng and also affecting more than a thousand of children across the country.

The ANCWL Secretary-General, Nokuthula Nqaba said the cause of the deaths is linked to organophosphate contamination, and this has had the most impact on children between the ages of 4-9 years old. Nqaba said this is not just a public health crisis, but it is a call for them to act with both urgency and compassion.

“We recognise that among those impacted by these incidents, are women street vendors most of whom are our sisters, mothers and grandmothers, striving to make an honest living by selling snacks and foods to our communities. It is essential to acknowledge that these vendors find themselves vulnerable to this tragic contamination of food that threatens their children, their livelihoods and their dignity.

“They are not only sellers, but are caregivers and community members who wish to provide safe, nutritious options for our children and families – and their struggle is our struggle. As the ANCWL, we stand in solidarity with these women. We are committed to ensuring that they are empowered with the knowledge and resources necessary to uphold food safety standards and the tools to detect contamination,” she said.

Nqaba further said they advocate for immediate action through stronger food safety regulations and support for training programs that can educate vendors on safe food handling practices, identifying contamination, and the unseen dangers posed by harmful substances like organophosphates that have so devastatingly crept into the communities.

She added that, therefore, they urge the government to declare a state of emergency and take immediate action to safeguard public health.

“We demand thorough investigation to identify sources of food poisoning and contaminated products. Public awareness is needed to intensify education campaigns on food safety and handling practices. Support for affected families is needed to provide medical and financial assistance.

“Interagency collaboration is needed through health, education, and law enforcement departments. They must work together to prevent future incidents. Immediate closure of spaza shops selling contaminated food is needed. Furthermore, we call upon local health authorities to work collaboratively with these vendors during health inspections and food safety blitzes to ensure that they are not disproportionately penalised or

stigmatised,” said Nqaba.

She said they must foster a spirit of unity, treating them not as culprits but as partners in their journey towards a safe and a healthy environment for all. Nqaba said instead, let them create an environment that supports their efforts to

provide safe food options, while safeguarding the children’s health.

“Let this crisis be our call to action and a rallying cry to secure our communities against threats to our health and dignity. The ANCWL is dedicated to mobilising all efforts and our communities to collaborate on this pressing issue and to advocate for policy changes that protect our children and empower our street vendors.

“Together, let us create a safer food environment and ensure that the most vulnerable among us can thrive without the fear of contamination. In memory of our young lives lost, we commit to continue to work tirelessly to bring awareness to this

crisis, support initiatives that promote food safety, and uplift the voices of women street vendors who are integral to the fabric of our communities,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, Makhi Feni said they welcome the pronouncement from the African National Congress (ANC) that the country’s spaza shops will be reregistered and any that are operating illegally will not be allowed to operate in the country.

“The committee welcomes this commitment and all other processes that are underway to restore order. Our interest is the safety of poor South Africans and their children. The report of poisonous snacks sold to our children has reached a crisis point.

“We would like the government to ban situations where homes are sub-let to illegal immigrants for purposes of operating spaza shops. Due to the undesirable effects of foreign ownership, like the protection fee and the massive killings over the collection of these monies, should be decisively dealt with. On Thursday, the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, announced that work was already underway to reregister spaza shops following the deaths of several young primary school learners and hundreds who have taken ill and nearly died.”

Feni said the government should ban foreign nationals from operating spaza shops and also maintain an updated register of people who sell at schools.

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A ‘bogus’ lawyer arrested uttering and contravention of Legal Practice Act, 2014

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By REGINALD KANYANE

9 November 2024– A man (41) was arrested by the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for uttering and contravention of the Legal Practice Act, 2014.  It is alleged that Teboho Johannes Motse deceived the Justice and Constitutional Development Department by presenting himself as an attorney and appeared at various courts in Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane, where he represented various clients in civil and criminal matters.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Motse allegedly did this knowingly that he is not an admitted attorney. Mokgwabone said a case was registered in July 2023, for investigation and the accused was consequently arrested and appeared in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court on 8 November 2024.

“Motse was remanded in custody until 14 November 2024, for further investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest.

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