Maribe: “Municipality making waves to a good financial shape”

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Picture: The Member of Mayoral Committee in Infrastructure at the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Itumeleng Maribe/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The situation at the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) has improved. A few months ago, the municipal council was characterised by infightings and walkouts, resulting in inquorate council meetings.

This contributed enormously to the municipal council’s failure to execute its legislated mandate.

Amongst others, the municipality was allegedly faced with financial distress that has been intensified to the extent that it was at the ‘brink of collapse’.

All these, prompted the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to place the municipality under Section 139 (1)(a). However, it seems the municipality has recovered from that and is making inroads to a good financial shape.

This was evident when the Head of Department (HOD) from the North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Ben Bole, met with the municipal council last week Thursday to present a progressive report, which he described as ‘satisfactory’.

“We are here to present our report to the council. You will remember that the EXCO in the North West, placed the municipality under Section 139 (1)(a). You will remember that the EXCO mandated the then North West MEC for COGHSTA, Nono Maloyi to implement the mandate on its behalf.

“So today, we are here to present a progressive report in terms of how the municipality has performed in responding to those directives. Now, it is not up to the department to say whether the municipality will be removed from Section 139 (1)(a) or not. However, that will be the prerogative of EXCO,” he said.

Bole further said the department will compile a report and present it to the newly-elected North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, who will in turn, present it to the EXCO for consideration.

He added that then EXCO will pronounce its decision on whether the municipality will be removed from Section 139 (1)(a) or not.

“What I can say is that we are here to present a satisfactory report and the powers lie with the EXCO,” said Bole.

Meanwhile, the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure at the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Itumeleng Maribe said they welcome the report and the municipality will continue to address all challenges raised. Maribe said they will also delve into measures aimed at preventing municipal financial distress.

“We welcome the recommendations from North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA). We also have the responsibility to ensure that residents receive service delivery. We managed to reach our target on all directives that were handed over to us by the department. 

“You’ll remember that one of the directives was to improve our financial records after the municipality endured over-spending. We agreed during our strategic planning meeting that, we are over-spending in some departments such as the fleet,” he said.

Maribe said the municipality has more than nine supervisors in that department using municipal vehicles, and that might contribute to over-spending. He said they have agreed that those officials use their own vehicles and then the municipality will reimburse them. 

“We also agreed to closely monitor the issue of diesel, including petrol cards. Over and above, the municipality has been overspending on diesel. If the supervisors use their own vehicles, then the municipality will be able to save over R2 million each and every year. We also agreed that the municipality will do most of the things in-house, instead of outsourcing. 

“We will also ensure that the municipality appoints relevant individuals with necessary skills. So far, we don’t have auto electricians in the fleet department. Those are some of the critical positions that will assist us not to outsource when our fleet has mechanical problems,” said Maribe.

He said the municipality also spent over R24 million every year on high-mast lights. Maribe said they have come up with a cost-containment plan and the municipality will resort to solar powered lights.   

“For the next financial year, we will be resorting to solar powered lights in quest of saving money. We will redirect that money to accelerate service delivery,” he said.

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More than 258 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Some of items confiscated during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 258 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela across the Northern Cape. The suspects were arrested by multi-disciplinary teams in all five districts for crimes such as illegal possession of firearms, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault and burglary.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Detectives traced and arrested 103 wanted suspects for serious crimes, including business robbery, murder, rape and assault GBH.

Ehlers said the multi-disciplinary teams conducted the searching of premises, stop and search actions, high visibility patrols, compliance inspections, roadblocks, and vehicle check points.

“A total of 21 863 persons and 11 436 vehicles were stopped and searched. Twelve unlicensed liquor outlets were closed, and over 2 000 litres of alcohol was confiscated. A considerable amount of drugs, counterfeit goods, and dangerous weapons were seized during the actions.

“Operation Shanela will not relax efforts to combat priority crimes in hotspot areas in order to secure the safety of all inhabitants and essential infrastructures in the Northern Cape,” she said.

Ehlers further said the Operation Shanela said was executed from 17 to 23 June 2024, throughout the Northern Cape to address priority crimes, including illegal firearms, contact crimes, trio crimes and aggravating robbery.

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‘Free State Crinums reign supreme’

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Picture: The Free State Crinums/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The 2024 edition of the Telkom Netball League (TNL), held from 26 April to 19 June 2024 at the Ellis Park Arena, has concluded with resounding success. Sixteen teams competed in this year’s thrilling tournament, showcasing exceptional skill and sportsmanship. 

Netball South Africa spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi said Free State Crinums, under the leadership of coach Matha Mosoahle-Samm, emerged as champions. Mokgalagadi said this year’s tournament was marked by fierce competition as teams battled relentlessly for the coveted top spot. 

“Remarkably, the event maintained a record of no injuries and was incident-free, emphasizing the paramount importance placed on safety and fair play. The tournament attracted a massive crowd of enthusiastic spectators, whose spirited cheers and unwavering support for their favourite teams electrified the atmosphere, enhancing the excitement of the competition.

“Netball South Africa remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards in future events and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved,” she said.

Mokgalagadi further said the TNL has established itself as a premier event in the netball calendar, with plans already underway for next year’s edition. She added that the Telkom Netball Championship (TNC) is up next. 

“Netball South Africa (NSA), in collaboration with SA Schools Netball, has partnered with mobile network operator Telkom to provide a platform for girls from all over the country to showcase their netball skills.

“University talent scouts will be in attendance throughout the TNC, searching for young stars to join their netball programs. The TNC fills a crucial gap in the NSA development pipeline, creating a larger talent pool for emerging TNL players and national stars,” said Mokgalagadi.

She said the tournament will be held at Hoërskool Waterkloof from 24- 28June 2024. 

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Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa Majaneng e siametse go ja seka 

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna (35) wa kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung, e siametse go kay a tshekong. Motseothata Nelson Seoleseng yo o buseditsweng kwa ntlo-lefitshwana, o latofadiwa ka go tlhaba tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31) ka thiba go fitlhelela a tlhokafala. 

Tiragalo e, e diragetse dikgwedi di le mmalwa kwa motseng wa Majaneng. Go begwa fa Seoleseng ga mmogo le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa ana le lekgarebe la gagwe. 

Mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa: “Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo. 

“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk, one a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing le le latelang.” 

Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa. 

Kgabagage, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, kgetsi ya polao e butswe. Kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha 7 Phatwe 2024, go tla go utlwa letsatsi la tsheko.  

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Parliament to establish internal structures 

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By OBAKEG MAJE 

Following the election of the presiding officers and the inauguration of the new president, the focus of the 7thadministration will now shift to establishing internal structures necessary for parliament to function. 

The newly-elected president, Cyril Ramaphosa, in consultation with the speaker of the national assembly (NA), Thoko Didiza and the chairperson of the NCOP, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane to set the date for the opening of parliament address. 

The parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said the OPA is an important ceremony in the form of a joint sitting of the two houses that marks the official opening of the 7th administration. Mothapo said unlike the state of the nation address (SOPA) that takes place annually in February, the OPA occurs once every five years after elections to announce the new administration’s plans and it marks the beginning of the new parliamentary term.  

“The joint sitting for the opening of parliament address, will be at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in light of the ongoing construction. The CTICC has been chosen for its capacity, convenience and proximity to the parliament precinct.  

“Amongst the activities that will unfold are the rules committees of the NA and NCOP meetings. These committees will establish the structures necessary for the national assembly (NA) and the national council of provinces (NCOP) to function,” he said. 

Mothapo further said they also decide on the constitution of the two houses’ respective committees, the formula for whips, speaking time during debates, and the number of members that will serve on a committee. He added that whips are important figures in the parliamentary system as they are responsible for discipline within the political parties and ensuring that members attend and participate in parliamentary sessions. 

“The formula for whips is a strategic determination that influences the dynamics of parliamentary proceedings. On the other hand, setting of speaking times is crucial for maintaining order and decorum in the houses and ensuring that discussions are productive and focused.

“Constituting the oversight committees is guided by the cabinet portfolios designated by the president as the committees’ exercise oversight over each government department,” said Mothapo. 

He said the committees are essential in scrutinising the work of government, providing a platform for debate and ensuring accountability. According to Mothapo, once all the structures of the two houses are established, the joint programming committee will convene to deliberate on the parliamentary programme. 

“The joint programming committee plays a vital role in laying the groundwork for a productive legislative session as it is responsible for drawing up a programme for the first term of the new parliament.

“The programme outlines the schedule and priorities for parliamentary activities, ensuring a structured and efficient approach to legislative and oversight responsibilities. The newly elected members of parliament will also undergo a structured orientation programme from 2 to 5 July to induct them into their new roles,” he said. 

Mothapo said the programme will cover a wide range of topics, including an introduction to the core business of parliament, the roles and responsibilities of members and office bearers, an overview of MPs’ ethics and disclosures, the rules guiding the operations of each house, and those that guide joint sittings. 

He said following the success of the first sittings of the two houses, the 7thparliamentary administration is ready to take the reins and ensure that parliament fulfils its constitutional mandate of oversight over the executive and providing a platform for the voice of South Africans in government policy and implementation. 

Meetings and activities scheduled for this week

“On Wednesday, both houses will hold their respective rules committee meetings. The NCOP rules committee meeting will start at 10:00, and the NA rules committee meeting is scheduled for 3pm. 

“On Thursday at 2pm, the NCOP will convene a hybrid plenary to elect various office bearers for the 7th parliament, including the permanent deputy chairperson of the NCOP, the rotating deputy chairperson, the programming whip, the house chairperson for committees and oversight,” he said. 

Mothapo said this includes the house chairperson for parliamentary diplomacy, the house chairperson for internal arrangements and members Support, and several other critical positions. 

He said during the same session, the council will also hold elections for the NCOP permanent delegates (MPs) to the pan-african parliament.

“Additionally, they will designate members to serve in the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, the Judicial Services Commission, the Magistrates Commission, and the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund Trustee. 

“The council will also consider and deliberate on the revival of the Appropriations Bill. On the same day, the council will convene in the morning and hold the Programming Committee at 08:30. The Programming Committee considers Bills before the House, committee reports and plans the business of the House and the programme,” said Mothapo. 

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A man sentenced to two life terms imprisonment for raping minors 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

A man (32) who cannot be named to protect the victims has been sentenced to two life terms by the Postmasburg Regional Court raping two girls aged 7 and girl 8. The accused was staying with the victims, as well as their mother in Danielskuil, in the Northern Cape. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the state’s case emanates from an incident one night in 2018. Senokoatsane said the mother of the two victims left the accused with the victims as she went looking for the elder brother of the two victims, who had allegedly been stabbed. 

“Taking advantage of the situation, the accused went to their mother’s bedroom, where the two victims were sleeping and began to rape them. The children reported the incident to their aunt, who immediately informed the mother of their victims. 

“The matter was then reported to the police. The accused was arrested and charged with two counts of rape. During the trial, the children were able to point the accused in court. They further demonstrated the way the accused had covered their mouth with his hand when they cried,” he said.

Senokoatsane further said the children also detailed the pain they felt when he was raping them. He added that these testimonies by the victims became overwhelming evidence against the accused person. 

“After the state closed its case, the defence also closed its case without calling the accused to testify. The Court Preparation Officer, Kelebogile Mokgotsi assisted the court with the Witness Impact Statement of the two victims, which played a major role in this matter. 

“In aggravation of sentence, the Regional Court Prosecutor Moloi Kenneth Motsatse, argued that the accused person used his power and position of trust to exploit the victims. The accused person showed no remorse,” said Senokoatsane. 

He said Motsatse further argued that the court should not deviate from the prescribed sentence for such heinous crimes considering that the victims are minor children. Senokoatsane said the accused should be sentenced to life imprisonment for count one of rape and life imprisonment for count two of rape. 

“In sentencing, the court was satisfied with the evidence adduced by the state witnesses including the medical evidence that the injuries sustained by the two victims were consistent with penetration. 

“The court sentenced the accused person to two life imprisonment. The court ordered that his name be included in the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The accused was also declared unfit to work with children. The accused was furthermore declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said. 

He said the NPA envisages that these sentences will provide some justice and closure to the victims, as well as their families as the perpetrators of these violent crimes are removed from the communities. 

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Two men sentenced to five years imprisonment for common robbery, theft and impersonating police officer 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

Two men were sentenced to five years by the Bloemhof Regional Court for common robbery, theft and impersonating a police officer. In October 2022, a man from Gauteng Province was robbed of R37 000 and his firearm. 

This comes after the victim arranged with a man to assist him get goats with reasonable prices from farmers around Wolmaranstad and surrounding farms. The victim met with the man on 6 October 2022, and the latter took him to a house in Bloemhof.  

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said both the victim and the man were in the yard when a group of men emerged. 

“They then forced the victim into the house. The men introduced themselves as police officers from the Hawks and purportedly placed him under arrest for dealing in diamonds. 

“He was further robbed of his firearm and R37 000 in cash. Moreover, he was given a bank account to deposit money into. The victim was later given his firearm, but without ammunition,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said a case was opened and allocated to the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit for investigation. He added that through good investigative work, Lebamang Lepholletsa (45) and Molefi Mokone (47), were identified and later arrested after being identified by the victim.  

“The accused finally pleaded guilty and was sentenced. While the sentence was wholly suspended for five years, the court ordered the accused to pay R20 000 each to the victim before 31 July 2024 or serve two years direct imprisonment,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, hailed the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit members, Warrant Officer Thabo Rakate and Sergeant Kabelo Kwele for effecting the arrests and securing the sentence respectively, which he said will contribute towards the fight against the so-called “knockers” who rob unsuspecting citizens under the pretext of being police officers. 

“We would also like to thank other role players, including the prosecutor, Advocate Thamsanqa Tamela for collaborating with the police to secure the conviction,” said Kgwele.

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Two men nabbed for robbery and impersonating police officers

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

Two men were arrested for robbery and impersonating police officers. Ronnie Pelesane (31) and Modise Pholo (44), were arrested by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit in Wolmaranstad on 20 June 2024. 

The accused were arrested following an incident wherein six men allegedly stormed into a guesthouse on 14 March 2022. The invaders, who introduced themselves as police officers, allegedly found a man sleeping with a woman he met and dated earlier during the day. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects then accused the victim of adultery. He said the suspects demanded payment in order for him not to be arrested. 

“Subsequently, one of the men took the victim’s bank card and a cell phone. A sum of R4000 was ultimately withdrawn from the victim’s bank account. The victim was further forced to transfer R23 000 into an unknown bank account. 

“Following the incident, the accused drove with the victim to Christiana, then went back to Wolmaranstad, where he was released. The matter was reported to the police and the pair was arrested,” said Mokgwabone. 

He further said the accused are expected back in Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s Court on 24 June 2024, for legal representation. Mokgwabone added that a thorough investigation yielded positive results. 

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North West experiences decline on HIV infections

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

Even though South Africa continues to be one of the countries in the world with a high rate of HIV, the North West province has experienced a decline. According to the report, approximately 7.8 million people are living with HIV in South Africa. 

The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said the province has experienced a decline in the number of people testing HIV positive. Lekgethwane said they recorded 31 382 during the 2021/22 financial year, 26 407 during the financial year and 22 010 during 2023/24 financial year.

“We understand that HIV continues to be a pandemic within the society and unfortunately, South Africa is one of the countries in the world where it experiences a high rate of HIV. However, there is provision of HIV Testing Services (HTS) in all health facilities for the community to know their HIV status and provision of HIV management package. 

“Our health facilities render HIV management for PLWHIV by initiating ART and providing routine HIV follow-up care. Initiation of TPT for eligible PLWHIV to protect them against active TB diseases is also done,” he said.

Lekgethwane further said the provision of CPT for prevention of opportunistic infections is addressed through provision of Prep and community outreach campaigns. He added that routine monitoring and evaluation for the HIV/ART programme performance are conducted during Phuthuma and HAST reviews meetings.

“The department is working closely with implementing partners and civil society for programme strengthening. The health education is being done through group and individual counselling in the health facilities during consultation. 

“We are also working closely with the Department of Education, including institutions of High Learning (universities), radio slots, distribution of Information, Educational and Communication (IEC) materials and community awareness through outreach campaigns” said Lekgethwane. 

He said they are working with traditional leaders, traditional health practitioners, civil society and implementing partners in a fight against the pandemic. Lekgethwane said there is a challenge, where clients stop treatment when feeling better in spite of counselling being provided on treatment adherence. 

“There are socio-economic factors that contribute to the spread of HIV such as poverty and unemployment. Sometimes clients relocate without informing the health facility in order to ensure continuity of care.  

“The Bojanala District continues to be the most affected in the province. However, we encourage clients to continue to take ARVs. As things stand, we have 364 477 of individuals who are on ART/ARVs as at the end of May 2024. Some clients still miss their appointments or stop ART due to various reasons,” he said. 

Lekgethwane said some of the reasons are uncooperative clients. He said some of the clients stop taking ARVs when feeling better, despite counselling being provided on treatment adherence. 

“We have also realized that lack of support system or structure at home or in the community contributes to this. Fear of stigma associated with the disease might also be the cause,” said Lekgethwane.

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Sekolo se segolwane sa Lerona se jelwe ka molelo

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Setshwantsho: Sekolo se segolwane sa Lerona se jelwe ka molelo kwa Christiana

Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

Sepodisi kwa Christiana se tlhalositse fa se butse kgetsi ya go fisiwa. Seno se tla morago ga gore sekolo se segolwane sa Lerona se jewe ka molelo ka Labotlhano mo mosong.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Go fisitswe phaphosi e go bewang dilwane mo go yone (storeroom) kwa sekolong. Phaphosi eo, e farologane le diphaphosi-borutelo.

“Diphaphosi-borutelo ga di a angwa ke molelo. Go belaelwa fa molelo o, o ka tswa o tlhodilwe ke motho mongwe o sa itsiweng. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana, fela dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”

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