North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha refutes shortage of children vaccines allegations

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Picture: Shortage of children vaccines in healthcare centres in North West 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha has refuted allegations that there is a shortage of children vaccines in various clinics across Mahikeng. This comes after SABC Newsreported that the alleged affected clinics were Magogoe, Montshioa Stadt and Gateway Clinic located at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital.

However, Sambatha said they suspect that there could have been a gap in the effective communication regarding the introduction of a revised Immunization Schedule that came into effect from January 2024. He further said his department has confirmed the ‘availability of children vaccines’ in all health facilities across the province. 

Sambatha added that, therefore, this renders the reported shortage of children vaccines as non-factual.

“Unfortunately, all efforts to establish the veracity of the allegations, proved futile as available data and interviews conducted, confirmed that there was never a period in recent times when there were no vaccines.

“The department can confirm that it managed to maintain a satisfactory level of children vaccines availability at above 90% average for ages at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, 6 years, Grade 5 learners, 9 years of age and for 12 years old,” he said.

Sambatha said the introduction of the new schedule follows a phased in – phase out approach of new and old vaccines. He said according to the previous immunization schedule, children were vaccinated against Pertussis at the ages of 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks with a booster dose at 18 months. 

“The revised immunization schedule includes Pertussis-containing (TdaP) vaccines at the same ages with two additional doses at 6 years and 12 years of age. The revised immunization schedule also includes Pertussis-containing (TdaP) vaccines in the immunization schedule during pregnancy.  

“The new Tdap vaccine is already being ordered and issued to facilities in the province. There are currently a total of 7974 x TdaP vaccines in stock in the province, which is a sufficient quantity in the transitioning process to the Revised Immunization Schedule as introduced,” said Sambatha.  

Meanwhile, he said they have established a Medicine Availability Intervention Team, which has been given the responsibility of monitoring medicines stock levels. Sambatha said to date, the work of this team has been to assess and intervene in among others, the pharmaceutical supply chain issues, systems effectiveness, distribution and delivery processes, storage capacity, human resources capacity and on safety issues.  

“The assessment has been conducted across the province starting at the Mmabatho Medical Depot and moving into the pharmacies in hospitals and clinics. The intervention has immediately resulted with improved communication between the medical depot and pharmacy managers in health facilities. 

“This is important for speedy resolution of any bottlenecks in the distribution and delivery of medicine between the depot and health facilities. The intervention team has also identified short to long term plans like establishing mini-depots in the districts and opening of bulk pharmacies closer to the facilities,” he said.

Sambatha said the new Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Bulk Pharmacy that has recently been officially opened, will improve medicine storage and distribution capacity in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.

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SAFA happy with Congress outcomes

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Picture: The SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

The South African Football Association (SAFA) said it is happy with the outcome of the 32nd Ordinary Congress, held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday.

SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan said delegates from around the country, descended on the venue in the East of Johannesburg to attend an event that was also graced by representatives from, among others, FIFA, SASCOC, COSAFA, and the Special Member, the National Soccer League (NSL).

Jordaan further said about 60 women were part of the delegates from different regions and represented the structures of football. He added that some of them were presidents and some vice presidents.

“We are very happy with the progress that SAFA has made. The structure of South African football is in place. The congress also discussed the question of coaching and referee education. 

“SAFA recently launched CAF Licenses for coaches in the NSL. In our regions, we have offered C and D Licenses to coaches. Many of our former players have become coaches through SAFA structures and some of them have even entered the A License,” said Jordaan. 

He said many of their coaches, including Gavin Hunt, and many others, were there at the CAF A License courses. Jordaan said turning to financial matters, the association had an unqualified audited financial statement for the financial year under review.

“SAFA CFO, Gronie Hluyo and the chairman of the finance committee, Mxolisi Sibam, submitted the report and it was accepted by the congress. This is the 32nd congress of SAFA and for 32 years, SAFA has delivered audited financial statements to each congress every year.

“We have not skipped one year, where we didn’t have an audited financial statement and were unqualified. So, that is just our record on finances. There are no issues, no problems,” he said.

Jordaan said the South African U17 men’s team have been invited to Santiago de Cali, Colombia, to play two international friendly matches as they continue with preparations for the upcoming COSAFA U-17 Championships and the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. He said Amajimbos reported for camp on 10 April 2024 and they are expected to depart for Colombia in the coming days.

“Why is it important that we focus on junior football, on the U17 and U20? This is because FIFA took a decision that soon they will have U17 and U20 World Cups every year. Every year there will be a World Cup in the U17 and U20s.

“In the past, we have argued that it does not make sense to have the U17 and U20 World Cups every second year because when you play U17 this year and not next year, then in the following year, you skip a whole generation of players,” he said. 

Jordaan said they see the effect of that in the progression of players into the senior teams of Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana. He said on both sides, men and women, they are going to focus on strengthening, consolidating and driving the building of competitive U17 and U20 teams.

“SAFA has engaged the Northern Cape about building a world-class stadium in the province that complies with international standards. Northern Cape did not host any FIFA World Cup matches in 2010.

“International matches cannot be hosted in the province, unless this issue is addressed. We will have further meetings with the government to emphasize that it is important that we have a FIFA-compliant and CAF-compliant stadium to host international matches,” said Jordaan.

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Residents in North West welcome General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill

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Picture: The government officials during public hearing on General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill/Generic  

By REGINALD KANYANE

The residents across North West said the country’s porous borders are the biggest threat to state security and that the improved intelligence services must address that. The residents told the Ad Hoc Committee during the public hearing on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill that was held in Mogwase, near Rustenburg on Saturday. 

The chairperson of the Committee, Kenneth Mmoiemang said, the Ad Hoc Committee on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), has the planned restructuring of South Africa’s intelligence services as envisaged in the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (GILAB) that must also strengthen security at the country’s ports of entry.

Mmoiemang said the residents declared their full support for the Bill, which seeks to introduce reforms to the state intelligence services as per the recommendations of the High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA). He further said the citizens blamed weak border controls for the influx of foreign nationals, who come into the country illegally and allegedly commit crimes such as drug dealing, human trafficking, kidnappings, manufacture illegal goods and forcing out local small business operators through anti-competitive business practice.

“They told the committee that they support the Bill with the hope that it will result in improved state security and strengthen border controls and stop corruption at the Department of Home Affairs. Some residents raised fears and questioned whether the Bill will not compromise citizens’ privacy in the name of trying to protect them.

“While the Bill aimed to implement the recommendations of the 2018 High Level Review Panel on the State Security(SSA), the 2021 July unrests in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, also gave impetus to the need to reorganise the country’s intelligence services. 

He added: “We need to balance the work of the intelligence, in data collection, and the rule of law in protecting citizens’ privacy and from the lessons learnt in July 2021the national intelligence service must up their game so we are not caught by surprise.  

“The Bill proposes to split the SSA into domestic and foreign intelligence services. This restructuring aims to improve the efficiency, specialisation and accountability of the intelligence services, while strengthening coordination and oversight.”

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Two men sentenced to life imprisonment for murder 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

Two men aged 35 and 37, were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Stilfontein Regional Court for murder of Mafooa Gift Fana Phushudi (28). On 9 July 2020, the police were called to a house in Extension 9 in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein, where Phushudi’s body was found lying face down in the living room with hands and feet tied up. 

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, a post mortem revealed that Phushudi died due to strangulation. Myburgh further said, the meticulous prosecution led investigations, resulting in the arrest of Thabiso Matthews (35) and Simon Tshimo (37), only a few days after the incident. 

“Matthews and Tshimo, made their first court appearance on 13 July 2020 and their bail applications were successfully opposed. In addressing the court on sentence, the state prosecutor put aggravating circumstances before the court. 

“He said the accused committed a heinous offence, which shocked the members of the community at large and that must be given a sentence that will serve as a deterrent. Matthews and Tshimo were further declared unfit to possess firearms in terms of section 103 of the Firearm Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” she added.  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director for Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence. They also applauded the Investigation Officer, Warrant Officer Ettienne Fourie of Khuma Detectives, as well as the state prosecutor, Chris Kok, for their collaboration that resulted in the conviction. 

“The sentence, which was secured through collective efforts by the entities, will definitely send a clear message that those who commit crime will not be tolerated,” said Kwena.

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Livestock theft is prevalent in rural areas 

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Picture: The police discovered the alleged stolen cattle/Generic  

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Livestock theft continues to be prevalent, especially in rural areas. Some of the local farmers said from the earliest times, stock theft has had far-reaching consequences. 

One of the livestock theft victims, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We call on law enforcement agencies to increase the momentum in a fight against livestock theft. Livestock theft has a negative impact on our livelihoods, especially to the rural communities. 

“We are sick and tired of livestock crimes in our area. I had 25 goats, but they were all stolen at once. So, we call on law enforcement agencies to crack the whip against livestock theft. The livestock is our living wealth and often our only source of income and sustenance.” 

He further said when their livestock is stolen, many households and subsistence farmers lose their livelihoods. He added that what is disappointing is that most livestock theft cases are not thoroughly investigated. 

“Either the case is being thrown out of court or the accused persons are not found guilty due to insufficient evidence,” he said.   

Another victim of livestock theft, who also refused to be named for fear of reprisal shared the same sentiments. He alleged that the perpetrators commit these crimes with impunity because they know that they are well-protected. 

“Again, there is a well-orchestrated syndicate that is operating across the North West province. But, what makes us uneasy is that some police officers are conniving with these individuals. 

“When one opens a case against these perpetrators, the police do not put more effort in investigating these cases. We would like to see overhaul in various police stations. Police officers should be transferred to other police stations to disband the syndicate.” 

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “A joint operation by Makgobistad Visible Policing and Stock Theft & Endangered Species (STES) Unit members, resulted in the discovery of 49 goats and two sheep. It is alleged that a report was received on Thursday at around 11:30, regarding theft of goats and sheep at a grazing field in the vicinity of Makgobistad on 10 April 2024.

“Following the report, a search was launched at auctions and grazing fields. With assistance of farmers and Disaneng Headman, the goats and sheep were found at around 2pm at the grazing field in the Disaneng village. Despite not being brand marked, the livestock were identified by the owner’s shepherds.”

The North West Deputy Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Dintletse Molefe, thanked all the units involved and members of the community for their cooperation that led to the recovery of the livestock.

Meanwhile, the https://scielo.org.za/website said: “The literature indicates that animal livestock contributes significantly to the livelihoods of people living in the rural areas of developing countries and South African rural communities are no exception. The literature also asserts that among the difficulties faced by South African livestock farmers in general, stock theft remains one of the biggest challenges. 

“To add to this argument, Geldenhuys (2006: 34) explains that stock theft is an escalating, unnerving and destructive reality, facing or affecting all sectors of the farming community. This includes the commercial farmer, the stud breeder, and emerging farmers, who own only a few herds of cattle (Geldenhuys, 2009:49).”

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Mother and daughter who went missing found unharmed

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Picture: The mother, Carmen Noble went missing, but found unharmed/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A mother (41) and her daughter (14), who were reported missing were found sound and safe on Saturday. Carmen Noble and her daughter, Chailynn van Rensburg, who residing in Jeugd Street in Potchefstroom, were reported missing by Chailynn’s father, who was working overseas.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, Chailynn’s father arrived back in Potchefstroom on 21 March 2024, but could not find them. Myburgh said a search was conducted and extensive investigations were done without any success.

“Rensburg and her mother, Noble, were found safe and unharmed on Saturday afternoon, due to the assistance of the media. The police appreciates the communities’ assistance. Keep following our social media page to stay informed,” she said.

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A man nabbed for allegedly raping a disabled daughter of his friend

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (39) has been arrested for allegedly raping a daughter (9) of his friend in Freedom Park, near Rustenburg on 7 April 2024. It is alleged that the parents and their daughter, who is living with disability, where driving to Freedom Park with their friend to attend a meeting.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said after the meeting, they left their child in a car with their friend and went to a nearby tuck shop to buy food for the her. Myburgh said on their return, they found their daughter lying on the back seat with their friend allegedly busy raping her.

“The father removed him from the child, whilst the mother screamed for help. The community members came and grabbed the suspect, who was later rescued by the victim’s father.

“The suspect was handed over to the police in Phokeng. The suspect briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 11 April 2024 on a charge of rape. He was remanded in custody until 18 April 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant  General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest of the suspect to face the full might of the law.

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Taung-born runner, Onalenna Khonkhobe wins men’s Two Oceans Marathon race

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Picture: Onalenna Khonkhobe wins Two Oceans Marathon race/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

Taung-born athlete, Onalenna Khonkhobe, has won his maiden men’s Two Oceans Marathon race.

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More details to follow.

The Greater Taung Local Municipality in financial distress

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Picture: The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Various political parties at the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), alleged that they know nothing about the invocation of Section 139 (1) (a). On 19 January 2024, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi, introduced Section 139 (1) (a) after instability. 

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) councillor in Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Mmoni Letele said, as the municipal council, they do not know anything about invocation of Section 139 (1)(a). Letele further said, there is no Section 139 (1)(a) that will be introduced and implemented without following proper measures. 

“I was so surprised to hear that, the North West Head of Department of North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Ben Bole had a meeting with the municipal employees, instead of engaging the municipal council regarding the invocation of Section 139 (1)(a). 

“They have never met with the municipal council. So, from where we stand, the invocation of Section 139 (1) (a) at the municipality is non-existence,” she said.

Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) councillor, Mika Moeti, shared the same sentiments. Moeti alleged that the municipality is in financial crisis. 

“What is needed is a forensic investigation because the municipality is in a financial crisis. Imagine, five years ago, the municipality’s investment accounts had R500 million. But in 2021, the account only had R100 million. 

“We must be honest to our people and tell them the truth. If the municipal council is serious, it must sit in a meeting and call for a forensic investigation. We need to know what really happened to the money that has been depleted,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bole refuted the allegations and said there has been positive progress at the municipality since the invocation of Section 139 (1) (a). 

“The Executive Council of the North West has taken a decision to invoke Section 139 (1) (a) at the municipality. This was to give the municipality directives and they were communicated to the municipal council by Maloyi.  

“Basically, that invocation was as a result of instability at the municipality. The municipal council dismally failed to meet its obligations. The municipal council was dysfunctional and as a result, the EXCO took a decision after Maloyi made a presentation before it,” he said. 

Bole further said they have given the municipality directives and they are monitoring them on a monthly basis. He added that they have received the first report and there is a sturdy process. 

“Since last year, the municipal council has failed to sit for council meetings, where it was supposed to take decisions in addressing service delivery challenges. One of the issues that the municipal council was supposed to do, is with regard to appointment of the senior managers. 

“However, there was back and forth and that triggered Maloyi to bring intervention. It is not only that, but before the EXCO invoke Section 139 (1)(a), Maloyi convened a meeting with the municipal council to try and deal with the situation,” said Bole. 

He said, however, it became very clear that Maloyi needed to elevate this matter before the EXCO in order to have a decisive action taken. Bole said Maloyi introduced Section 139 (1)(a) not for impunity measures, but corrective measures to crack the dysfunctional of the municipality,” said Bole.

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The alleged owner of the house where Mohammed cousins were kept during kidnapping arrested 

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Picture: The cousins, Zahraa Mohammed and Bataviya Mohammed, who were kidnapped in Brits

By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (50) who is the alleged owner of the house, where kidnapped cousins, Zahraa Mohammed (17) and Bataviya Mohammed (19) were held at, has been arrested. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the suspect was arrested by the multi-disciplinary team of Provincial Organised Crime, Head Office Crime Intelligence, Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Task Team and Brits Crime Intelligence on Tuesday. Mokgwabone said the arrest of the suspect brings the number of the arrested suspects to eight.  

“The suspect is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court today. Other accused, Humphrey Martin (48), Nathaniel Mokwena (41), Sendry Phage (58), Virgilo Hlongwane (33), Nkanyiso Hadebe (25), Boitumelo Bogatsu (44), Thuloane Makume (47) briefly appeared in Brits Magistrate’s Court on 8 and 9 April 2024.

“They were all remanded in custody until 16 April 2024, for formal bail application. The Mohammed cousins were kidnapped in Brits on 6 March 2024 and rescued by a multidisciplinary team,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the accused include a police Sergeant attached to Letlhabile Detectives. Mokgwabone said the police also confiscated a vehicle, which was allegedly used during the commission of the crime. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the latest developments, especially the arrest of a police officer, which he said will serve as an indication that no one is above the law. Kwena said no stone will be left unturned to ensure that alleged perpetrators are brought to book. 

“Tarnishing of the South African Police Service (SAPS) image by unethical employees will not be tolerated,” he said.

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