The police are requesting assistance in locating Gladness Zeldred Horne (25), who went missing in Kimberley. Horne is originally from De Aar, but was visiting family in Utility, Kimberley, and was last seen on 15 August 2024 at 8pm.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Horne is apparently mentally impaired, approximately 1.6m tall, with short black hair, brown eyes and was wearing pink pajamas.
“The family reported her missing over the weekend and requested anyone with information to please contact Detective Constable JR Webb on 079 212 7682. The investigation continues.
“The police remind the public that there is no waiting period to report a missing person,” he said.
Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
More than 800 suspects were arrested for various offenses between 12 and 18 August 2024. The suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises.
This also includes possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, of the 828 arrested, 288 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), assault common, house robbery and business robbery, while 388 were held during Detectives suspect raiding operations.
“Additionally, 102 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing. The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises.
“They were also effected during a raid at Second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others. The operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, explosives, 4 cell phones, nine ammunition, a firearm, liquor and three vehicles,” she said.
Funani further said during the operations, three illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down. She added that in the Inter-Provincial Roadblock held on the N12 road by Gauteng and North West on 16 August 2024, a total of six suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing, while 438 persons and 191 vehicles were stopped and searched.
“In addition, more than 90 fines were issued to motorists. Different safety tips pamphlets were distributed,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended members, units and other law enforcement agencies for successful operation Shanela that resulted in the arrests of the suspects. Kwena thanked the law enforcement agencies for always putting the safety of North West people first and for dedicating time to Operation Shanela.
Picture: Some of equipment confiscated by police during raid/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
More than 29 undocumented persons were arrested in and around Sizamile Township, in Port Nolloth, Bontekoei and Nataboi mining areas. The Northern Cape multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team consisting of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services and Springbok Public Order Police, executed the disruptive activities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said numerous mining implements and diamond bearing gravel was confiscated during these operations.
“The suspects were detained in order to be processed and verified by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services officials before being formally charged and presented to court for deportation.
“If you see something, say something. Also, report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” he said.
Mosadimogolo wa dingwaga di le 67, o goneng gwa begwa fa a timetse, o bonwe a tlhokafetse. Go begwa fa Marotse Kepi wa kwa Kuaneng, kwa motseng wa Manokwane, gaufi le Taung, a ne a timela ka di 8 Phatwe 2024.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa are, setopo sa ga Kepi se bonwe kwa nageng magareng ga motse wa Picong le Ga-Mokake ka Labotlhano.
“Sepodisi ga se belaele fa moswi a ka tswa a bolailwe,”
Picture: A panga allegedly being used during a confrontation/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she strongly condemns the violent trespassing incident at Boitshoko Secondary School in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng, where intruders threatened teachers and learners with pangas at the beginning of August 2024. According to Motsumi, this disturbing event highlights the urgent need for enhanced partnership between the department and communities.
“This collaboration, particularly in high-risk communities plagued by gangsterism, will return discipline to the learners. We strongly condemn the trespassing into the school properties. The activities of trespassers seriously jeopardize departmental initiatives to raise learners’ achievement in the classroom.
“We are losing important infrastructure in our schools due to this criminal activity, which is not only a waste of taxpayer money, but it also belittles the diligent efforts of all law-abiding citizens,” she said.
Motsumi further said that education is a societal matter, therefore, all stakeholders should take part in ensuring that learners get quality education.
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA), alongside organised labour, has concluded the third round of salary and wage negotiations, with the Facilitators’ Proposal now on the table. This proposal suggests a 6% wage increase, which all parties will now consider as part of the wage deal.
Following three intense rounds of salary and wage negotiations held on 15-19 July 2024, 23-26 July 2024, and 12-15 August 2024, at the South African Local Bargaining Council (SALGBC), the facilitators issued the Facilitators’ Proposal, dated 15 August 2024, proposes a salary and wage agreement for a five-year period.
SALGA spokesperson, Sivuyile Mbambato said the proposal aims to provide for salary and wage adjustments across the board in the context of the realities brought by high inflation, a constrained economy, and limited fiscal resources. Mbambato said should all the parties endorse the proposed salary and wage agreement, it will come into operation with effect from 1 July 2024, and shall remain in force until 30 June 2029.
“This will be the first ever salary and wage agreement spanning a five-year period ever obtained in the history of the bargaining council and will go a long way in ensuring the much-needed labour stability in the sector.
“SALGA, the employer body, representing 257 municipalities across the country, along with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU), now have a new task at hand which is to sell the Facilitators’ Proposal to their respective constituencies for a mandate and approval,” he said.
Mbambato further said the Facilitators’ Proposal on a salary and wage collective agreement, among others calls for salary increases. He added that they call for a 6% increase in 2024/25 financial year, with 4.5% effective from 1 July 2024 and an additional 1.5% from 1 March 2025.
“For 2025/2026, they call for an increase based on the 2025 CPI + 0.75%, effective from 1 July 2025. In 2026/2027, they call for an increase based on the 2026 CPI + 0.75%, effective from 1 July 2026. In the 2027/2028 financial year, they call for an increase based on the 2027 CPI + 1.25%, effective from 1 July 2027.
“In 2028/2029 financial year, they call for an increase based on the 2028 CPI + 1.25%, effective from 1 July 2028. On CPI adjustments, if CPI falls below 4%, it will be deemed 4%. If it exceeds 7%, it will be capped at 7%,” said Mbambato.
He said linked benefits and conditions of service, they call for a 4.5% increase from 1 July 2024, with an additional 1.5% from 1 March 2025. Mbambato said subsequent increases will align with salary increments as outlined above.
“Productivity and Service Delivery SALGA’s approach to these negotiations is also premised on the productivity levels of municipalities, linking salary increases to service delivery. On the issue of productivity, the Facilitators’ Proposal states that parties at the negotiation table “recognise that wage increase adjustments strive to reinforce, encourage and promote optimal municipal performance to ensure a higher level of productivity.
“Therefore, this salary and wage adjustments collective agreement must be seen to attract and retain scarce and critical skills to help municipalities maintain financial sustainability and viability,” he said.
Mbambato said economic context and exemptions given the challenging economic climate and shrinking municipal revenue, SALGA has been mandated to negotiate a feasible salary and wage agreement. He said part of this was to introduce a revamped exemption procedure to assist financially distressed municipalities to apply to be exempted from the wage deal.
“Way forward parties must submit their acceptance of the proposal in writing to the SALGBC by 2pm on 2 September 2024,” Mbambato.
Picture: Amajimbos players against Lesotho/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The South African U17 Men’s National Team (Amajimbos) beat Lesotho 3-1 in their second friendly match on Sunday morning at the UJ Soweto Campus as the team continues with preparations for the COSAFA U17 Championships to be held later this year.
Coach Khumalo’s charges were dealt with a shock in the first half as they went into the break trailing 1-0. But they quickly rectified their first half complacency with a goal in the 45th minute by Neo Bohlako to get them back into the game, and then ran havoc over Lesotho from that point onwards.
Lebogang Dlamini scored the second goal for South Africa in the 56th minute after a beautiful cross from Emile Witbooi. Witbooi himself got onto the score sheet with a beautiful goal in the 61st minute.
Vela Khumalo made several substitutions during the match to give the whole squad game time. He said that they need to try different combinations and allow the players to understand the national philosophy that they are building on.
“I believe it was good that we conceded early in the game because this gave the players a wake-up call after winning 4-0 in the first match on Friday. At halftime we spoke to them about the many chances they missed in the first half and believe that they took this to heart.
“We managed to get all the players some game time, and we are taking many positives from this week-long camp, and the two international friendlies we played. We believe we are on track with our preparations for the upcoming COSAFA U17 Championships and believe that we have the core of the team after almost a year of building this squad,” he said.
Amajimbos have completed their week’s camp and will regroup later this month ahead of the Talent Development Scheme (TDS) 6 Nations Tournament in Cote d’Ivoire from 2 -8 September 2024.
Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi and North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in collaboration with Provincial Treasury, is embarking on a roadshow to all 22 municipalities in an effort to give effect to Section 154 of the Constitution, which directs the provincial government to support and capacitate municipalities.
These sessions are intended to discuss the performance of each municipality based on the Municipal Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT) pillars, putting people first in the delivery of basic services, good governance, sound financial management, building capable local government institutions and local government economic development.
Addressing both councillors and management of City of Matlosana and Maquassi Hills this week, North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said, the sessions will assist the two departments to develop support and intervention plans based on the specific needs of each municipality.
“We want to see functional municipalities, which are also stable. In that way, we will be able to unleash the full potential of our municipalities and deal with socio-economic challenges the province is facing.
“So far, the engagements have given us a clear picture of the operation and the status quo of the two municipalities. I implore both councillors and officials to deal with challenges that each municipality is facing,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi said the concerted effort is aimed at further strengthening areas of collaboration between the two departments to bring stability in municipalities across the province.
“The overall objective of these engagements is to work as a united front to leverage on the strength and expertise of each other. When we work in silos the impact is minimal and we may not be able to achieve the desired outcome.
“There is a huge outcry by communities regarding the performance of local government in the province. She said the situation needs to be turned around in order to renew public confidence and trust by communities in the performance of these institutions which are the coalface of service delivery,” she said.
Mosenogi added that the deliberations also zoomed into addressing post audit action plans, revenue collections and enhancement strategies, as well as institutional capacity and challenges in discharging their responsibility to communities. She said some of the challenges highlighted in MPAT report include non-functional ward committees, poor management of complaints handling systems, poor maintenance of road infrastructure.
“The municipality has been receiving unqualified audit outcomes for the past three financial years, 2020/2021, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023. The roadshow to other municipalities will continue until October 2024,” said Mosenogi.
Picture: Some of the attendees at Community Policing Indaba/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Stakeholders have taken an oath to serve and protect all communities, as well as to strengthen relations in the quest to prevent and fight the prevalence of criminality. This concession was undertaken at the Community Policing Indaba, which took place in Mahikeng recently, to look into areas of improvement regarding the implementation of the Community Policing Strategy that seeks to enhance police services to the public.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, emphasised the significance of making communities part and parcel of solutions to fight crime.
“Our communities need to have an understanding of what the work of the police entails. This Indaba has provided a platform for that. It also provides us an opportunity to assess their perceptions on whether we are meeting expectations of those we serve.
“We need to mobilise our people and sensitise them on community policing. We take things a step further and say the inputs by commissions should form part of our annual performance plans,” he said.
The chairperson of Community Policing Forum (CPF) in North West, Robert Malungane said fundamentally, CPFs ensure police accountability, transparency and generally connect the police with the community. Malungane highlighted the essence of supporting CPFs in their work.
“With many challenges encountered in our line of duty, we remain unaverred because of our commitment to uphold community safety. Our position is that, while we need support, especially resources, we must not be deterred in our active citizenry,” he said.
All stakeholders made a commitment to chart the course in collaboration. This includes various structures within community formations such as the North West House of Traditional and Khoi- San leaders, as governance structures, The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management with their oversight mandate and many others, who contributed meaningfully to the Indaba on ways to move the province forward and derail crime from undermining the gains of democracy.
Picture: North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT)
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said she is happy with the progress recorded in the last two months on processing and issuing of licences to applicants. Lenkopane said more queries were also addressed and gave involved parties closure on matters raised and cleared paths for licensees to conduct their respective business.
She further said among the department’s core responsibilities is to register and regularize business operations in the province, including issuing of Liquor and Gambling Licences, where revenue through levies could be sourced for re-investment into the provincial economic support, growth and service delivery. Lenkopane added that she has embarked on a meet and greet session with stakeholders of the department, including entities.
“Through submitted reports from the directorates, we discovered deficiencies from the North West Liquor Board, where such impeded and its functionalities led to a huge backlog on adjudication of licensing applications.
“Other members of the Board had also resigned, affecting the Board’s constitutional composition thus being disabled to make legal decisions. I appointed the Liquor Board in July and strengthened its operation to improve and accelerate its work,” she said.
Lenkopane said the chairperson and deputy chairperson were given the responsibility to reposition the entity to enable it to collect more revenue. She said they were also charged with unblocking challenges on the applications and ensuring that set targets are reached on time as many queries were received with being attended to and responses issued.
“In July alone, the North West Liquor Board has managed to process and adjudicate 79 new licence applications and 9 secondary applications seeking relocations within the same magisterial areas. All applications received were approved and applicants will be invited to receive their licences to be handed over by me on 21 to 23 August 2024 dates.
“These outcomes were communicated and successful applicants are expected to start operating accordingly and are warned to do so within the Liquor Act prescripts and all applicable laws. The Board has recorded improved collection of revenue from levies in the same period,” said Lenkopane.
She said the Board has also attended to complaints regarding non-compliance from licencees ranging from non-adherence to operating hours, where a tavern from Ventersdorp was punished among others. Lenkopane appealed to licensees to comply and operate within the law as required and allow their establishments to be embraced by communities so as to contribute to the local economy and reduce unemployment.
“We warned that those not respecting the law will not be left unpunished to ensure that the rights of all community members are secured. The province is still working on the Act that will allow the entity to, amongst others, enable adjustment with new dispensations.
“Applicants can meet their respective market requirements such as operation on Sundays and or public holidays. This will however be done with strict compliance measures. We are also pleased with the progress recorded in Gambling Licencing applications,” she said.
Lenkopane said in early July, she had a session with Gambling Licencees, where she recorded many complaints that included the long turnaround time for the approval of the licences.
The Guardian 