Picture: Former National Assembly Speaker, Thandi Modise and ANC Chief Whip in North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) is set to establish a Multi-Party Women’s Caucus. This follows the recent Provincial Whips Forum convened by the Chief Whip of the NWPL, Motlalepula Rosho, aimed at dealing with issues impacting women’s leadership across levels of governance.
The forum hosted by Rosho in partnership with the Office of the Speaker, Desbo Mohono under the theme: “Women Leadership Workshop and Emotional Intelligence,” sought to highlight the difficulties women in leadership positions go through and the impact these has on their emotional well-being to advance inclusivity, empowerment and transformation agenda.
“The resolve to constitute the women’s caucus is informed by the ever-evolving political landscape and the collaborative efforts forged by the legislature in handling matters pertaining to women.
“The Caucus’ commitment is to ensure that women’s issues find expression in the programme of the legislature and in government so that there can be a seamless implementation of the programmes affirming the lot of women,” said Rosho.
She further said the key milestones recorded in the 7th legislature among others is that, for the first time, Chief Whip of the House is a woman, opposition parties have women whips and the Chair of Chairs is a woman including some who are Chairpersons of Committees.
Rosho added that speaker-after-speakers, emphasized the unity of action amongst women leaders and the broader society to champion the cause of women and the entire populace.
Meanwhile, the event was graced by notable women such as the former Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature and former Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mme Thandi Modise, as well as former Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Pinky Moloi.
They both encourage women to stand together in pursuit of their common programme advancing their interests irrespective, where they come from. The significant dialogue hosted in the month of August, which has a political significance in the history of South Africa’s women struggles, including quest for democracy and freedom, also coincided with the birthday of one the revered stalwarts and struggle icon of the revolution, Mme Gertrude Shope, who turned 99 years.
Picture: North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation(ACSR), Collen Maine along delegates, officially opening a library in Mmatau/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR), Collen Maine said the library is a critical resource that will transform and strengthen the lives of the people. Maine, who officially opened a new modular community library in Mmatau on 19 August 2024, urged community members to take care of the facility.
He further said this is for the benefit of the community. Maine added that the Mmatau Community Library was built at a cost of R3 million, and the facility is fenced and has protection guards.
“The library features a reception area, a section for children – with furniture and toys aligned to the needs of the children that will be using the library. This also includes a computer section with five computers and one reserved for the visually impaired, WIFI, and R1.2 million-worth of furniture.
“We plead with the community to take care of the facility. I trust and urge the community of Bakwena ba ga Modisana to protect the library and not allow any person or group of people to express their frustrations on this library by burning and vandalizing it,” he said.
Maine said although they understand that there may at times be service delivery challenges, they believe there are better ways of expressing dissatisfaction – and vandalising facilities is not one of them.
“The library is well-equipped with technology to help you access the internet, which you can use to access opportunities for research, searching for job opportunities and academic development. We urge you to use WIFI sparingly for educational and research purposes only. I now leave the responsibility to protect this library, the books, computers, and everything with the community of Mmatau.
“As government, we have made a promise and delivered. Now, it is your responsibility to take care of this beautiful library. This facility is going to play a crucial role in producing future leaders,” he said.
Picture: The police conducting a patrol and search during Operation Basadi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Northern Cape police said Operation Basadi continues to yield success as a build-up to the community imbizo that will be hosted by the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga. The community imbizo will be convened at the Hebron Park Community Hall in Windsorton on Wednesday at 11am.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said crime prevention actions were executed on 20 August 2024, and the acting Frances Baard District Commissioner, Brigadier Nicky Mtongana, was the Overall Commander, while the Boetsap Station Commander, Captain Mary Modise, took the lead as female Operational Commander during Operation Basadi.
“The Provincial Components, the Frances Baard District office, members of Windsorton, Delportshoop, Boetsap and Kimberley SAPS, Provincial and local Traffic Departments, the Departments of Labour, Home Affairs and various Sol Plaatje Municipal components, joined forces to squeeze the space for criminals to operate in Windsorton.
“The disruptive actions executed included compliance inspections, vehicle check points(VCP), foot and vehicle patrols in Windsorton and surrounding areas. The team conducted compliance inspections at several tuckshops, passports verification and documents of foreign nationals during the business visits,” he said.
Kock further said during the VCP, the team stopped and searched 45 vehicles, 43 persons and distributed crime prevention safety hints flyers to motorists. He added that disruptive actions took place at several hotspot areas, which included raids at suspected drug houses.
“The team executed high visibility blue light patrols in Holpan, Hebron Park and Kutlwano in the Windsorton policing precinct. The SAPS mobile Community Service Centre was utilized to bring SAPS services closer to the community,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Nicky Mtongana, commended all the stakeholders, who participated in the operations for the collaboration in working towards creating a safer town and invited the Windsorton and surrounding communities to attend the Frances Baard Community Imbizo, that will take place on 21 August 2024.
Picture: The workers at Zeerust Hospital in a meeting with the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The workers, who down tools for the past two days at the Zeerust Hospital, have resolved to return to work. This comes after they had a consultative engagement with the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari.
The workers who are affiliated to DENOSA, NEHAWU and HOSPERSA unions, have been protesting for the past two days. They presented several issues which they demanded should be addressed.
These issues were contained in a Memorandum of Demands (MoD), which was handed over to Lehari and was also read in the presence of all those who were in attendance.
The main issue among the demands raised was payment of the 30% overtime. This issue was seen as a contributing factor or as a result of other associated issues of demands like shortage of personnel, which they said was at a critical level, filling of replacement posts, the old and non-responsive structure.
This also includes too many acting positions, translation of the ranks of some of the employees and appointment of a full time CEO. Other issues raised include providing personnel for distribution of patients’ food, management of the food service tender, the need to be consulted on nurses’ uniform, renovated wards remain unused and the need to upgrade the hospital infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Lehari, who was accompanied by the provincial, district and hospital management team, together with the chairperson of the hospital board and the local councillor, allowed workers to present their issues. When responding to the workers’ demands, Lehari assured the workers that the majority of the issues raised are being attended to except that there seems to be a communication gap between management and the workers.
He was however quick to point out that the purpose of the meeting was to find solutions.
“The core issue which is payment of overtime exceeding 30% is receiving attention at the highest level. At the provincial level, the CFO has assured me that the department has managed to set aside about R51 million to pay all workers categories, who are illegible.
“The department is ready to pay. We only await approval from the National Department of Public Service and Administration and I can assure you of my commitment to make a follow-up with the national ministry,” said Lehari.
He further said within seven days, he will come to give them feedback. Lehari added that both management and the unions will have planned meetings to discuss all the issues raised by the workers.
“For example, I informed the workers that the department has set aside R71 million for upgrading the hospital. The project is about to start, yet the workers did not know. The workers were also not aware that the demand for filling of posts was being addressed as the nurses’ posts were to be advertised.
“The meeting ended on a positive note as the workers resolved to return to work. The acting Hospital CEO made a commitment to work with the unions to resolve all the outstanding issues and to brief the workers on a regular basis,” he said.
A woman (21) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Keimoes Regional Court for murder. This comes after Annolize Beukes stabbed her boyfriend, Danwil Swartz (29) to death.
According to the ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela, on 23 October 2022, the couple had an argument during which Beukes stabbed her boyfriend to death. She was arrested Following the meticulous investigation by the investigating officer, Constable Eshley Jonkers, who is attached to the Keimoes Detectives.
“The suspect was brought before court, where she pleaded guilty on a charge of murder. The Management of the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape has welcomed the sentence handed down to the accused for murder of her boyfriend.
“The sentence is a clear indication that detectives in the province remain focused and intentional in ensuring that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) are brought to justice,” she said.
A woman (29) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for murder. Nadia Schwartz from Currieskamp killed her boyfriend, Floors Nell (28).
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said on 30 December 2023, the Keimoes police attended a murder scene, where the deceased was stabbed in the chest, following an altercation with his girlfriend over alcohol and money.
“Schwartz fatally stabbed her boyfriend, Nell, who succumbed due to the injuries he sustained. She was arrested on the scene and was released on bail until her sentencing to 12 years imprisonment, of which two years is suspended for five years.
“The Management of the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape welcomed the sentence that was handed down to the woman for the murder of her boyfriend. This follows a meticulous investigation by the investigating officer, Sergeant Piet Eiman attached to the Keimoes Detectives,” she said.
Masegela further said the sentence is a clear indication that detectives in the province remain focused and intentional in ensuring that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) are brought to justice.
Picture: Some of learners affected by lack of scholar transport
By OBAKENG MAJE
Lack of scholar transport continues to have a negative impact in rural areas across the North West. Learners from Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, said it has been two months without scholar transport and they are now forced to walk long distances to go to school.
Recently, the affected learners marched to the North West Department of Education (Taung Sub-District office), demanding scholar transport. They alleged that lack of scholar transport leads to missed classes and potential educational setbacks.
A Grade 12 learner from Batlhaping High School, Reaobaka Goshupelwang (18), said they do not feel safe as they walk through the bushes to get to school.
“The situation is so grim and no one is willing to listen to our plea. We are now forced to bear the brunt and put our lives at risk in the process. Some of the learners are females and we are afraid that they might be raped one day.
“In most cases, we arrive late at school and some teachers will bar us from attending their classes due to coming late. This has a huge impact in our teaching and learning,” he said.
Another Grade 11 learner from Mankuroane Technical School, Tshepng Sesinyi, shared the same sentiments. Sesinyi said they have written a few letters to the principals, complaining about the same issue, but their plea fell in deaf ears.
“No one is taking us seriously and willing to listen to our plea. We urge the department to come up with a lasting solution in addressing this challenge because this is our future that we are talking about,” he said.
The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said they are aware that some parents and a few learners arrived at the Greater Taung Local Education Department offices in taxis to voice their displeasure. Molokwane further said the parents were granted a hearing by the appropriate authorities, who oversee learner transport matters through the North West Community Safety and Transport Management.
“To address the concerns highlighted, the department promptly sent the learners a scholar bus. We may emphasise that service providers failing to uphold their end of the bargain, they are letting the Departments of Education and COSATMA down.
“Since learners’ transportation fails, we have asked principals not to lock gates for them. Punishing learners for tardiness when it is not intentional would be unfair. Again, we will speak with the principals,” he said. Plans for recuperation are implemented to account for the time lost in teaching and learning,” he said.
Molokwane added that the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has received their entreaties to terminate the contracts of non-compliant service providers.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Charles Matlou said: “The department is aware of the matter through our monitoring process. There has been inconsistent provision of service on the route in question.
“The department has been in constant communication with the service provider. As an interim measure, we have requested one of the service providers with extra capacity to transport learners’ whilst a permanent solution is found.”
Matlou said the department regretted the inconvenience caused by this and urged the parents, as well as school principals to be proactive and make them aware of any challenges as early as they can. He said this will assist the learners not lose more hours of learning.
Over the last few months, we have seen a growing confidence among investors, businesses and citizens about the prospects for our economy. The latest Business Confidence Index published by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) points to an increase in business confidence since the elections in May. This sentiment is evident in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s All-Share Price Index, which increased by about 8% from the end of May to the end of July 2024.
This is welcome news, particularly in light of the most recent employment figures released by Statistics South Africa, which show that unemployment remains extremely high at 33.5%. Business confidence is so important to our efforts to create jobs because it signals an improved business environment and encourages new investment. Greater investment in the economy enables faster growth and more job opportunities.
For several years, the country has experienced low levels of business confidence. Business confidence was negatively affected by the prolonged electricity crisis, state capture, concerns about corruption, the decline of state-owned enterprises and the manner in which law enforcement agencies had been compromised.
Investors have also been concerned about obstacles to growth, such as delays in the release of broadband spectrum, inefficiencies in ports and rail operations, and regulations that have slowed down licencing processes.
The successful holding of our national and provincial elections in May and the formation of the Government of National Unity have had a positive effect on business confidence. The progress we have recorded in our reform process thus far has also contributed to the improved sentiment.
We have shown our determination to tackle corruption. Bodies like the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Hawks are reinvigorated and have brought several high-profile cases to trial. The permanent establishment of the NPA’s Investigating Directorate has given further impetus to the fight against corruption.
Crime is being tackled. Across the country initiatives such as Operation Shanela have upped the war on crime. We are clamping down on illicit mining operations. Criminal syndicates involved in cable theft and extortion at construction sites are being dealt with.
Through a concerted effort from all stakeholders, we have confronted the electricity crisis. We have now had more than 140 consecutive days without load shedding. There has been a huge increase in new power generation capacity.
Investors have seen the growth opportunities in the far-reaching energy reforms we are undertaking. Just last week, I signed into law the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, which will enable the establishment of a competitive electricity market.
The progress we have made in electricity gives us confidence that we can overcome the problems on our freight rail lines and in our ports. Transnet’s recovery plan is showing progress. The private sector is providing significant technical support and resources to Transnet Freight Rail and Port Terminals.
In Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, new state-of-the-art passenger trains are ferrying commuters along refurbished and newly reopened rail corridors. This saves users considerably in terms of commuting time and transportation costs.
We have made changes to immigration regulations that make it easier to attract skills, investment and tourists into the country. We have also significantly speeded up approval processes for water use licences and energy projects, and released broadband spectrum to unleash the potential of our telecommunications industry.
We are also making progress on infrastructure investment. According to Nedbank’s Capital Expenditure Project Listing, the value of fixed investment project announcements in the first half of this year rose to approximately R800 billion. This was up sharply from just over R190 billion in 2023. The public sector accounts for most of these projects, in areas such as energy, transportation, health facility upgrades, roads and housing.
As Government, we held a meeting with business leaders last week. Business expressed optimism about the recovery and growth of our economy. They committed themselves to a new era of partnership with government. We agreed on key actions we must now take to build on the progress that has already been made.
We cannot rebuild our country unless all South Africans work together. We will continue to work with business, labour and other social partners to drive the structural reform process that will boost inclusive economic growth and jobs.
There is indeed an air of optimism in our country. Let us harness this confidence and goodwill to increase the momentum of our shared efforts to build and strengthen our economy.
Picture: Situation at Brits Forensic Pathology Mortuary in Brits
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said he will visit various healthcare centres across four districts as part of his Re Bona Ka Matlhoprogramme. Recently, Lehari conducted an oversight visit to the embattled Brits Forensic Pathology Mortuary in Brits.
This comes after the National Education, Health and Allied Union (NEHAWU) raised concerns regarding a dire situation the mortuary found itself in. NEHAWU called on Lehari’s department to shut down the mortuary immediately and address the calamitous situation.
Lehari said the union alleged that the mortuary is non-compliance to Occupational Health and Safety Act and lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). He further said the workers also complained about the stench that is coming out of the refrigerator of the mortuary and over capacity of bodies, amongst others.
“They demanded that a medical check-up should be arranged for workers working at the mortuary. Among those who were part of this oversight visit and a briefing on the status of the mortuary were the MMCs for Health Services from both the Bojanala District Municipality and the Madibeng Local Municipality, as well as senior managers of the department and the leadership of the labour union, NEHAWU both at provincial and local level.
“Part of the already implemented interventions, is to immediately transfer some of the bodies to other private mortuaries, to relieve the current overflow, due to the fact that the Brits mortuary only has a capacitance of 120. Currently, deep-cleaning is taking place to resolve bad odour coming out of the unit,” said Lehari.
He added that the oversight team noted that the overflow is mainly caused by the fact that Phokeng Mortuary is currently under renovation. Mothibedi said the other challenge is shortage of staff.
“Unclaimed bodies also add to the overflow. There is also a tendency for families to not claim bodies which leads to the mortuaries having to conduct a large amount of paupers’ burials. Compounding this challenge is the fact that Bojanala is a mining area, hence many unknown bodies because of workers who come from far places.
“The department has made a request to the South African Police (SAPS) for the burial of 88 unidentified bodies. Currently the department is being restricted by SAPS from burying as it awaits letters of permission for burial,” he said.
Lehari noted a report and provided a way-forward as part of further strengthening of the intervention plans. He said he knows about the complaints which NEHAWU has raised.
“I take all these complaints seriously and we are here to provide solutions. We would like to assure every one of my commitment to finding a lasting solution. Therefore, we immediately called for a meeting with the departmental management, to close any gap in the intervention plan.
“We considered the proposals made by NEHAWU and provide any further information for decision making. I promise to return to the mortuary within 8 days as part of his unannounced visits to health delivery sites,” he said.
Picture: One of the Thuthuzela Care Centre across the country/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The Thuthuzela Care Centres are a one stop-facility for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), says The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi. She said victims are able to receive psycho-social support, medical treatment and legal services at these centres.
Batohi, who delivered an address at the launch of a Thuthuzela Care Centre in Mitchell’s Plain in the Western Cape on Monday said, the TCCs are crucial to the fight against GBV.
“By providing better quality of services, we do find that there is improved reporting. In 2020/21, when we had 60 TCCs, there were just short of 30 000 cases that were reported. In 22/23, there were 36 800 cases or so and this figure represents an increase of 24.3% in a two-year period.
“In the past eight years combined, the TCCs have dealt with 266 593 matters at all of its sites. These are only reported cases and we have noted improvements in the conviction rates. Since 2010, the conviction rate has improved from 60% to the current 77.5% as at the end of December 2023,” she said.
Batohi further said it’s all about the services that are being rendered that help victims to be able to go through the court processes. She added that they have also noted an increase in long term sentences that are imposed by the courts.
“For the past two years, up to December 2023, the courts imposed 337 life imprisonment sentences, 236 sentences of between 20 to 25 years and 624 sentences of 10 to 15 years imprisonment. Despite the upward progress, Batohi emphasised that the courts merely deal with crimes that have been committed and that dealing with the roots of GBV is crucial.
“When victims come into these facilities, the offences are already committed and we try to help them on their journey towards healing but it’s not going to solve the problem. That is why the importance of our councillors, community based persons, and civil society in really trying to deal with the scourge,” she said.
According to Batohi, that is why they all need to help to instil the right values, particularly in men. She said unless they actually deal with [GBV] in a holistic way, they are not going to be able to deal with the scourge.
“Notwithstanding that, we continue to try to make sure that we help the victims on their journey towards becoming survivors,” she said.
The Guardian 