Picture: The former SABC newsreader, Masego Ezekiel Matjila/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West University (Mafikeng campus) will bestow an honorary doctorate to the renowned broadcaster and former SABC newsreader, Masego Ezekiel Matjila on 18 July 2024. The NWU said in a statement that Matjila has demonstrated significant dedication in promoting the Setswana language at the SABC.
“He started his career more than 30 years ago as an on-air radio personality for Radio Setswana, which later became Motsweding FM after merging with Radio Mmabatho. During this time, he also managed the archives for Radio Setswana, the Afrikaans Service, Radio Ndebele (Ikwekwezi FM), and Radio Swazi (Ligwalagwala FM).
“His exceptional broadcasting skills and language proficiency, led to his appointment as a Setswana sports commentator for SABC Topsport (SABC Sports). He was later seconded to the News department, where he worked as a Sesotho, Sepedi and Setswana prime-time news presenter from 1993 until his retirement in 2021.”
The university said Matjila also served as a bulletin editor and executive producer. It said that he advocated for more multi-lingual youth programmes on SABC2, noting that Setswana, Sepedi, and Sesotho-speaking youth were underrepresented. The university said his efforts at the SABC earned him numerous awards, including Best News Writer (SABC, 2008) and Commentator of the Year: AFCON 1996.
“His contributions to South African society, particularly in promoting the Sesotho, Sepedi, and Setswana languages in broadcasting, are noteworthy. The honorary doctorate from the NWU recognises these significant contributions.”
The Mamusa Local Municipality said has managed to restore power at various areas after a high voltage breaker burnt at Schweizer main substation. The acting Municipal Manager at the Mamusa Local Municipality, Vincent Masilo said this has disrupted the restoration of the much expected power supply after Eskom switched on power.
“All the areas that receive electricity from the municipality such as town, Roshunville and surrounding farms, Charon, Extension 7 and 14, were without power supply.
“The service provider will install a new high voltage breaker and ensure the restoration of electricity supply to all the affected areas. The municipality profusely apologises for inconvenience this causes you all,” he said.
Picture: The North West University students during animal health engagement
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Professor Mulunda Mwanza at the Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Sciences of the North West University (NWU) said a relationship started 10 000 years ago and continues to shape the world to this very day. Mwanza said as human societies transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled farming communities, they recognised the benefits of taming and breeding animals for a variety of needs.
He further said not only did this domestication revolutionise agriculture by enhancing food security, it also allowed the development of complex societies. Mwanza added that it was a pivotal period in the history of the species and now the subject group is ensuring that this relationship continues to thrive for the benefit of South Africa.
“It is a field where opportunities thrive. Animal Health at the university is so unique because it provides so many opportunities and so much exposure to students. From their first year, students are exposed to a working environment and all that entails.
“In addition to the veterinary possibilities, the programme offers students a wide variety of employment opportunities that include meat inspection, employment at animal feed companies, animal breeding stations and agricultural firms, and in biosecurity, for example for border control, and they are given training to be self-employed through entrepreneurship programmes,” he said.
Mwanza said the subject group has numerous focuses that include animal health, veterinary microbiology, biosecurity, food safety, community engagement, production, primary animal healthcare, companion animal healthcare, wildlife and research.
He said that there are numerous reasons why he would encourage prospective students to study in the field of animal health at the NWU.
“The programme is so well structured. Students are trained in small groups, and the training is done to ensure that students gain as much experience as possible. They are taught to think outside the box and to be independent thinkers as well as entrepreneurs who can significantly contribute to South Africa’s economic growth.
“The programme offers both undergraduate and postgraduate training. For students, this programme holds several benefits, but that is not the full extent of the picture. In this important field, students form part of a bigger picture, namely to protect the country against animal diseases through prevention, treatment, research and innovation with regard to diseases,” said Mwanza.
He said successful graduates also participate in the growth of agriculture, thus benefiting the country’s economy. Mwanza said animal health at the university also has a strong community engagement component.
“For four days a week, students engage with emerging farmers to help them with primary animal healthcare and to give them advice on diseases. This engagement has seen a drop in the disease burden in the area surrounding the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, where the programme is hosted.
“A subject group also boasts state-of-the-art facilities that include a veterinary laboratory, which is approved by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). It also has a fully equipped animal health hospital, which provides surgery, dentistry, orthopaedic, radiology, endoscopy and sonar services,” said Mwanza.
He said this, coupled with the NWU’s dedicated researchers, makes animal health an indispensable tool in the fight against a number of attacks on animal health.
“We are doing some very exciting and impactful research on emerging animal diseases and others like mastitis, rabies, campylobacter resistance, antibiotic residues, lumpy skin disease and foot-and-mouth disease, and we are developing new technologies for environment control.
“An example of this is the development of biological control of odours on farms and at abattoirs. Regarding food safety, we are doing innovative research on residues, mycotoxins and toxicology. We are also invested in ethnoveterinary research to help farmers reduce the use of drugs and other harmful chemicals,” said Mwanza.
He said innovation and dedication the NWU is ensuring that the next steps of our 10 000-year journey with animals will be more beneficial than ever before.
Picture: The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari and Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari wrapped up his long week programmes that enable the acceleration of provision of primary healthcare services by visiting Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg. Lehari’s Re Bona Ka Matlho Programme – comes hot on the heels of several visits to hospital sights and intervening were there are primary health service delivery challenges, including those that are infrastructural.
He first visited the Gelukspan District Hospital, which has recently encountered delays on its infrastructure refurbishment projects, followed by his visit to the biggest bedded hospital in the province, Klerksdorp-Tshepong Tertiary Hospital.
“I concluded my week long programme by conducting an oversight at Job Shimankana Hospital in Rustenburg. I want security to be beefed up in all hospital complexes I had visited to resolve on challenges around shortage of beds and medicines in some instances.
“Shortage of doctors and nurses will be made an apex priority. We should not be apologetic in resolving issues that shall benefit the poorest of the poorest. I understand that the issue of our people being hospicentric, meaning preferring hospitals over clinics remains a challenge, but we should upgrade our services at clinic-level and Community Health Centres, so we can unburden pressure on our doctors and nurses in hospitals, said Lehari.
He further said they are all going to play a role on this and he expect everyone to do exactly as the same. In between the visits to hospital complex, Lehari added that he also met with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of all hospitals, imploring on them to hoist stuff moral support, prioritise cleanliness and committing that as a political Head of the Department, he shall offer them support in achieving all targets of service delivery.
“I have committed that I will continue to visit hospitals and all healthcare centres, including clinics sites to get first hand information on some of the challenges the public has been experiencing,” he said.
Picture: Some of dangerous weapons confiscated during raids/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
More than 83 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for contact and property related crimes.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the detectives traced and arrested 182 daily wanted for various crimes. Shemane said a total of 30 vehicle control points (VCPs) and seven roadblocks were conducted across the province.
“More than 42 premises were searched, 1404 vehicles were stopped and searched and 2531 persons were searched. Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers and liquor premises, formal and informal businesses were also visited.
“During the operations, the police confiscated dangerous weapons , thousands of litres of alcoholic beverages, drugs, including money believed to be proceeds of crime. The multi-disciplinary weekly high density operation which focused on enhanced crime prevention and combating efforts to curb criminal activities were executed across all districts in the province.
“These police actions and activities that commenced on 8 until 14 July 2024, include vehicle control points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, awareness campaigns and community outreach actions were conducted across the province,” he said.
Shemane further said the operations will continue unabated in all five districts with a zero tolerance approach towards all crimes in the province.
Chief Whip of the House, Motlalepula Rosho with newly elected ANC Chairpersons of NWPL Committees/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The ANC Caucus in the North West Provincial legislature (NWPL) has welcomed and congratulated members elected as Chairpersons of various portfolio committees. The election held on Thursday, signifies a commitment to serve the people of the North West by addressing the pressing issues that affect communities through the legislative agenda.
The ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho said the constitution of portfolio and standing committees and election of chairpersons play a pivotal role in the day-to-day work of the legislature in carrying out its constitutional mandate of serving and shaping the future of its people.
Rosho further said with the vast experience and dynamic leadership qualities of the public representatives, the elections of the chairpersons will enhance the heightened scrutiny of government departments and hold the executive accountable.
“Furthermore, the blend of new and re-elected public representatives in committees is expected to bring fresh insights and strong strategies to the front of coordinating the work of the legislature.
“The committee chairpersons are drawn from various political parties represented in the provincial legislature, marking an unwavering commitment and dedication to working together and collaboratively with all for the benefit of the people of the province,” she said.
Rosho added that they have no doubt of the assembled team’s commitment to fostering unity, inclusivity and focus to align with the mandate of the ANC’s 7th legislature to alter the political landscape for the betterment of the lives of its people. She said that in their new roles, chairpersons of various portfolio committees are poised to be the guiding light of unity, renewal and progress leading the province towards a future characterised by robust, but honest parliamentary debates and programmes aimed at leveraging a lot of the people of the North West.
“The election of chairpersons without contest has demonstrated political maturity, as well as cooperation required for stability, a fledgling constitutional democracy and legislative oversight.
The ANC Caucus maintains that the elected collective’s proactive mindset and collaborative approach, will significantly contribute to the enhancement of comprehensive and collective work of the legislature,” said Rosho.
Chairpersons of Committee who were unanimously elected are as follows:
* Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance, Virginia Tlhapi (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Kgalalelo Makgokgowa (ANC), Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts, Smuts Matshe (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Mpho Khunou (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Sipho Dial (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Karabo Magagane (ANC),
Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, culture, Sports and Recreation, Tina Priscilla Williams (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Paul Sebegoe (ANC), Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile (DA), Standing Committee on Oversight of the North West Provincial Legislature, Michael Groenewald (FF+), Standing Legislature on Legislative Review and Implementation of House Resolutions, Tebogo Modise (ANC).
Picture: Some of goods allegedly stolen by accused/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Five individuals who were arrested for stealing goods in various shops in Vryburg remanded in custody. It is alleged that three women and two men were arrested by a team composed of Vryburg Crime Intelligence, K9 Unit and Visible Policing on 6 July 2024.
According to North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the police observed the accused’s vehicle, a silver Toyota Corolla following intelligence received that the occupants were allegedly stealing goods from various shops in Vryburg. Mokgwabone said the vehicle was subsequently stopped for a search.
“As a result, the police found plastic bags containing new clothes, pairs of shoes and other goods with price tags, all worth R57 870. The accused, aged between 58 and 62, were arrested after failing to account for the goods.
“They are expected to appear in Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 15 July 2024, for continuation of bail application,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded all the units involved in the operation for their collaboration and dedication that resulted in the tracking and arresting of the accused.
Picture: One of the firearms confiscated by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A man (32) was arrested for possession of illegal firearm in Reutlwile Zone 2, near Rustenburg. This comes after the Tlhabane Visible Policing and Designated Police Officer (DPO) working together with Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, conducted a search at an identified address at Reutlwile Informal settlement.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said although that did not yield positive results, the operation continued with searches at two other addresses at Reutlwile Zone 2 and 3 respectively. Mokgwabone said in Zone 2, the police arrested a suspect after a silver 9mm pistol and four ammunition were found in his rented room.
“In Zone 3, a search conducted led to the discovery of a 9mm pistol, two magazines and 36 ammunition, but the owner produced a license. As part of enforcing the Liquor Act, 1989, the police seized an assortment of liquor and imposed R1500 fine to the owner of the firearm and the place for illegal dealing in liquor.
“In Mooinooi, near Brits, a crime intelligence-driven operation resulted in the arrest of a suspect (43) on 12 July 2024, after the Brits Trio Task team operationalised intelligence. According to information, the team went to an identified address in Soshanguve Section in Majakaneg village, where they found the alleged suspect who informed the police that he sold the firearm,” he said.
He further said that prompted the members to proceed to a mine hostel, where a man (43) was arrested after being found in possession of a firearm and two ammunition without a license. Mokgwabone added that both firearms will be subjected to ballistic tests.
“The suspects are expected to appear in the Bafokeng and Brits Magistrate’s Courts respectively on 15 July 2024, for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the teams for their hard work and patience, which culminated in the removal of the firearms from the wrong hands.
A man is set to appear in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for armed robbery. It is alleged that the man and three accomplices entered a retail store at Matlosana Mall on 12 July 2024, at approximately 3pm.
North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said they allegedly robbed the cell phone shop and cash, then fled on foot. Mokgwabone said the Mall security chased them and members of Tactical Response Team (TRT), who were outside the mall, spotted the suspects and managed to arrest one of them.
“All cell phones were recovered. Investigation into the matter, including tracing of the other suspects, is underway,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded all members involved in the arrests for their alertness and quick reaction, which resulted in the successes. Kwena also thanked security officers for their efforts in the fight against crime.
Four men who were arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition were remanded in custody until 17 July 2024. The accused, Thembinkosi Mbatha (30), Motsaathebe Kopano (51), Gareng Dikgang (35) and Fikile Darala (51), briefly appeared in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 10 July 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Darala, Dikgang and Mbatha, were arrested in Klerksdorp at around 9:50am on 8 July 2024, by the members of Tactical Response Team (TRT).
“The arrests came after the members who were on patrol, spotted a Toyota Condor of which the occupants allegedly committed business robbery in Ottosdal. It is alleged that before coming to a halt, the occupants of the car threw out a firearm through the window.
“During the search, the members found a magazine loaded with eight ammunition and two police appointment cards belonging to Motsaathebe Kopano. The accused were then arrested and preliminary investigation revealed that Motsaathebe Kopano, is a former police officer, who was dismissed a few years ago,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said at this stage, the possibility of the accused facing more charges cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded all members involved in the arrests for their alertness and quick reaction, which resulted in the successes. Kwena also thanked security officers for their efforts in the fight against crime. taungdailynews@gmail.com
The Guardian 