Picture: The Rauwane Sepeng Secondary School gutted by fire/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
7 November 2024- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West calls for an in-depth probe into the fire that gutted six Grade 12 classrooms at Rauwane Sepeng Secondary School in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg. MRM described it as a crisis that points to the need for safety, fire prevention protocols and equipment at schools to be reviewed.
MRM provincial convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said the movement promoting the Charter of Positive Values and Ubuntu expressed relief that, there were no casualties to learners and educators or fatalities in the Monday incident that caused extensive damage that could run to over a R1 million.
“We commend the swift response of the Rustenburg Local Municipality Fire and Emergency and urge law enforcement agencies not to leave any stone unturned.
“Recent trends of destruction of public infrastructure in our province cannot rule out treacherous acts of sabotage or nefarious acts whose motive might be aimed at creating chaos and instability,” he said.
Kgwele shared the North West MEC FOR Education, Viola Motsumi sentiments that the incident is a significant drawback given the huge inherited school infrastructure delivery backlog that the province has to deal with. He further expressed concern about the extent to which the destruction of the classes, Head of Department ‘s Office and toilets will impact on exams at the school and the time that it would take to renovate the gutted classrooms.
“We appeal to our communities to jealously guard and protect their facilities as well as assist police in their investigations. We also urge local churches to assist with provision of temporary relief for the school to use their facilities for internal examinations.
“Sound community values that promote and harness collective responsibility within our communities as espoused by the Charter of Positive Values must be entrenched in order to promote responsible freedom, as well as the rule of law as well as zero-tolerance to crime and violence,” said Kgwele.
Meanwhile, The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “No injuries have been reported as all learners and staff were able to evacuate the premises safely. This tragic event, which has destroyed a vital section of our school infrastructure, is a significant setback.
“This unfortunate event destroying a block of classrooms, is incredibly distressing and represents a significant setback, particularly as Grade 12 candidates are currently undertaking their final exams.”
Motsumi added that this will undoubtedly affect the school’s operations and efforts. She said that they are also facing a significant backlog in school construction and maintenance projects, which will be addressed in the 2024–2025 financial year.
“We must prioritise the rebuilding of a safe and functional educational environment. The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” said Motsumi.
The SASAS conference delegates: Working together to take on climate change/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
7 November 2024- The world is 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than it was in preindustrial times. A threshold has been breached and the times they are a-changin’.
When the South African Society for Atmospheric Sciences (SASAS) president, Prof Francois Engelbrecht opened the 38th Annual Conference of the South African Society for Atmospheric Sciences at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North West University (NWU), he did so in a sombre tone, even with a sense of disbelief.
Engelbrecht said because history has been made for the wrong reasons. He further said it is the first time that SASAS conference has taken place when the world’s average temperature has been 1,5 °C higher for more than a year, since official recordings began.
“When the Paris agreement was signed in 2016, the aim was to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1,5 °C. It has failed. The consequences have already been dire and if temperatures keep rising, the consequences will be catastrophic.
“Heat waves, wildfires, flooding cyclones, hurricanes and tornadoes have been some of the hallmarks of climate change that have devastated the globe in 2024. The effects cannot be reversed, but an escalation can be stopped,” said Engelbrecht.
He said from 29 to 30 October, SASAS members discussed the pertinent question of climate change at hosting venues across the NWU (Potchefstroom Campus). Engelbrecht called for an increased focus on climate change adaptation, including developing early warning systems capable of handling unprecedented future extreme weather events.
“The atmospheric sciences community to collaborate with colleagues in different fields and engage with stakeholders to ensure early warnings reach vulnerable communities. In this changing environment, SASAS allows, and encourages, delegates to share research, build networks, develop young scientists, and form lasting collaborations.
“During the conference, Prof Stuart Piketh from the NWU was awarded the SASAS Medal, the highest honour in South African atmospheric sciences, recognising significant contributions to the field. Prof Piketh’s work has advanced the understanding of atmospheric processes and their implications for local and regional pollution transport, environmental policy and community health initiatives,” he said.
Engelbrecht said other highlights included the keynote address by Prof Paola Formenti, whose work on atmospheric aerosols in southern Africa is crucial to improve climate models and their understanding of cloud process. He said a panel discussion led by the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), a national research facility that manages long-term environmental observation programmes, included discussions on collaborations, sharing of data and community involvement under the theme: “Science and Society”.
“SAEON plays a crucial role in atmospheric science by providing high-quality environmental data and infrastructure essential for research and monitoring. Their involvement emphasised the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing the understanding of atmospheric processes and environmental change.
“The 38th SASAS conference highlighted the critical role of atmospheric sciences in addressing climate change and environmental challenges. As global temperatures continue to rise, the insights and innovations from the SASAS community are vital. The collective efforts of the delegates demonstrate a commitment to advancing atmospheric sciences for societal benefit.”said Engelbrecht.
He said, however, the SASAS, together with partners such as the NWU, cannot fight the climate change battle alone. Engelbrecht for the first time in 130 years, there is no snow capping Japan’s Mount Fuji.
6 November 2024- The African National Congress (ANC) commemorates the release of Isithwalandwe, the late Comrade Govan Mbeki, famously known as Oom Gov, a communist, a stalwart of the South African revolution, Umkhonto we Sizwe High Commander, and a Rivonia Trialist, who spent 24 years on Robben Island for treason and terrorism against the unjust apartheid state before his release on 5 November 1987.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said yesterday, as they remember Oom Gov, they honour him as a revolutionary intellectual dedicated to the struggle for freedom and liberation for all South Africans. Bhengu-Motsiri said his hatred for poverty and racial oppression is clear in his seminal work, “The Peasants Revolt,” which analysed peasant struggles in the Transkei and exposed apartheid injustices, serving as a guide for freedom fighters.
“Oom Gov consistently placed the people’s needs and security above his own, working fulltime as a political reporter and editor for New Age, exposing colonial-apartheid evils in the movement’s newspaper until its ban in 1962 by John Vorster.
“We reflect on the commitment to education transformation and access to learning today through the historical lens of the Freedom Charter, which Oom Gov believed in and how it symbolises our advance towards a South Africa where “The Doors of Learning and Culture Shall Be Opened” for all,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri further said yet, on this day that must celebrate a giant of the struggle who gave his all for freedom and equality in South Africa, they witness the Democratic Alliance (DA), Freedom Front Plus, and Afri-Forum holding a so-called protest rally at the Voortrekker Monument. She added that this gathering signals their intent to further consolidate and revive the divisive system of our dark past under the pretence of opposing the progressive Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, which has been signed into law by President Ramaphosa.
“Their protest against the implementation of the BELA Act, which seeks to promote social cohesion and provide dual mediums of instruction, is emblematic of their commitment to preserving apartheid-era policy thinking.
“The Voortrekker Monument was completed in 1949 and inaugurated as apartheid’s symbol of Afrikaner supremacy just after the National Party adopted its system of apartheid, and this protest symbolically represents a painful era of exclusion, dispossession, and oppression,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said their choice to protest there is not coincidental. Bhengu-Motsiri said it is a calculated move that aligns itself with the values of a South Africa they fought against and are consistent in dismantling and burying in their efforts for a true united non-racial South Africa that has no place for discrimination and exclusions of any form.
“As we reflect on this protest, we cannot deliberately ignore or imagine away the historical connection of the evil John Vorster, whose oppressive system of apartheid unjustly threw Oom Gov and other Rivonia Trialists into jail during his tenure as Minister of Justice.
“Vorster’s strong influence and direction in the apartheid regime’s language policies was significant, exemplified by his declaration of 1975 as Language Year when he was President. This immoral and heartless apartheid head diametrically opposed the progress of a black child and his government forcefully imposed Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in black schools, to deeply entrench historic inequality and cultural hegemony,” she said.
6 November 2024- A woman (23) was sentenced to 6 years by Kakamas Magistrate’s Court for attempted murder. On 25 November 2023, the accused, Jo Ann Coetzee was fighting with her mother at their house in Noordkamp, Keimoes, when her brother was called to intervene.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Coetzee threw a beer in her brother’s face, stabbed him in his back and chest. Kock said she was subsequently arrested and sentenced on 30 October 2024.
“She was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment, but suspended for 5 years. She was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Management lauded Detective Sergeant TZ Mohutsiwa of the Kakamas Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for her thorough investigation that led to the conviction. The management said the police will continue to display a zero tolerance approach towards domestic violence and are committed to bringing perpetrators thereof to justice.
Picture: The illegal miners arrested by police in Klerksdorp
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 November 2024- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), in their unwavering commitment to root out illegal mining activities in the province and in particular, Klerksdorp. Mokgosi said to date, over 1000 illegal miners affectionately known as Zama-Zamas, have been arrested through Operation Vala Umgodi.
“This ongoing operation forms part of the Safer Festive strategy, which will run for 123 days until the end of January 2025.
“This is an all-inclusive crime fighting initiative, which is centred on tackling illicit mining, murder, attempted murder, rape, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), drug offences, illegal dealing in liquor and burglaries, as well as traffic violations and illegal immigration among others,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “A number of illegal miners who resurfaced yesterday, rose from the initial 269 to 439. In total, the number of illegal miners who resurfaced between 18 October and 5 November 2004, rose to just above 1000.
“The suspects are still being processed accordingly. The 55 suspects arrested on 2 November 2024, appeared in court on 5 November 2024, however, charges against them were withdrawn.”
Mokgwabone further said they were nevertheless detained by Immigration Officials in terms of Section 34 of the Immigration Act, 2002, pending deportation order.
Picture: The dagga confiscated by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
6 November 2024- A man (41) was arrested for dealing in Upington on 3 November 2024. According to the Northern Cape police, the suspect was arrested during crime intelligence-driven actions.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police received a tip-off that was operationalised by crime intelligence and Upington Border Police. Shemane further said a search was conducted at the identified premises, where dagga valued at approximately R303 450 was found and confiscated.
“Subsequently, a foreign national was arrested for dealing in drugs,” he added.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Peet Coetzee, applauded the police for their swift response in removing the drugs and arresting the suspect. Coetzee also thanked the community members, who continuously provide the police with valuable information.
6 November 2024- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi applauded the North West Department of Education on the successful launch of its ground-breaking Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education (MTbBE) program for Grade 4s. Mokgosi said the department launched the program, which is primarily aimed at offering Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology in mother tongue.
“We congratulate the department on the successful launch of its ground-breaking MTbBE, which is primarily aimed at offering Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology in mother tongue.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to applaud tavern owners and their continued support by reducing their business operating hours and other activities during these matric examinations. We extend our gratitude to traditional leaders, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), parents, Faith-Based Organisations and Youth organizations,” he said.
Mokgosi further said their preparations for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) examinations and the implementation thereof has so far not experienced any incident, both from a policy or operational perspective.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “The launch marked a pivotal step in promoting cultural inclusivity and strengthening foundational learning through the use of mother tongue instruction which is Setswana starting with the Grade 4 learners.
“The event featured a keynote address highlighting the vision and goals of MTbBE, set to begin in January 2025 for Grade 4 learners, and panel discussions exploring the benefits and implementation strategies of this transformative approach. The MTbBE program is designed to empower North West learners by connecting their education to their linguistic heritage, fostering inclusivity, and building a bilingual foundation.”
Motsumi added that in alignment with South Africa’s National Language Policy Framework, MTbBE also draws inspiration from the African Union’s call to build resilient, inclusive education systems across the continent. She said she shared a keynote address, while panel discussions were lined up by linguistic experts.
Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi during media briefing/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 November 2024- The North West Premier, Lazrus Mokgosi said his government will continue to address challenges vexing the communities, as well as implement the plans and commitments they have initiated to change their lives for the better. Mokgosi said the 2023/24 audit cycle which ended on 31 March 2024, serves as a ‘glimmer of hope’ when compared to previous financial years.
He further said a total of nine departments received unqualified audit outcomes with two receiving clean audits and only one department receiving a qualified audit opinion with reduced qualification paragraphs. Mokgosi added that this foundation has eased the transition as they managed to finalize and table the 2024/2025 Provincial Budget by focusing primarily on the immediate task of rolling out key service delivery programmes as well as job creation.
“Similarly audit outcomes in municipalities continue to demonstrate signs of improvement as some have been able to move out of the negative audit category. Of the 22 municipalities, 21 submitted Annual Financial Statements (AFS) for the 22/23 financial year with an exception of Ditsobotla Local Municipality.
“Three municipalities, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, City of Matlosana and Moses Kotane, obtained unqualified opinions in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years. Progress was also registered in Moretele Local Municipality, which moved from qualified to unqualified, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality from unfavorable to qualified,” said Mokgosi.
He said Kgetleng-Rivier Local Municipality has moved from disclaimer to qualified audit outcomes. Mokgosi said all these efforts are as a consequence of the financial recovery plans that they have initiated through the deployment of Provincial Executive Representatives (PERs) in line with the national treasury guidelines, as they believe that it is important for these municipalities to adopt sustainable and funded budgets to meet the developmental needs of the residents.
“The stabilization of these municipalities has enabled us to focus our energies on rolling out various water and sanitation projects at a cost of over R66 million benefiting over 41 000 residents. Through our bi-weekly Thuntsha Lerole initiative, we officially opened a R97 million bulk sewer and water reticulation project at Rekgaratlhile Township, near Stella.
“Similar projects are being implemented, while some have been completed in Moretele, Kgetleng, Ramotshere Moiloa, Mahikeng, Matlosana, Tswaing, Greater Taung and Kagisamo-Molopo Local Municipalities. In total, 29 water projects are being rolled out across the province,” he said.
Mokgosi said unemployment is a cause for concern in the province, hovering around 54%. He said more than half of the province’s population are suffering from severe hunger.
“In response to the latter, the provincial government has initiated food distribution programmes to assist families in need. Through the Presidential Stimulus Package for the 2024/2025 period, R48m has been allocated to the province targeting 2400 households through commodities such as vegetables and fruits, grains, broilers and small stock aquaculture & fisheries.
“In addressing challenges of unemployment, we have appointed the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council to assist the province drive the growth and development path of our province through the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy. To date, we have garnered investments to the tune of over ten billion rand in the N14 Mixed Development, Manufacturing as well as Renewable Energy.
“We have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Henan Province of China and renewed our economic ties with the Gyeongsangbuk-Do Province of South Korea during our visit to the two countries,” said Mokgosi.
He said these efforts will culminate into various investment opportunities that will create employment for the people of this province and address high levels of poverty and unemployment afflicting our communities. Mokgosi said on Monday, he met with the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of leading Indian companies in the country through the Indian Business Forum and they have also expressed interest in investing in Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining, which are primarily the province’s economic drivers.
“We also advertised over 240 vacant posts across all the departments of government targeting vulnerable groups such as women, youth and people with disabilities to take a lead in job creation.
“In mitigating the impact of poverty and hunger in our communities, we have set aside over R280 million to bolster subsistence, smallholder and commercial farmers to enhance and boost food production in the next financial year,” he said.
Mokgosi said their investment drive will only find traction, if they prioritize infrastructure development, particularly through the construction and upgrading of the roads. He said they have managed to introduce contractors to various communities for the construction of several road projects, including the upgrading of Road P202 in Ramokokastad in partnership with Anglo Platinum, who have contributed R50 million towards the project.
“Furthermore, the upgrading of Road D533 from the Manamakgoteng intersection through Sandfontein to Dikweipi, where Anglo Platinum has contributed R108 million towards this project, is in full swing. The provincial government also opened a completed R190 million second phase road construction project between Schweizer Reneke and Christiana in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
“Maubane community in Moretele was also handed over the newly repaired D625 road, which was upgraded at the cost of over R47 million. This is over and above the several roads that have been officially handed over across the province since June 2024, with a combined total of over R1,1 billion,” said Mokgosi.
5 November 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Health will resume public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill of 2022 in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) from 8 until 10 November 2024. The KZN public hearings are the last provincial public hearings on the Bill, following the recently concluded public hearing in the Northern Cape.
The Portfolio Committee on Health of the 6th Parliament, conducted public hearings in seven provinces, and this committee is concluding the public participation process.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said on 25 October 2024, the committee resolved to continue its public participation process following legal advice from Parliamentary Legal Services on concerns about the NEDLAC consultation process. Dhlomo said the legal opinion stated that while the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) has its own internal protocol for considering matters, the NEDLAC Act does not prescribe a specific process that must be followed.
“It also noted that NEDLAC is empowered to continue engaging on the Bill even after it has been introduced in Parliament. It is on this basis that the committee decided to continue with its public participation process.
“The public hearings form part of Parliament’s constitutionally mandated public participation process to consult citizens in law-making. The committee reiterates its commitment to create a conducive platform for constructive inputs on the Bill, irrespective of the views held,” he said.
Dhlomo further said the Bill seeks to strengthen public health protection measures, align South African tobacco control law with the World Health Organization Framework Convention, and repeal the Tobacco Control Act of 1993. He added that the proposed legislative and policy changes seek to introduce indoor public places and certain outdoor areas will be designated 100% smoke-free.
“This includes a ban on the sale of cigarettes through vending machines, plain packaging with graphic health warnings and pictorials, a ban on display at point of sale, and the regulation and control of electronic nicotine delivery systems and non-nicotine delivery systems.
“In Northern Cape, the committee received varying inputs from members of the public and organisations, with some welcoming the Bill because it is a necessary intervention in the context of increasing consumption of tobacco and electronic delivery systems products,” said Dhlomo.
He said those supporting the Bill argued that public healthcare should supersede selfish profit-making by the tobacco industry. Dhlomo said also, supporters of the Bill argued that there was a need to curb access to tobacco products for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the youth, which the Bill provides.
“Those against the Bill cautioned that the Bill would be detrimental to job prospects provided by the industry and would open the market for illicit cigarette trade, which would not benefit the country’s tax revenue base.
“Also, dissenters argued that the intention to introduce plain packaging has the potential to infringe on trademark laws of registered producers of tobacco products, which, according to them, was undesirable. Representatives of the electronic delivery systems industry also called for differentiation between vapes and tobacco products, which they argued was being conflated by the Bill,” he said.
Picture: Former CFO at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, Hendrick Mokgopane Thokoane arrested by the Hawks/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
5 November 2024- Former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, Mokgopane Hendrick Thokoane (45), briefly appeared at Christiana Magistrate’s Court today. Thokoane, who was granted a R10 000 bail, was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) yesterday on three counts of fraud and for contravening Section 173(3) of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said during the proceedings, it was revealed that Thokoane, in his capacity as the CFO and Senior Manager of the Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality, was responsible for assisting the Accounting Officer in managing the municipality’s bank account and implementing its budget.
“The investigations found that between April and May 2022, the accused procured services from Thabethe and Co to lease a vehicle for the mayor of the municipality, Sebang Motlhabi, without submitting the necessary documentation to the Office of the Municipal Manager.
“Notably, Thabethe and Co, leased the vehicle to the municipality without receiving a proper request for quotation or submitting any quotation to the Supply Chain Management office,” he said.
Gunya further said Thokoane allegedly misrepresented the circumstances surrounding the lease, falsely asserting that it had the Municipal Manager’s approval. He added that as a result of these misrepresentations, the municipality reportedly incurred a financial loss of approximately R167,600.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed Thokoane’s arrest and commended both the prosecutor and the investigating officer for their efforts in ensuring that the accused appeared in court. Makhari reiterated the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating commercial crimes and emphasised the importance of upholding justice and integrity within public service.
The Guardian 