The municipality tabled R1 061 075 billion budget for 2024/2025 financial year  

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Picture: The Moses Kotane Local Municipality mayor, Nketu Ntsokwe/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Moses Kotane Local Municipality mayor, Nketu Nkotswe said she will ensure that the municipality performs its constitutional and statutory functions within the limits of its approved budget at all times and service delivery tops the agenda. 

Nkotswe, who tabled R1 061 075 billion municipal budget for the 2024/2025 financial year said entities must ensure that the municipal budget caters for 107 villages, as well the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) programs. 

She further said they anticipate an increase to R1 093 450 billion for 2025/2026 financial year. Nkotswe added that this is due to the increase in equitable share by 6%. 

“We acknowledge that the municipality had prepared this compliant tabling of the budget and IDP during the eventful period when General Elections were being held across the country. 

“The rural municipality continues to collect small revenue, but in the 2024/2025 financial year, there are some highlights,” she said. 

According to Nkotswe, the total capital budget is projected at R252 554 million. She said a total operating expenditure for the 2024/2025 financial year has projected R1 346, 501 billion, which is an increase of R134 143 million, when compared to the 2023/24 adjustment budget. 

“A bulk purchase of electricity amounting to R42 000 million. Water services amounting to R197 242 million is prioritised because the municipality is now experiencing a water problem that has to be resolved immediately. Also, we had sanitation amounting to R5 103 million and refuse removal amounting to R11 189 million just to mention a few,” said Nkotswe. 

In conclusion, she said the municipality will continue to give priority to initiatives related to service delivery, with a total of R252 554 million in capital projects scheduled for 2024/2025 financial year.

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Acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi grants municipality housing sovereignty

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Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West Department of Human Settlements confirms it has partnered with the Rustenburg Local Municipality as part of intensifying the working relation between the two spheres of government on some of its housing functions.

The department together with the Rustenburg Local Municipality signed a Level Two Municipal Accreditation Implementation Protocol during the provincial government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole recently. 

Speaking during the signing of the agreement, the acting North West Premier and MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Nono Maloyi said this partnership is intended to enhance the municipality’s capacity and enable them to implement development plans according to human settlements and housing.

“As per the agreement, the municipality is delegated to perform full programme management and administration of all housing instruments/programmes. The department has already appointed a service provider to assist the municipality with a support plan.

“The department will provide the municipality with all the necessary assistance for them to be able to carry out these tasks and ensure that Rustenburg residents receive efficient housing services,” he said. 

Maloyi further said they have confidence that the municipality can execute the responsibility to deliver quality housing services and human settlements projects. 

“The department and the municipality will identify and agree on human settlements projects that will be implemented by the municipality as per the agreement.

“This enables the municipality to package human settlements projects and ensure efficiency in the turnaround time on project delivery,” said Maloyi.

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Police urge public to take safety measures in severe condition 

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Picture: Current situation in Bloemfontein/Twitter

By BAKANG MOKOTO

As certain parts of the country are experiencing severe weather conditions, the police in the Northern Cape, is appealing to residents to implement the following safety measures during this period and also to be vigilant and alert during extreme cold and wet weather.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said people should ensure that all fires in fireplaces are extinguished and heaters are switched off before going to bed.

Kock further said they should never sleep with candles burning and refrain from using Umbolas inside their houses. He added that people should install smoke alarms and test whether they are in a working condition.

“Never smoke in bed, rather smoke outside and make sure cigarette butts are properly disposed of. Take extra care when cooking, especially with gas and open fires. Do not overload multi-plugs and wall sockets with heating appliances.

“Switch off electric blankets at night and rather opt for extra warm blankets during winter. Do not splash water on oil or grease that caught fire in your cooking pan as this can spread fire. Rather use a fire extinguisher,” said Kock. 

He said people should keep matches, lighters, and other flammable liquids out of the reach of children. Kock said when cooking, people should keep flammable items like curtains, oven gloves, and paper towels far away from burners and stoves.

“Use portable air conditioners safely and with extra care. If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop, and roll. Plan your escape from fire and practice your fire drill at least twice a year. If your residence catches fire, get out, stay out, call for help, and never re-enter your burning house for pets or personal belongings,” he said. 

Kock said people should display their local fire departments and other emergency telephone numbers in their houses. He said people should attempt to extinguish a fire only when it is safe, otherwise they should leave it to professional fire personnel, who have the necessary training. 

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A man sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for house breaking and attempted rape 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

A man (24) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Carnavon Regional Court for house breaking and attempted rape. Kerneels Maerman broke into a house and found a woman (47) in a farm in Loxton 16 July 2023. 

Maerman repeatedly assaulted the victim and attempted to rape her in the process. The victim’s son who was hiding under the bed, managed to flee and seek assistance from the farmer, who reported the matter to the police. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said: “The accused was subsequently arrested. Maerman was found guilty on 31 May 2024. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

“Detective Warrant Officer Floris Fritz from the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit led the investigation and State Prosecutor, Thakiso Thebane, secured the conviction and ensured that the is justice for the victim of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).” 

Sam said the police encourage the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services. 

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Uncle sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his niece

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A man (52) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Williston Regional Court for raping a girl (17). The victim was walking home from a friend’s house when the accused, Arrie van Wyk, who is her uncle, invited her into his house. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said van Wyk threatened the victim with a knife and raped her. Sam said the accused was sentenced to 28 years imprisonment for rape of which 6 years was suspended for a period of 5 years. 

“The court instructed that van Wyk’s name be recorded in the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the Investigating Officer Detective, Constable Anthony Willemse from the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), for conducting the investigative work, ensuring that justice is served for child victims during and after Child Protection Month.

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ANC released names of representatives to occupy MPL seats in North West Provincial Legislature   

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Picture: ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The ANC Extended Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in North West has submitted three names as candidates for the North West Premier position. The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said the ruling party in the province, had a consultative meeting at Sun City Resort in Rustenburg on Monday. 

“The ANC Extended ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in North West has nominated three candidates for the North West Premier position. Those who were nominated are North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, the Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature, Sussana Rebecca Dantjie and ANC PEC member, Lizzy Mokua. 

“So, these are the three names that we have submitted to the ANC National Executive Committee at Luthuli House in Johannesburg for consideration. The nominees are expected to undergo interviews this week to conclude the matter,” he said. 

Maruping further said they have also received an official list of 23 candidates for Members of Provincial Legislature (MPLs) positions in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) from IEC. He added that the candidates for MEC positions will be constituted by the elected North West Premier. 

Those in the list are Jonas Sello Lehari, Keneetswe Norah Mosenogi, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, Sempe Elizabeth Mokua, Wessels Mosimanegape Morweng, Ntsetsao Viola Motsumi, Madoda Sambatha, Motlalepula Ziphora Rosho, Mokone Collen Maine, Tebogo Constance Modise, Paul Mosetlha Sebegoe, Tinah Priscilla Williams, Russel Sipho Dial, Sussana Rebecca Dantjie, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, Galebekwe Tsotso Virginia Tlhapi, Elias Maseneke Smuts Matshe, Sebonta Francinah Desbo Mohono, Kgalalelo Makgokgowa, Keobiditse Evelyn Lenkopane, Tshepo George Khoza, Mpho Elias Khunou, Karabo Tebogo Magagane, and Theolonuis Nat Nathan Oliphant.  

Meanwhile, it is an established practice in South Africa that after the announcement by the IEC of the results of the National and Provincial elections, the IEC hands over the lists of Members of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures to the Chief Justice, who then hands them over to the Secretary to Parliament.

In line with this practice, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, will on 6 June 2024, officially receive from the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission the lists of designated members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Provincial Legislatures (MPLs).

Zondo said in a statement that: I will hand over the National Assembly list to the Secretary to Parliament in preparation for the first sitting of the National Assembly. I also transmit the lists of designated Members of the Provincial Legislatures to the designated Judges President, who will preside over the first sittings of the Provincial Legislatures.

“The ceremony to mark the IEC handover of the lists of designated MPs and MPLs to the Chief Justice, will take place at the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein on 6 June 2024, at around 2pm,” he said.

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More than 644 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

More than 644 suspects were arrested for various crimes in the North West province during Operation Shanela, which was conducted by police and other law enforcement agencies between 27 May and 2 June 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Funani said of the 644 arrested suspects, 307 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 221 were held during detective suspect raiding operations.   

“In addition, 30 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing. She further said the arrests were effected during stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises and 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, 11 cell phones, copper cables, 23 rounds of ammunition, 8kg of precious metals, five firearms, liquor and five vehicles. During the operations, two illegal liquor outlets/shebeens were shut down,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, praised all police officers, units and other role players, who always and actively participate in Operation Shanela for keeping the citizens of the province protected. 

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Kgetsi ya go teketa kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa Matolong e buseditswe morago 

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadi wa go teketa, Mpumelelo Thobela 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Kgetsi ya go teketa kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa wa kwa motseng wa Matolong, gaufi le Taung, Mpumelelo Thobela (41), e buseditswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung go fitlha ka di 18 Seetebosigo 2024. Thobela yo go begwang fa a ile a teketa mmagwe, one a reboletswe beile ya R500 ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. 

Go ya ka dipego, ka di 2 Motsheganong 2024, Thobela one a goroga kwa gagabo, mme a fitlha a kopa mmagwe (73) madi a go ya go reka nnotagi. Fela, go begwa fa mosadimogolo a ne a itoka fa a sena le peni.

Go begwa fa seo se ile sa shakgatsa Thobela. Go ya ka dipego, Thobela one a mo tlhasela le go mo goga-goga mo mmileng. Go begwa fa mosadimogolo a ne a kuwa mokgosi. Go begwa fa baagisani ba ne ba utlwa selelo seo sa ga Ragele, mme ba mo tlhaga thuso, le go mo namola mo diatleng tsa ga Thobela.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Col Adele Myburgh, Thobela gape o latofadiwa ka go tlola molao-peelo wa Protection Order under Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No 116 of 1998).

Kgabagare, mogokaganyi wa sedika wa Women Mobilisation Committee go tswa kwa lekoko la sepolotiki la Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Masego Lepedi are: “Jaaka re le bomme, mme re ikarabela ka ntwa kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong, re kgala thata tiragalo e diragetseng. Ditiragalo tsa tshotlakako ya basadi le bana di dintsi, fela boammaruri ke gore setsosa sa kgang ke botlhoka-tiro mo nageng. 

“Ke ka moo rona jaaka EFF re ikuela gore go tlhamiwe ditiro. Botlhoka-tiro ke seemo se se boima, mme se tlhoka go ka tsibogelwa ka nako. Re kgala thata tiragalo e, mme re ikuela gore molao o tseye karolo.”

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A murder case against two elderly men postponed 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A murder case against two elderly men from an old-age home in Brits, was postponed to 7 June 2024, for formal bail application. Jeremiah Mmatli (75) and Daniel Madumo (92), briefly appeared in Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday for allegedly killing Godfrey Thema Motsepe (80). 

According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani, the victim and the suspects allegedly stayed at an old age home together. Funani said a fight ensued between them at around 4am on 30 May 2024. 

“The victim was from the bathroom when he met with the suspects, who were on their way to the bathroom. The victim allegedly bumped one of the suspects, who allegedly retaliated by hitting him with his crutches. The suspect’s companion apparently joined his friend and they both assaulted the victim. 

“The owner of the old age was notified and the police were summoned. Motsepe, who sustained head injuries, was transported to hospital by an ambulance, but was certified dead on arrival,” she said. 

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his shock and conveyed his condolences to the family of the victim.

Meanwhile, the Convener of Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “We call for a probe of an old age home and as civil society led organization promoting the Charter of Positive Values and Ubuntu, we describe the incident that has sent shock waves across rural and urban communities as outrageous. 

“We are extremely concerned at the level of intolerance and extreme violent behaviour that suggests possible bullying among the most vulnerable in our society who were collectively admitted at the facility to guarantee their safety and wellbeing.” 

Kgwele further said peaceful co-existence was supposed to characterise the environment at the old age home. He added that, while they are confident that the law will take its course, they urge authorities to get to the bottom of the matter and ensure that counselling and psycho-social support services are offered to the rest of the residents at the old age home and staff. 

“The family of the deceased will find closure knowing that justice has been served, that there was full accountability and that the facility had done everything to safeguard the safety of their loved one,” said Kgwele. 

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Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of Dr Lefalamang Zulu 

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Picture: The deceased, Dr Zulumathabo Vusumuzi Lefalamang Zulu

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of a renowned writer and linguist, Dr Zulumathabo Vusumuzi Lefalamang Zulu (62). Zulu, who is described as a natural linguist, who was fascinated by words and their link to African cosmology and the transfer of traditional art forms of storytelling, all inspired by the ancients. 

The family spokesperson, Nume Mashinini said Mocholoko as Zulu was affectionately known, had a deep love for writing and a profound intellectual fascination with the functioning of the human body, indigenous mathematics, physics, science, and African cosmology.

Mashinini further said this led him to a lifelong journey of intellectual exploration and pioneering scholarly accomplishments. 

He added that over the years, Zulu’s intellectual and scholarly endeavours, earned him a number of titles, including journalist, computer software scientist, patent holder, author, teacher, mentor, doctoral practitioner, research scientist, metaphysical scientist, cosmologist and custodian of indigenous medicine. 

“Mocholoko held various academic positions at various academic institutions on the African continent and other parts of the world. Through this, he contributed to the development of academic curricula and literature in a number of fields. 

“This includes such fields as Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Climate Change, African Indigenous Architecture and Design, African Metallurgy, Materials Science and Engineering, Historiography of African Science and Technology, African Ethnomathematics,” said Mashinini. 

He said inspired by his commitment to afrocentric epistemology and pedagogy, Zulu founded Madisebo University, whose mission is to train teachers as griot professors and knowledge engineers, who teach and model the sacrosanct principles of the African origins of knowledge. 

Mashinini said in essence, Madisebo University is a new paradigm intended to emancipate and to empower Thari (Bana Ba Thari/Abantwana Be Mbeleko/The Descendants of the Melanin). 

“He did this to ensure they are free from miseducation, conflict, immorality, poverty and pestilence. Mocholoko has published more than eight books and produced hundreds of unpublished manuscripts. 

“These include Sesotho Dictionary of Mathematics, A Woman in The Bush, African Origin of Mathematics and scholarly papers like African Origin of Mathematical Teaching and Learning. This list of publications also includes African Drum Telegraphy and Indigenous Innovation, African Contribution To Communication Science, African Metaphysical Science and Decolonisation and Africography Research Framework amongst others,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mashinini said the Organising Committee is currently finalising all the details relating to Zulu’s funeral service and memorial events. He said further announcements will be made during the course of the week.

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