Probe into SASSA Social Relief of Distress launched

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Picture: SASSA card

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 October 2024- The Portfolio Committee on Social Development calls on the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe to conduct an investigation into the weaknesses identified in the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant application and payment system.

These weaknesses have created a loophole that enabled fraudsters to illegally apply for and receive the grant using the ID numbers of unsuspecting South African citizens.

Chairperson of the Committee, Bridget Masango received a briefing from Joel Cedras and Veer Gosai (First-year University of Stellenbosch students). Masango said the two students identified vulnerabilities in the SRD grant application and payment system through an informal on-campus survey they conducted after they realised that they were unable to apply for the grant.

“The system reported that they had already applied for and received the grant, even though they did not apply for this grant nor receive any payments.

“The students emphasised that they had conducted the survey and published their findings out of concern that the fraud in the system robbed the poor and vulnerable, particularly the youth, out of the social protection they need,” she said.    
 
Masango further said they applaud Cedras and Gosai’s bravery in coming out with their findings, which they view in a very serious light. She added that the committee members pointed out that they had raised these challenges with SASSA and the department on several occasions over the years.

“Other members of the public had also alerted SASSA to this challenge, but no action was taken. These weaknesses in the system exclude deserving people from applying for the grant, committee members acknowledged.
 
“Due to the seriousness of the students’ findings, the committee resolved to give the department and SASSA 30 days to conduct a full investigation into the matter and to thereafter present a detailed report to the committee, as per the request of the Minister,” said Masango.

She said as public representatives responsible for overseeing the department and SASSA, it is important that they ensure that these allegations are investigated and SASSA is given an opportunity to respond to them. Masango said the committee welcomed the commitment from Tolashe to initiate an investigation into the matter.

“It recommended that SASSA should conduct vulnerability assessments and testing of the SRD grant system to ensure that weaknesses are addressed,” she said.

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Two men nabbed for stock theft

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Picture: Two men arrested for stock theft/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 October 2024- Two men aged 24 and 30, were arrested for stock theft. The Eagles Traffic Unit police were on their normal routine when they stopped a blue Nissan Bakkie on the Zeerust to Mahikeng road, near Manyane Game Reserve.

Upon inspection of the vehicle, they found a carcass of a bull that is suspected to be stolen. The vehicle driver and passenger were arrested for stock theft.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said it is believed that there are more cattle that the suspects have stolen in a farm somewhere and slaughtered in Bakkerville. Morweng said another cattle was found in the quarries around bushes of Bakkerville on the trace of other suspects, where a Lesotho National was also arrested.

“More suspects are expected to be arrested and the officers together with the police are busy with the investigation. A case of stock theft will be registered at Lichtenburg Police Station. Those arrested are expected to appear before court soon.

“I would like to applaud The Eagles for their sterling work and reiterated that this will send a strong message to those who share the same motive,” he said.

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Ludwig’s journey from hockey to Banyana Banyana

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Picture: Banyana Banyana player, Isabella Alexa Ludwig

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 October 2024 – Isabella Alexa Ludwig (22), said is happy to see her hard work finally paying off after winning the player of the match during COSAFA Banyana Banyana’s opening match of the regional tournament at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday evening.

COSAFA Banyana Banyana beat Namibia 1-0 courtesy of a late goal from Tshegofatso Motlogelwa and Ludwig provided the assist, delivering an impressive performance from midfield. She started her football journey at the young age of 9 after she stopped playing hockey and was desperate for anything that resembled sport, football found her.

“It started when I was around 9 or 10. I changed schools to where they did not offer hockey, so the next best thing was football, and I started playing with the boys and developed a passion for it very fast.

“The midfielder said there are challenges in any career and she had to overcome a few during her journey. Definitely, there are obviously challenges within your set career path or anything you’re passionate about,” said Ludwig.

She further said it was not an easy road, but she thinks setbacks ultimately made her stronger. Ludwig added that injuries come and go as well, so they never help.

“I have had a lot of ankle injuries and I have had a lot of setbacks with them, but so far so good,” she said.

The TUKS player said her ambition was always to don the South African senior women’s national team shirt and she has worked very hard to achieve her goal. She also reminisced about the day she received her call-up to Banyana Banyana and her reaction after it had all sunk in.

“I think it was just hard work to be honest. It was obviously always my goal (to play for Banyana Banyana), but the only way you can get there is by putting in the work within the season in the Hollywoodbets Super League.

“So yeah, I’ve just been working hard, putting in the work and trying to get as much recognition and exposure as possible, which I think I was able to do. Now we are here.

“I was very, very happy (when she received the call-up), I felt like I was finally being seen or was being recognized for my hard work, so it was a very nice feeling,” said Ludwig.

She said she is able to balance being a business owner and a BCom Accounting student with her passion for football.

“There’s a lot that goes on all at once. But I think it keeps me busy, keeps me top of mind, constantly working and stuff, which works well with who I am, so it’s fine, I am managing,” said Ludwig.

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Tsela magareng ga Manthe le Makwating e ka nna ya tswala ka ntlheng ya go thubiwa ga matlapa

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Setshwantsho: Mosele o epilweng ke ba konteraka ya Ultimate Dynamic kwa Makwating

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

22 Diphalane 2024- Setlamo sa Ultimate Dynamic se se tsenyang dipeipi tsa metsi magareng ga motse wa Manthe le Makwating, mono Taung, se tsibosa ba dirisi ba tsela ka kgoreletsego e tlileng go nnang teng mo letsatsing la kamoso (23 Diphalane 2024).

Modiri wa tsa Pholo le Tshireletsego (Health and Safety) kwa Ultimate Dynamic, Peter Bareng, are ba rata go itsise baagi, ga mmogo le badirisi ba tsela ka letsholo le le tla thankgololwang la go thujwa ga matlapa magareng ga motse wa Manthe le Makwating.

“Tiragalo e, ke ya letsatsi la kamoso (23 Diphalane 2024). Letsholo le, le tlile go tsaya ura mme re ikuela go badirisi ba tsela go nna kelo-tlhoko. Letsholo le, le thankgololwa jaana ele go letla konteraka ya Utlimate Dynamic e e tsenyana dipeipi tsa metsi, go ka thuba matlapa gore e kgone go epa mosele wa go tsenya dipeipi sentle.

“Re tlile go leka ka bojotlhe gore dikgato tse di maleba tsa tshireletsego di tsenngwe tirisong. Gape, re tla netefatsa fa badirisi ba tsela le bone ba sireletsegile, mme rena le ditlabakelo tsotlhe tse di maleba, ga mmogo le tetla ya go ka thuba matlapa ao go ya ka semolao,” Bareng wa tlhalosa.

Are tshireletsego ya baagi go ralala metse e e tla amegang e tseetswe kwa setlhoeng, mme go tla tsenngwa tirisong melao ya tshireletsego jaaka Seismographs go lekola thoromo ya lefatshe fa go thubiwa matlapa. Bareng are go tla netefatswa fa go diriwa seo go ya ka tshireletsego le sekgala se se rileng.

“Kgaolo ya tshireletsego (safety zone) e tla dirwa go potologa lefelo le go thubiwang matlapa mo go lone, mme baitsaanape ba ba rupeletsweng go utlwala ba tla be ba le teng go ele tlhoko seemo mo tulong eo.

“Baagi ga mmogo le dikgwebo tse di gaufi le lefelo le, ba tla itsisiwe ka nako pele ga go thubiwa matlapa ao. Go ka nna ga itemogelwa modumo o sa tlwaelesegang, ga mmogo le thoromo ya lefatshe e namatshang mo karolong e go thubiwang matlapa mo go yone,” Bareng wa tlhalosa.

Are tsela e tla tswalwa nakwana, mme bakgweetsi ba tla lemosiwa gore ba lebe kae go ka efoga se. Bareng are ba kopa maitshwarelo go botlhe ba ba tla amiwang ke tiragalo e, mme botlhe ba ba nang le dipotso ba ka letsetsa dinomoro tsa 0765157782 go ka tlhalosetswa botokwa.  

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa mokgatlho wa ditekesi wa Taung Taxi Association, Tshidi Letlhaku are: “Re ikuela go maloko a rona a ditekesi go tsaya tsiboso e tsia. Seo se tla ba thusa gore ba ba rwalelang baithuti go ya kwa dikolong tse di farologaneng, thata jang ba marematlou ba efoge tiego eo.

“Ka jalo, re ba rotloetsa go tsaya tsela ya Taung Dam, gore ba se itemogele tiego epe.”

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The family of a boy who drowned in a canal in Hartswater left dejected  

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, the father of the deceased, Seun Sehemo and his wife

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 October 2024- A family of Kutlwano Sehemo (13), who drowned in a water canal in Bonita Park Informal Settlement, near Hartswater, said they were left dejected by how the police divers dealt with the whole situation. The body of Kutlwano was only retrieved after 48 hours in Maphoitsile village, in Taung, more than 15km away after being washed away.  

It is alleged that on 17 October 2024, Kutlwano and his friends went to the water canal to cool off during the hot weather. However, it is alleged that a Grade 7 learner from Kgono Primary School in Pampierstad, disappeared under the water.

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The body of the deceased was retrieved in a water canal in Maphoitsile village and an inquest docket was opened.”

The deceased’s father, Seun Sehemo said it was disheartening to see the police divers doing nothing to retrieve the body of his son. Sehemo said on the first day, the police divers came, but did not enter the water.

“They just came, looked around and left. The following day, they came and did not stay long. Only on the third day, they managed a thorough search and recovered the lifeless body of my son in Maphoitsile.  

“We were sitting at home having sleepless nights, simply because some people who were appointed in positions could not do their work. However, we are grateful that at the end of the day, we will manage to bury our son,” he said.

The Phokwane Local Municipality mayor, Willem Harmse said they will support the family throughout the process. Harmse further said they will also engage with other departments for any assistance.

“We will also ensure that we facilitate different departments, where the family needs assistance,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo visited the bereaved family on Saturday. Seitlholo said they call for collaborative efforts between government and communities in relation to public safety around water resources.

“Drowning incidents are prone around canals and other water bodies during summer season, where temperatures are high. We also visited Vaalharts and met with the Vaalharts WUA, Phokwane Local Municipality, to address safety concerns around the canal.

“I’m concerned by the consistent incidents of drowning in this community. We’ve engaged consistently with the Water User Association (WUA) on what we can do as the department to prevent future incidents of drowning,” he said.

According to Seitlholo, the WUA is currently undergoing a process of capacity building and have identified volunteers that are currently on training on how to behave around water and have taken the programme to schools. He said they hope they will have individuals within a radius that will be able to respond quickly to incidents of drowning.

“Fencing is unfortunately not a sustainable solution to the current state of the canal as far as curbing future incidents of drowning. The department conducted the decommissioning of the fencing when the fence around the canals was stolen.

“I visited the family to send personal condolences on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation. As a government, we have a responsibility to show families that we do care and to explain why we cannot fence these canals,” said Seitlholo.

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Police in North West to ensure school examinations take place in conducive environment  

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Picture: The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 October 2024 – The North West Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), has officially launched the annual Safer Festive Operation in Mahikeng on 17 October 2024. The operation commenced on 1 October 2024 until 31 January 2025.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said as part of a holistic, integrated social crime prevention and combating strategy, the operation will be executed in an intelligence-phased approach. Kwena said the first phase of the operation, which is from 1 October to 30 November 2024, is directed towards ensuring that school examinations take place in a conducive, peaceful, safe and incident free environment.

“It is in this regard that, I would like to request, encourage and call upon all the learners, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), communities, parents and Community Police Forums (CPFs), to work together with the PROVJOINTS and the Department of Education, to ensure that the examinations including the important matriculation examination, learners and educators are safe, secure and incident free.

“My message to all learners, especially the matriculants, is to remain focused, continue to study and avoid any activity that may jeopardise their personal well-being and possible unlawful conduct such as indulging in drugs and liquor during and after the examination period,” he said.

Kwena further said the police in the province have been given clear marching orders to deal decisively with any liquor outlets that will sell, supply and host the consumption of liquor to learners.

He added that communities, parents, SGBs and CPFs, are urged not to tolerate a tendency or practice of “Pens down” commonly referred to by learners in Setswana as “Go Tlhatswa Pene”, wherein they engage in wild liquor drinking celebratory parties often with disastrous repercussions for learners.

“The police are also making a call to event organizers, as well as community activists and community leaders to make sure that their events are hosted in accordance with the law. Where there are protests or marches, such are conducted in the manner that does not infringe the law or violate the rights of others.

“The SGBs and CPFs must work with school principals, educators and their local police stations to ensure that schools are crime free zones and that gangs, hawkers or vendors of dangerous foods, drug peddlers face the full might of the law,” said Kwena.

He said the SAPS and the PROVJOINTS would like to take this moment to wish the Department of Education, parents and most importantly, learners a safe, peaceful and successful examination period.

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A man who went missing found in hospital

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Picture: Simon Quincy Khumalo/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 October 2024- A man (26) who went missing on 28 September 2024, was found in hospital. Simon Quincy Khumalo, who resides at Corner Heights in Adelaide Street, Cashan, Rustenburg, was last seen by his sister, when he left home to visit friends, but never returned.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said a search was conducted around Rustenburg and all leads were followed-up, without successful results. Myburgh said at the time of Khumalo’s disappearance, he was wearing grey tracksuit pants, a blue top and red sneakers.

“He is dark in complexion with brown eyes, a slender build body, 1,6m tall with afro hair. Furthermore, his upper teeth are gold and silver plated.

“We are happy that Khumalo was found in a local hospital, where he is recovering well after allegedly being attacked and robbed in Pretoria,” she said.

Myburgh further said the South African Police Service (SAPS), appreciates the communities’ assistance. She added that community members should keep following their social media page to stay informed.

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‘Protea Women are precious ambassadors of SA’

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Picture: Protea Women against New Zealand during T20 World Cup Final  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

20 October 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa has saluted the valiant effort shown by Protea Women for the duration of the Women T20 World Cup in Dubai. McGluwa congratulated the team on behalf of the committee.

He further said the performances in the 2024 World Cup, have created an opportunity for the Proteas from now on to unlock its potential. McGluwa added that this will show the world the country’s untapped potential to win big in the future.

“South Africa must hold their heads high for the success they have realised in this year’s tournament. With every participation in global events, our women show unbelievable growth.

“Reaching a consecutive final of this tournament was a victory on its own. It is something we should be proud of as a nation. South Africa heroically defeated Australia on Thursday to firmly have a grip on the trophy,” said McGluwa.

He said they played New Zealand in the final, who set us 158, but South Africa fell just short, despite displaying an unbelievable level of maturity. McGluwa said anything was possible in the finals, and South Africans should be proud of what they have in the Protea Women.

“The silver medallists for the second tournament running, Protea women should be proud. This is an achievement and evidence that we have given a very good account of ourselves. The success of the South African women across sporting codes is something to marvel at.

“Banyana Banyana are reigning African Champions, and the Springbok Women had recently hosted a successful five nations women tournament featuring Australia, Scotland, Japan, and Italy,” he said.

McGluwa said from this point, it was upward and onward for these precious ambassadors of the Republic. He said this should serve as an inspiration and spare young women of all races and backgrounds into choosing cricket, from Gugulethu, Eldos, Umlazi, Sandton and even the rural Limpopo.

Meanwhile, New Zealand beat South Africa by 32 runs in a tantalising Women T20 World Cup final.

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Morweng calls for calm in Magogong after woman who was accused of witchcraft torched

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Picture: The charred body of Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu and her house that was torched by enraged community members  

By OBAKENG MAJ E

22 October 2024- The North West MEC Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng calls for calm in Magogong village, near Taung. This follows an incident of murder, torching of property and looting of a tuckshop.

This was allegedly sparked by the disappearance of a girl, Rethabile Molapo (13), on 13 October 2024. It is reported that the community was enraged by the accusations of who could be responsible for the disappearance of Molapo.

“The charred lifeless body of Molapo was discovered in a toilet of an abandoned house in Modutung village. A woman, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu was accused of kidnapping and killing Molapo.

“Mothusieman-Legodu was burned and killed, and also her house was torched. I strongly condemn these criminal activities and calls for calm. I plead with the community to allow the police to do their work, apprehend the culprits of this dastardly act,” he said.

Morweng further said he humbly pleaded with the community of Magogong not to take the law into their own hands and urged police to ensure that they leave no stone unturned/ He added that they must get to the bottom of this horrendous incident.

“I also urge those with information to report to the police, so that the perpetrators are speedily brought to book. No arrest has been effected so far and the motive behind the murder remains unknown,” said Morweng.

 He said investigations are ongoing and police visibility at the area has been heightened to monitor the situation. Morweng sends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

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Banyana Banyana ready to face Namibia in COSAFA Cup tournament  

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Picture: Hildah Magaia of South Africa celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between South Africa and Italy at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 October 2024– South African senior women’s national team will get their 2024 COSAFA Women’s Championship campaign underway when they face Namibia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on Tuesday afternoon at 5pm. Banyana Banyana will be looking to regain their title in this year’s tournament after three years without success and add to their record seven victories in the regional event.

Banyana Banyana interim coach, Maud Khumalo said she understood the importance of winning the first game.

“To be honest with you, we are in a relaxed mood. In the right set of mind, in a sense that we know it is match day minus one. We know that we have a few hours to play our first game of the tournament, which is very crucial.

“In this camp, everybody is ready, everybody is relaxed and focused. We are hopeful that this year’s title will remain at home. Definitely, we have to lift the hopes of South Africans, and also it is going to give us the right direction in terms of next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco,” she said.

Khumalo further said, everyone who plays against them, is going to come strong. She added that they are ready mentally and physically.

“The girls are ready to go out there to represent the country,” said Khumalo.

Meanwhile, COSAFA Banyana Banyana captain, Thalea Smidt said while they have not had much time together ahead of the tournament, they will take advantage of the opportunities presented to them tomorrow.

“The preparation so far, I think it has been good. We have not really had as much time as we would have desired, but I think we must just make use of the time that we had. I think we did what was important and what would be important for us during the game and what would be needed from us during the game.

“Obviously, the main focus for us these past few days was on the preparations for Namibia because that is our first game. It is currently the most important game because it is the game that is going to set the tone for us in the tournament,” she said.

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