Picture: Taung and Potchefstroom Agricultural Colleges students
By REGINALD KANYANE
4 November 2024- The North West MEC for of Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said he extend his well-wishes to all students at Taung and Potchefstroom Agricultural Colleges as they embark on their end-of-year assessments. Sambatha said as the academic year draws closer, he recognises the dedication and resilience these future agricultural leaders demonstrated throughout the academic year.
He further said their commitment to advancing their knowledge and skills within the sector is pivotal. Sambatha added that as they approach this critical phase of their academic journey, he wants to take a moment to wish them the best.
“Your dedication to agricultural education will pave the way for a brighter future. Know that your hard work and perseverance are the seeds sown for a brighter future in agriculture.
“The department stands behind you. We are confident that your efforts will yield great success. Students at the Potchefstroom campus have already commenced their examinations, while those at Taung began today,” he said.
Sambatha said these assessments are set to continue through mid-November. He said a team of dedicated staff at both campuses has worked diligently to maintain a conducive learning environment, ensuring a seamless examination process with secure venues, comprehensive exam schedules, and robust support services.
“The department encourages communities and parents to rally behind these future agriculturists, providing emotional support and motivation during this critical period. Their success will significantly contribute to the growth and development of the agricultural sector,” said Sambatha.
4 November 2024- The North West Department of Education will launch a ground-breaking Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education (MTbBE) initiative. The department said the launch marks a pivotal step in promoting cultural inclusivity and strengthening foundational learning through the use of mother tongue instruction, which is Setswana starting the Grade 4 learners.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the event will feature 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 launch will take place at Seasons Conference Centre in Mahikeng on Tuesday. The proceeding will commence at 9am. 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.
“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.
Motsumi further said she will share a keynote address, while panel discussions are lined up by linguistic experts.
Picture: The torched house of a traditional healer
By OBAKENG MAJE
4 November 2024- Nine suspects who were arrested in Modutung village, near Taung, for various crimes such as kidnapping, attempted murder, murder, arson and malicious damage to property will apply for bail today. 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.
4 November 2024- A trial on a murder case against a rapist and alleged murderer, Bakang Katong (32) and his co-accused, Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), is set to start today at Taung Regional Court. The accused persons were arrested two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35), in cold blood.
This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival.
“The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” he said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
31 October 2024- North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng met with the department key stakeholders, SANSBOC and SANTACO to address issues that will harmonize the working relationship with the bodies.
The first meeting was with SANSBOC to deal with scholar Transport claims and late payments which has been a thorn that also worried Morweng as the matter can affect learners who rely on the service.
He further resolved that outstanding payments to scholar transport operators should be given priority and those that are claimed are outstanding be brought forward and be dealt with. Morweng added that the second meeting was with SANTACO, which was on commuter transport and the role SANTACO should play in the industry, as well as what is due to them as per agreement.
“We resolved that a meeting that is expected to take place next week on Monday between SANTACO and Commuter Bus companies, the Head of Department (HOD), and other relevant parties, must come up with a workable solution.
“All participants of the two meetings appreciated how we handled their matters and they were grateful about the outcome of the meetings,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By BAKANG MOKOTO
31 October 2024- In efforts to mobilize parents and communities in supporting learners, particularly during the demanding examination period, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, held a crucial engagement session with School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and ward councillors from underperforming schools at Victory Primary School in Mahikeng on 30 October 2024.
The department is making a heartfelt appeal to parents to step forward and support learners by providing vital assistance at school incubation camps, which require additional manpower to operate effectively. Motsumi emphasises that the role of SGBs should extend beyond administrative tasks to focus on enhancing teaching and learning quality.
“When we launched the last push campaign in September, we called on all stakeholders including the parent component to rally behind our candidates during the examination time to acquire the desired results at the end of the year.
“Now, we need to take action on the last push we launched knowing that it takes a village to raise a child. I urge every SGB member to prioritise the learners’ best interests above all else. We need SGBs that are committed to fostering a curriculum that truly supports our learners,” she said.
Motsumi further said the session underscores that many SGBs in underperforming schools dedicate excessive time to administrative responsibilities, often overlooking their critical role in actively managing and monitoring educational quality, which is essential for improving learner outcomes. She added that simultaneously, similar engagement sessions are taking place across all four districts in the province, led by senior officials from the department, to ensure a united effort in addressing educational challenges at all levels.
“The department is encouraged by the commitment of newly-elected SGBs in schools facing performance challenges. Their active involvement will be pivotal in enhancing school operations, addressing community needs, and improving learner success,” said Motsumi.
31 October 2024 – South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr Danny Jordaan and several of his counterparts from the COSAFA region have endorsed Dr Patrice Motsepe to be re-elected as Confederation of African Football (CAF) President.
Jordaan welcomed Botswana Football Association, President Oabile Tariq Babitseng, Zambia’s Andrew Kamanga, Eswatini’s Peter Simelane and Malawi’s Fleetwood Haiya to SAFA House in Nasrec on Wednesday and they all said they are backing Motsepe to be appointed for a second term during the CAF elections in March 2025.
Jordaan said while most of the 14 member countries of COSAFA were not present at SAFA House, they are fully behind the re-election of Motsepe and have already confirmed their support.
“I’ve spoken to all of the Presidents in the region and some of them could not be here with us, but they did send messages of support, and we want to explain why we are supporting the name of Motsepe.
“We did so the first time he served a term in 2021 and now he is going for the second term. I think from our perspective, from their own perspective (the Presidents), there’s been significant improvement in CAF not just from a financial point of view because very often you only look at the financial aspect, but also from a football point of view.
“We now have a CAF schools’ competition which starts in COSAFA and of course SAFA are the champions of both schools’ girls and boys. Then there is the Under 20 Championship,” he said.
Jordaan further said football on the continent has grown in leaps and bounds under Motsepe’s watch, with both the women’s and the men’s game continuing to show rapid development. He added that football has really shown exponential growth under the leadership of Motsepe.
“From a CAF perspective, you know that CAF started off with a huge deficit. Andrew Kamanga sitting here next to me is the vice-chair of the CAF Finance Committee. He gave the financial report to the CAF Congress in Addis, Ethiopia, recently, and he can give you details on how that recovery happened.
“But simply to say that the most financially successful Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was the recent one in Côte d’Ivoire (in the beginning of the year) and it was a huge success, in terms of television viewership, in terms of revenue, ticket sales, global reach, all of it was just phenomenal,” said Jordaan.
He said given the background and the achievement over the period, they thought it’s best for them to endorse Motsepe again for a second time.
Meanwhile, the regional Presidents that were present at SAFA House, echoed Jordaan’ sentiments and said, Motsepe came in during a challenging period for CAF in 2021, but he managed to turn things around and the continental body is heading in the right direction.
Kamanga said: “So, the time that Motsepe has been with CAF since 2021, the results are there to show. And for the sake of continuity and believing that we will even do much, much better, we think we need the stability and continuation of leadership. For that reason, we’ve resolved as members of COSAFA to support his candidacy to the next election in March 2025.”
31 October 2024- A man (29) who was arrested for murder remanded in custody until 1 November 2024, for formal bail application. It is alleged that Jeremy Bosman assaulted and killed his stepson, Charvandre Kieran Everson (3), after he wet the bed in De Aar.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said Bosman is also facing assault with the intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) charge against the child’s mother, Charmelle Thys (29). Senokoatsane said on 19 October 2024, following an incident where the young victim urinated in bed, Bosman allegedly reacted violently by repeatedly striking the child on the head with his hands.
“It is further alleged that he used a broom to assault the boy and subsequently slammed his head against a wall. Witness testimonies and preliminary investigations suggested that these actions left the child unable to eat or open his mouth properly.
“Following a second incident of urination, Bosman again assaulted Everson, resulting in blood being observed in the child’s mouth and him losing control of his bodily functions. Reports indicate that the toddler was left weak and unable to move his legs,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said realising the severity of his actions, Bosman reportedly instructed Thys, the mother of the child not to disclose anything about the incidents and took the injured child to the De Aar New Hospital. He added that upon arrival, medical personnel determined that Everson had already succumbed to his injuries.
“During the examination, staff noted multiple bruises on the child’s body, particularly on his back, prompting them to contact law enforcement due to suspicions of foul play. Following an investigation, the police charged Bosman with murder and assault GBH.
“Bosman will remain in custody until 1 November 2024, where he is expected to formally apply for bail. However, the prosecution intends to oppose bail in this Schedule 6 bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges,” said Senokoatsane.
He said the investigations into the matter continue and NPA is committed to ensure that justice is served.
30 October 2024– The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services received a legal opinion on the Public Protector’s (PP) report on the escape of Thabo Bester from Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC). The committee is unable to act on the report due to pending legal action.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said, however, it has indicated its consideration of continuing with the hearing of the escape of Bester matter that was started by the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services of the 6th Parliament.
Ramolobeng said the committee requested Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Services Office to advise it on how to process the report of the PP on the “Investigation into allegations of improper conduct by the functionaries of the Department of Correctional Services relating to the escape of Bester from MCC and allegations of undue delay and/or omission by the Former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services to Intervene regarding the incident.
“The committee heard that this request for the legal opinion is made in light of a pending litigation between the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and G4S, a security company subcontracted by Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (Pty) LTD to run the Mangaung Correctional Centre.
“The PP’s remedial action includes that the Minister of Correctional Services must take note of the findings of improper conduct against the DCS functionaries as highlighted in the Report, in connection with the allegation that there was undue delay by implicated officials of the DCS,” she said.
Ramolobeng further said the National Commissioner of Correctional Services must within 90 calendar days from the date of receipt of the report, develop an appropriate DCS’ Escape Prevention Strategy and Guidelines for the Mangaung Correctional Centre facility indicating monitoring mechanisms, proper systems to be put in place directing how the functionaries of the DCS and Contractors must effectively prevent and manage escapes of inmates within MCC including all other correctional facilities.
She added that the Commissioner must within 120 days from the date of receipt of the report ensure that the DCS has a documented guideline, which communicates how Anonymous Anti-Corruption Reports from the centralised Office of the Public Service Commission’s Hotline and other sources will be attended to by DCS in line with the purpose and the objects of the Protected Disclosures Act, 2000 and other relevant prescripts.
Ramolobeng said in relation to the Speaker, the PP directed that the Speaker must within 30) days of receipt of the report bring to the attention of the Chairperson of the Committee to take cognisance thereof.
“The committee largely agrees with the legal opinion that its overarching constitutional mandate is to ensure accountability and exercise of oversight functions over the DCS, and the court case does not prohibit the committee from fulfilling that constitutional mandate.
“The committee further resolved to write to the Speaker to request permission to gather all the information and documents gathered by the research team during the two-day hearing held last year by the 6th Parliament on the matter,” said Ramolobeng.
She said they will then get an idea of whether the information requested then was supplied. Ramolobeng said they did receive all the documentation.
“That two-day inquiry was raised in the meeting, and some feel we must continue with it from where the 6th Parliament ended off. We need to then decide what aspects we look at in order not to repeat the work done.
“The committee also took a decision to call the DSC to account and she indicated progress on the remedial action. We must ensure that the department complies with the remedial actions,” said Ramolobeng.
She said they want timelines of what was submitted already to the PP and what is still outstanding. Ramolobeng said most importantly, they want to know why they delayed in reporting the escape as highlighted by the PP.
Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
30 October 2024- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane led a two-day Biodiversity Sector Stakeholder Engagement at Sun City in Rustenburg. The engagement marked a significant milestone in the 7th administration’s first 100 days in office, highlighting a strong commitment to sustainable development through biodiversity initiatives.
In her address, Lenkopane emphasized the critical role of biodiversity conservation in securing both the economic future and environmental sustainability of the province. She also highlighted the importance of preserving the province’s unique ecosystems from the lush bushveld savannas to the red sands of the Kalahari thorn-veld, positioning the province as a key destination for ecotourism.
“I am grateful to see such a strong turnout, reflecting our shared dedication to environmental stewardship. These gatherings aim to unlock economic opportunities that will bring meaningful change to our communities.
“We would like to applaud the departmental management and the entities for their commitment to this vision. The economic potential of wildlife ranching, a thriving industry since the 1960s, now worth billions of rands. With over 1,200 game farms and two UNESCO-designated biospheres the Magaliesberg and Marico, the North West province is primed to attract local and international investment, create jobs, and build sustainable industries,” said Lenkopane.
She further stressed the need for a regulatory framework to support growth while safeguarding natural resources. Lenkopane added that the key to the progress announced at the engagement is adoption of the Biodiversity Framework aimed at ensuring that biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely.
“We need to recognise that human and ecosystem sustainability requires a global target of 30% of land and sea being placed under protection by 2030.
“This working framework balances conservation with economic growth by expanding protected areas and fostering investment in biodiversity-based enterprises,” she said.
Lenkopane said the provincial government’s dedication to biodiversity is further reinforced through proposed regulatory reforms, including the North West Biodiversity Bill, aimed at creating a more supportive environment for biodiversity businesses.
She said this event highlights the significant role the biodiversity economy can play in tackling the socioeconomic challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
“We are strategically positioning the biodiversity sector to respond to these needs and provide sustainable, local economic benefits.
“We also discussed the expanding market for game meat production, community-owned enterprises, and bioprospecting opportunities, all of which contribute to rural economies and support local industries,” said Lenkopane.
She said the discussions addressed the advancement of the biodiversity economy through initiatives like ecotourism development, commercialization of biodiversity assets, and sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. Lenkopane said this aligns with the province’s commitment to transforming biodiversity into a catalyst for job creation, poverty alleviation, and economic inclusion.
The Guardian 