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.
5 November 2024- A man who was arrested in connection with the death of his stepson, Charvandre Kieran Everson (3), will remain in custody. This comes after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully opposed the bail application of Jeremy Bosman (29) in the De Aar District Court.
The NPA regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said Bosman faces serious charges of murder in connection with the tragic death of Everson, along with charges of assault with the intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) against the child’s mother, Charmelle Thys (29).Senokoatsane said the state’s case stems from an alarming incident that occurred on 19 October 2024.
“It is alleged that after Charvandre wet the bed, Bosman reacted violently, repeatedly striking the child on the head with his hands and using a broom to assault him. Reports indicate that he also slammed the child’s head against a wall, leading to severe injuries.
“Witness testimonies and preliminary investigations suggest that these actions rendered the toddler unable to eat or open his mouth. Following a second incident, where Everson again wet the bed, Bosman allegedly assaulted him once more, resulting in visible blood in the child’s mouth and loss of control over his bodily functions,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said the child was left weak and unable to move his legs. He added that realizing the gravity of his actions, Bosman reportedly instructed Thys not to disclose the incidents before taking the injured child to the De Aar New Hospital.
“Unfortunately, upon arrival, medical personnel confirmed 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 notify law enforcement due to suspicions of foul play.
“Following a thorough investigation, police charged Bosman with murder and assault with GBH. Bosman appeared in court on 1 November to officially apply for bail. The prosecution opposed bail under Schedule 6, citing the severe nature of the charges and the risk posed by the accused to vulnerable individuals, particularly children,” said Senokoatsane.
He said Bosman was remanded in custody until 5 December 2024. Senokoatsane said NPA is committed to ensuring that justice is served in this tragic case involving domestic violence and child abuse.
“The NPA emphasises the importance of protecting the welfare of children and will continue to work diligently in prosecuting cases that threaten their safety.
“Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and the NPA calls on anyone with information to assist the authorities in bringing any additional perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Picture: The Rauwane Sepeng Secondary School destroyed by fire/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they express a deep concern over the recent fire that severely damaged a block of Grade 12 classrooms consisting of six classes at Rauwane Secondary School in Tlhabane, near Rustenburg on Monday. Motsumi said firefighters responded swiftly to the blaze ensuring that all learners and staff were evacuated safely.
“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,” she said.
Motsumi further said this will undoubtedly affect the school’s operations and efforts. She added that they 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.
5 November 2024- The Pretoria North Regional Court granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) a confiscation order against Sarathamoney Devi Sigamoney (67), after she was convicted on charges of perjury, fraud and theft. Sigamoney defrauded the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) pension pay-outs, while being the sole director of a company that was awarded tenders worth approximately R88 million from the South African Police Service (SAPS), to supply office furniture between 2017 and 2022.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the order stipulates that an amount of R138 593.00, together with interest at a prescribed rate of 11.25% per annum, calculated from the date of this order to the date of payment, be paid back to SASSA. Mamothame said the accused was also ordered to provide proof of payment to the state.
“This is the NPA’s strategy to use the forfeiture powers of the AFU to take away the proceeds of crime back to the state, to ensure that crime does not pay. Following her conviction on the matter, sentencing is set for 14 January 2025,” he said.
Picture: Some of residents who are virtually impaired receive spectacles/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
5 November 2024- Ten visually impaired residents from Dithakwaneng village, near Vryburg, received pairs of spectacles. The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said this will assure them to improve their vision.
Lehari further this was part of the Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded Accelerated Service Delivery Programme campaign. He added that the spectacles were manufactured at the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital Eye Care Clinic, which offers same day provision of prescribed spectacles from an in-house Optical Laboratory.
“The centre further performs optical surgical procedures to improve and restore eye complications. It is important for government to provide assistive devices to people with varying impairments and disabilities to improve their quality of life.
“In the past, people were forced to accept the in inevitable and adapt to their circumstances. However, all that has changed as we have introduced intervention mechanisms intending to assist them navigate their health challenges,” said Lehari.
Lehari said his department is determined to reach out to more people and provide restorative devices to enhance their vision. He said they are in the fortunate position to provide excellent eye health care to local people through public health facilities like Joe Morolong and Job Shimankana Tabane
Hospitals, which house on-site ophthalmology services to ensure people are able to have improved vision, which translates to an improved quality of life.
5 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), was postponed to Thursday by the Taung Regional Court. This comes after court recording machine malfunctioned.
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.
5 November 2024- A policeman (28) allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, Tlhalefo Setlhare (38), a man and injured another person before turning the gun on himself. It is alleged that, friends were having a house party in Zone 2 in Itsoseng Township, near Lichtenburg on 2 November 2024, when Constable Lesego Eugene Phefo took out a firearm and started shooting.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Setlhare and a man (name and age to be confirmed), were shot multiple times and died on the scene. Myburgh said Phefo was also found dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to his head and a firearm close to his body.
“The police in Itsoseng are investigating a double murder, attempted murder and inquest cases. The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in the province, mourns the death of Phefo.The fourth person, who was seriously injured was ferried to hopscotch for medical attention.
“The Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) declared the trio dead on the scene,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Kwena reminded and urged all SAPS employees to use the services of Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) in case of any challenges.
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