Picture: One of the financed houses in Mahikeng/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A mother of three, Masego Motlhatlego (42) said she is happy that finally she can have a ‘place called home’. Motlhatlego who resides in Mahikeng, has recently moved into her new home after being assisted by the North West Human Settlement, through the First Home Finance program, which was formerly known as Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP).
“I have been working for the government for almost ten years now. Before occupying the house, I was staying at my parents’ house with my children. I learnt about the subsidy through a workshop I attended and went to the department for further information.
“I was then advised to apply and I followed all the processes of buying a house. I am proud to say the department has really helped me a lot. Looking at the economy now, I am financially relieved,” she said.
The overwhelmed Motlhatlego further said, she is happy after what the department has done for her. She added that the department should also continue helping others like you did for her.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Human Settlements spokesperson, Dineo Lolokwane said, the programme has been tailor-made for those who earn average to qualify for a free government home or low cost house, but too less to qualify for a mortgage in any financial institution.
Lolokwane said the department urges communities to apply for First Home Finance, so that they become home owners for the first time.
“The department has subsidized 48 beneficiaries in the last financial year and for this year the department has planned to subsidize 90 more. To qualify, a beneficiary must have to be a South African citizen, whose household income is from R3 501 up to R22 000 per month.
“The subsidy is paid into one’s bank or financial institution and will reduce the monthly loan instalments, making it more affordable to buy a home. The department, as it is mandated to ensure that people have a roof over their heads, urges communities to make use of this platform, especially those who earn average salaries to benefit from the subsidy.
Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi with one of the beneficiaries/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West Department of Human Settlement said it will continue with its commitment of providing communities with adequate housing through the Provincial Government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole, which was recently held in Mahikeng.
The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said, during the programme, the department handed over 2 houses to the Montshane and Pontwane families, who are both residing at Lonely Park and Signal Hill villages respectively. Speaking during the handover, Maloyi said the handover is part of the provincial government’s commitment of ensuring that people are provided with decent and dignified housing.
“Ours as government is to ensure that all of us regardless of race, gender and belief, deserve a decent shelter and comfort. It is therefore that we have taken a decisive decision to tackle all the housing backlog we have been faced with and ensure that our people are living comfortably.
“Moreover, the department also issued 10 title deeds to Danville residents as part of the on-going Title Deeds Friday campaign which seeks to restore human dignity. We would like to caution against illegal occupations or disruptions of projects and further urged communities to protect all developments to ensure timeous completion and occupancy by rightful beneficiaries,” he said.
Maloyi further called on the beneficiaries to be agents of service delivery, especially to residents who may say that the government is not doing enough to assist its communities.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Maria Pontwane said she is grateful for the assistance she has received from the government. According to Pontwane, she has been living in an old shack, which was on the verge of breaking down as it has been affected by severe winds and rainfalls for years, making their living condition unfavourable.
“I would like to thank the government for building me and my family a house. At my age I was even beginning to think that I would die and leave my children without having to own a proper house,” said an emotional Pontwane.
Another beneficiary, Kgomotso Montshane described the day as the best in her life. She says she can now sleep peacefully in her new house.
“Our living conditions have improved and I would like to thank the government and everyone who made all this possible”.
Picture: The upgrading of D506, Z559 and D332 roads on sight/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, will on Thursday, introduce consultants for the upgrading of Road D506, Z559 and D332. Molapisi is also expected to lead a sod-turning ceremony for the special maintenance project of Road P47/2 including Koster Town and sections of Road P34/2.
The North West Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said: “Molapisi will lead both activities ahead of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme-Thuntsha Lerole scheduled to take place on Friday at Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
“The activity will start off by introduction of consultants for designs of upgrading projects at the Dwarsberg to Pachsdraai Road and Roads P51/2 and D56 (Sesobe to Brakkruil).”
Gambu said this event follows consultations with the community of Dwarsberg regarding conditions of the road. He said the first session will take place at Debrak Community Hall on 18 April 2024 at 10am.
The second session will be at the Municipal Hall in Koster at 2pm.
Picture: SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyapao, during the partnership announcement/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
The South African Football Association (SAFA) said is thrilled to announced Freddy Hirsch as Bafana’s new official Shisanyama Partner. SAFA has signed a three-year contract with Freddy Hirsch.
SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said this collaboration blends the passion of South African football with the tradition of Shisanyama. Monyepao also expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership.
“Uniting with Freddy Hirsch allows us to bring together two of South Africa’s greatest loves— football and Shisanyama. This collaboration will enhance match-day experiences in stadia, as well as at home or fan’s favourite shisanyama spots and enrich our ties and cultural heritage over the next three years.
“Freddy Hirsch’s commitment to celebrating our heroes mirrors our vision of growing the Bafana Bafana’s relationship with South African fans, which in turn strengthens our national team brand,” she said.
Monyepao further said the partnership unveils ‘Heroes,’ a new spice blend from Freddy Hirsch, branded with the slogan ‘Our Heroes, Our Spice.’ She added that, this initiative invites South Africans to embrace and celebrate their heritage.
“It symbolises shared ownership over the stories that define the nation, making ‘Our Heroes, Our Spice’ a collective homage to South African unity. Rooted in “Sustainable Innovation” since its founding in 1956, Freddy Hirsch introduces the ‘Heroes Ishumi’ concept, reflecting the iconic number 10 jersey.
“This initiative, offering the premium spice blend at just R10.99, exemplifies the partnership’s forward-thinking and commitment to making quality brands accessible to all South Africans,” said Monyepao.
Meanwhile, The Head of Marketing at Freddy Hirsch, Clive Moore, said: “We’re excited to unite the passion of football with the tradition of Shisanyama. The ‘Heroes’ Brand is a celebration of our sporting and culinary heritage, designed to honour the legends of the game.
“In short, the partnership delivers to the consumer, braai products for Bafana Bafana fans by Freddy Hirsch. As SAFA and Freddy Hirsch embark on this journey together, the collaboration is set to elevate the fan experience over the coming years.”
Picture: The delegates during a sod-turning at Batho Batho Primary School/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department will continue to roll out its infrastructure development plan to improve schools across the province. Motsumi said this comes after they have marked another milestone with the sod-turning ceremony for the rebuilding of Batho Batho Primary School in Mareetsane village, near Mahikeng on 17 April 2024.
“Batho-Batho Primary School currently has mobile classrooms structures, which will be improved by a modern design boasting of 16 brand new classrooms, Grade R block comprising three classrooms with jungle gym and fencing.
“This also comprises of an administration block, a computer lab, a nutrition block eating area, a multipurpose hall, combo courts, and a guard house, amongst other facilities. The new structure will provide a conducive learning environment for learners, with a strong focus on creating employment opportunities for locals during the construction phase,” she said.
Motsumi further said by rebuilding Batho-Batho Primary School, they are creating a safe and stimulating learning environment ensuring inclusive and equitable for all learners in the province, as well as contributing to the economic empowerment of the Mareetsane community.
She added that, it is an important role to them as government, to ensure they use these programs to eradicate poverty, which is a much needed economic boost in the community.
“The construction of Batho Batho Primary School is another testament to the department’s ongoing commitment to replicate this success in communities across the North West,” said Motsumi.
Picture: The drugs seized by the police during the raids/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three men were arrested for dealing in drugs during intelligence-driven operations on separate occasions. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the operations were led by the Operation Vala Umgodi members, who continue to disrupt the distribution of drugs in the Frances Baard District.
Molefi further said the police responded to a tip-off received about drugs being sold in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley. He added that, during the search and seizure actions on 16 April 2024, two identified locations were raided.
“At the first suspected drug outlet, crystal meth (Tik) and mandrax tablets were found concealed in the heels of women’s shoes. A man (35) was arrested for possession of drugs. The police proceeded to the second identified location and found two men in the house with mandrax tablets in their possession.
“Both suspects are 28 and 37 years old respectively. They were arrested for possession of drugs. Drugs estimated to the street value of R10,000, were confiscated as well as cell phones and money believed to be the proceeds of crime,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, said they acknowledge the cooperation between the police and the communities, who are actively involved in the fight against crime. Otola applauded the police for their ongoing efforts towards addressing illicit mining and related crimes.
The police in Olifantshoek are appealing to the public to assist in locating Anna-Marie Rooi (24), who resides at Plakkerskamp, in Olifantshoek. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, Rooi was last seen by her mother on Sunday, 24 December 2023 in Plakkerskamp, Olifantshoek.
‘She was wearing blue jeans, a white top and black Adidas sneakers. Anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of Anna-Marie is urged to contact Sergeant KG Mqaisa at 073 840 2654 or 08600 10111 or either use the MySAPS app.
“All information received will be treated confidentially. The public is also reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” he said.
Picture: The missing Motsamai Petrus Phoko/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The police in Roodepan are appealing to the public to assist in locating Motsami Petrus Phoko (76), who resides at 48465 Kanana, Roodepan in Kimberley. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, Phoko was last seen by his sister on 28 January 2024 in Roodepan.
Sam said it is alleged that Phoko has frequently been seen around the De Beers Stadium area.
“He was wearing grey jeans and black shoes. Anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of Motsami, is urged to contact Warrant Officer Vermeulen at 082 495 4717 or 08600 10111 or either use the MySAPS app.
“All information received will be treated confidentially. The public is also reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” he said.
Picture: Two men, Allie Edgar Pommer and Basil Owen Smith/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Roodepan are appealing to the public to assist in locating Allie Edgar Pommer (40), who resides at 21st Street, No 42 Homevale Extension, in Kimberley. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, Pommer was last seen on 4 September 2022, when he left home after visiting his brother at Ivory Park Shanties, but never reached his destination.
Sam further said another missing person, Basil Owen Smith (35), who resides at 45201 Ivory Park in Roodepan, was last seen on 11 February 2023, wearing black jeans and a white t-shirt. He added that Smith is mentally challenged and likes walking from home to sit at the corner of Raven Street crossing in Roodepan and would normally return home.
“The two missing persons were amongst a list missing persons circulated by the police on 23 February 2023. Anyone who might have information about their whereabouts is urged to contact the Investigating Officer Captain Allistair Slambert at 071 675 4427 or 08600 10111 or either use the MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated confidentially. The public is also reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing, said Sam.
Picture: The Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San, Kgosi Thari Maotwe and North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho, hand over financial report to a traditional leader from the Bakgatla ba Kgafela tribal council/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Treasury, Molalepula Rosho said, the provincial government has honoured its promise to the North West Traditional Authorities by handing over financial reports of their respective councils.
Rosho said for many years, the North West Traditional Authorities have requested the provincial government to provide them with information relating to the financial transaction reports regarding their respective councils.
In a meeting that was held last year in Sun City, Rosho and North West MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Nono Maloyi, have acceded to the call by the traditional authorities and committed that the request will be sanctioned.
“The North West Department of Treasury in collaboration with the North West Department of COGTA and Office of the Premier, have commenced with a series of roadshows that are aimed at providing traditional authorities with the information related to financial transactions processed since 1994 to March 2023.
“These roadshows mark a significant step towards fostering transparency, collaboration, and accountability within our traditional communities. The initiative kick-started on 16 April 2024 in Phokeng, near Rustenburg with Dikgosi of Rustenburg and Mankwe,” she said.
Rosho further said this will be followed by Madikwe, Moretele, Madibeng, Lehurutshe, Ditsobotla, Molopo, Taung and Ganyesa respectively. She added that, the exercise is envisaged to be concluded during mid-May.
“We acknowledged the importance of traditional authorities to be provided with these financial reports as they are expected to play a more significant role in overseeing the allocation of resources in their communities.
“The need to foster clear and open communication channels and committed government towards building trust and ensure that traditional authorities are fully informed and engaged in decision-making processes that impact their communities,” said Rosho.
She emphasised that traditional authorities should also be equipped with knowledge that enables them to understand the financial information contained in the report. Rosho also indicated that traditional authorities have proven beyond reasonable doubt that they are valuable community builders, therefore it is imperative that they are empowered with knowledge.
“Yet, amidst the trials of adversity, traditional leaders emerged as beacons of resilience and agents of progress. In the absence of adequate government infrastructure in the past, they assumed the mantle of development, spearheading initiatives to uplift their communities and foster sustainable growth.
“The indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment of our traditional leaders to the well-being of their people, epitomize the essence of African leadership at its finest,” she said.
Meanwhile, the representative from the Office of the Premier, Zacharia Tolo, who is an advisor to the Premier, endorsed the session and commended the two departments for ensuring that the D-account has been shared with the traditional authorities. Tolo said it is public knowledge that this has been a thorny issue that ought to be dealt with in a transparent manner.
“We draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of history that surrounds us and may we march forward with steadfast determination towards a future characterized by prosperity, inclusivity, and shared prosperity,” he said.
The Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San, Kgosi Thari Maotwe, expressed his gratitude and said this move is an indication that intergovernmental relations are recognised in the province.
Maotwe committed that the traditional leaders will always welcome any interventions that are brought by the government to empower traditional leaders as this will translate to better service delivery in the various communities of the province.
The traditional leaders that were present received envelopes containing various reports of their respective traditional councils and signed an acknowledged receipt to symbolise their commitment to the handover process.
The Guardian 