North West traditional authorities to receive financial transaction reports 

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Picture: North West MEC for Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho said, in collaboration with the North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and Office of the Premier, is set to embark on a series of roadshows aimed at providing traditional authorities with the information related to financial transactions effected since 1994 of their respective councils. 

Rosho said these roadshows mark a significant step towards fostering transparency, collaboration and accountability within our traditional communities. She further said the initiative will kick-start on 16 April 2024, starting in Phokeng with Dikgosi in the Rustenburg and Mankwe areas. 

“This will be followed by Madikwe, Moeretele, Madibeng, Lehurutshe, Ditsobotla, Molopo, Taung and Ganyesa respectively. The exercise is envisaged to be concluded during mid-May. 

“The exercise underscores the North West Provincial Government’s recognition of Dikgosi as indispensable partners in driving sustainable development within our traditional communities,” said Rosho. 

She added that their profound understanding of local needs and cultural nuances, serves as a cornerstone for effective governance and community empowerment. Rosho said this effort will address the historical concerns surrounding the transparency of the D-Account, currently under the management of Standard Bank of South Africa. 

“The past shortcomings have led to feelings of mistrust and a sense of disconnection among Dikgosi regarding decision-making processes. The NWPG acknowledges these challenges and is resolutely committed to implementing stringent protocols to address them. 

“Going forward, Dikgosi will be provided with regular reports and will play a more significant role in overseeing the allocation of resources. By fostering clear and open communication channels, the government aims to rebuild trust and ensure that Dikgosi are fully informed and engaged in decision-making processes that impact their communities,” said Rosho.

She said the roadshows represent a vital opportunity for dialogue, collaboration and mutual understanding between the government and traditional authorities. Rosho said through transparent and collaborative efforts, they are poised to utilise available resources effectively, empower the communities and build a brighter future for all. 

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‘Poor service at Buxton clinic leaves EFF members fuming’

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Picture: The EFF members at Buxton Clinic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Taung said there is overwhelming evidence that the quality of health care at Buxton clinic has been compromised. This comes after allegations that the clinic has only two nurses during the day. 

EFF councillor, Loeto Modise said, last Friday, he visited the clinic and it was heart-breaking to see patients being left unattended without any nurse on sight. 

“Indeed, the healthcare quality is at the brink of collapse at this clinic. Most patients alleged that they arrived at the clinic at around 5am, but only received assistance after I engaged with the staff. According to information, the clinic management allocates only two nurses per shift. 

“However, this has a negative impact towards service delivery and our people must bear the brunt. So, we decided to visit the clinic today and have a consultative engagement with the clinic management. Unfortunately, the manager could not give us satisfactory answers,” he said.

Modise further said the manager said only her superiors can be able to answer their questions. He added that they will sit-in at the clinic until the district manager attends to their grievances. 

“We call for improved quality care at the clinic. It cannot be 30 years of democracy, but our people continue to be subjected to this inhumane behaviour. Truly, a decline in quality health care has caused the public to lose trust in the healthcare system in South Africa.

“Some of patients come as far as Mokassa and other surrounding villages. They rely heavily on this clinic for quality healthcare. So, the clinic management must address the shortage of staff challenge that is being incurred and compromise quality in the healthcare at the clinic,” said Modise. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health’s acting spokesperson, Keletso Ratlhagane said: “The district monitors the Human Resources vacancy rates. When health professional posts become vacant, they are filled. The two posts that were vacated by the end of March 2024, will be advertised and filled accordingly. 

“A post cannot be filled in less than a month as due process of recruitment and selection compliant with the Public Service Act, should be followed. The management has evidence of a professional nurse at the clinic, who communicated with a political party representative and Taung Media, regarding the shortage of staff at the clinic.”

Ratlhagane said this matter is viewed in a serious light as it is unethical for both the nurse and the journalist. She said the department has commenced with investigations to process a case of misconduct against the employee.

“The clinic is a 24-hour healthcare facility. So, there are nine professional nurses, a staff nurse and four nursing assistants and a medical officer, appointed at this facility. 

“The average daily head count at the clinic is 84 patients and according to norms and standards, nurse-patient ratio is 40 patients a day. Shortage is when the nurse sees more patients than as indicated above. There is a doctor who visits the clinic daily to consult patients that are referred by professional nurses at the clinic,” said Ratlhagane. 

She said their reports show that all patients, except those that arrived late, are seen before 4pm.

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Monna o bolailwe kwa Kgalalelo’s tavern kwa Extension 6

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Setshwantsho: Lefelo le le rekisang nnotagi, Kgalalelo’s tavern kwa Extension 6 mo Taung

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Monna o tlhabilwe le go bolaiwa kwa lefelong le le rekisang nnotagi kwa Kgalalelo’s tavern kwa Extension 6, mo Taung ka Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa sepodisi sa Taung se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo kwa se fitlhetseng gone monna a rapaletse fa fatshe, mme a sa tsikinyege.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, go bontsha fa moswi ane ana le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa.

“Kgetsi ya polao e ile ya bulwa morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di le 40 a tlhabiwe le go bolawa. Moswi o ne a na le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa mo mmileng wa gagwe.

“Go fitlha ga jaana, ga ise go tshwarwe ope mme dipatlisiso ditsweletse,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Mogopela Wonderous FC sanitized COVID-19 FC in Top 8 final  

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Picture: The Mogopela Wonderous FC playing against COVID-19 FC during Thobela Top 8 Tournament 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Mogopela Wonderous FC continues to show its pedigree against all odds. This was witnessed during the Thobela Top 8 Tournament final, which was held in Kgatlheng village, near Taung on Sunday.

Mogopela Wonderous FC was playing against underdogs, COVID-19 FC in the final and won 1-0 to secure a R10 000 prize money. During the game, Mogopela Wonderous FC players frequently visited the 18-yards of buoyed COVID-19 FC without any success. 

However, Mogopela Wonderous FC players built confidence and self-esteem, as the game went by. This resulted in them getting the much-needed goal. Mogopela FC coach, Kagisonyana Kgokane said, he is happy with his team’s overall performance. 

“It was not easy at all, but our players’ morale was high. They were also physically fit and showed resilience. What I like about them is that they showed inclusivity and diversity.  

“I would like to take my hat off for them, taking into consideration that, we managed to play four games in two days and win all of them. This includes the league game,” he said. 

`Kgokane further said, there were many challenges prior to this tournament, but that is now water under the bridge. He added that they have players who reside in various areas and it was difficult for them to attend training sessions all at once. 

“But, at least for the past two weeks, we managed to ensure that they are all part of training sessions. So, we are happy with the progress we see in our team,” said Kgokane.  

The COVID 19 FC coach, Reaobaka Maselo said even though he did not manage to win the game, he gave Mogopela Wonderous FC a ‘run for their money.’ Maselo said he pushed all barriers and there were crucial moments, where they put Mogopela Wonderous FC under pressure. 

“Honestly, I am happy with the performance of our players, considering the fact that we were duped as underdogs. Obviously, we will work on some grey areas and improve. Our aim is to work towards achieving our goal by becoming one of the best performing teams in Taung,” he said. 

Meanwhile, one of the organisers of Thobela Top 8 Tournament, Papi Dire Mabote praised the players who took part in the tournament. Mabote said Taung has an abundance of talent that need to be nourished. 

“I am actually lost for words. What I saw today, overshadowed my expectations. The tournament went so well, and also football lovers came out in numbers. This really shows that grassroots football is alive. 

“We just need the correct strategy to market these players and ensure that we lure scouts to our tournaments. It is really demoralising seeing these players displaying beautiful football like this without any scouts watching. 

“We tried to engage local business persons to give us a financial backing in order for us to bring scouts. However, our plea fell in deaf ears, but I would like to encourage these players not to lose hope,” he said. 

Mabote said it is difficult to keep tournaments like this afloat as they run them on a shoe-string budget. He said they will decide if this will be an annual tournament or not. 

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R23.8 billion set aside to create job opportunities 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulasizwe Nxesi said, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Labour Activation Programme (LAP) to provide training for employment and entrepreneurship programmes, is up-and-running and is set to be rolled-out in other provinces. Nxesi said this during an employer’s breakfast session at Kempton Park Civic Centre, in Johannesburg. 

He further said, South Africa finds itself in the throes of an ever changing technological era and this calls for adaptation. 

“We are living in a technological era. This massive training will now be needed to be implemented on a large scale to multi-skill the unemployed, so as to adapt to the ever-changing world of technology.  

“A week ago, we have announced that the Department of Employment and Labour, through the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s LAP, has launched a R23.8-billion programme to fund the training for employment and entrepreneurship programme,” said Nxesi.  

He added that the crime ravaging the country was threatening its stability and noted that the government needed to partner with the private sector to counter the threat. Nxesi said the government was intent to help business, especially small enterprises as the “big employer is small business”. 

“We appeal for partnerships at district level to ensure integrated interventions as part of the District Development Model (DDM). It is unacceptable that, Gauteng as the country’s economic hub, had a high unemployment rate and this situation could be even worse in other provinces. 

“During the employer breakfast, a number of service providers were handed their certificates confirming their participation in the training to employ programme and entrepreneurship development,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the Small Business Development Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrams, who shared the podium with Nxesi, reiterated the role of partnerships. Ndabeni-Abrams said the National Development Plan (NDP) envisioned the creation of 11 million new jobs by 2030 and that most of these should come from small businesses.

“The only way to make South Africa work is to grow small businesses. We have to also look at developing new industries. We are continuously advocating for more incentives to be given to business, especially those geared towards promoting small business. 

“The informal businesses also needed to be supported to transition to formal business. The employer’s breakfast session was held alongside the Jobs and Careers Fair which was held at Rabasotho Community Hall, Tembisa,” she said. 

Ndabeni-Abrams said the event is part of an initiative to engage with individuals seeking employment, providing them with the opportunity to interact with potential employers and gain insights into crucial career paths.

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Learners receive specialised seating and communication devices

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Picture: Learners with disabilities receive specialised seating and communication device/Facebook   

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Learners at Oratile Semunza Disability Centre in Makhubung village, outside Mahikeng, received four specialized seating and Communication devices valued at R95 000. These devices that will provide essential support for learners with severe to profound intellectual impairments, was donated by the North West Department of Education. 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said this is part of the department’s commitment in improving the lives of learners with disabilities through the Thuntsa Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme.  

“Our learners with disabilities deserve the same opportunities to thrive in a safe and supportive learning environment. These specialized seating devices will make a significant difference in the lives of these learners, allowing them to participate more actively in their education. 

“In a separate development, the North West Gambling Board (NWGB) under the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conversation, and Tourism (DEDECT), announced major renovations for two schools in Mahikeng,” she said.

Motsumi further said the two schools that will undergo phased renovations aimed at improving their infrastructure before winter are, Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School in Montshioa Townsip and Setumo Secondary School in Majemantsho village.

She added that these initiatives by the North West Department of Education and the NWGB, demonstrate a shared commitment to providing learners with the resources and infrastructure they need to succeed. 

“The Thuntsa Lerole Programme directly improves the lives of learners with disabilities, while the school renovations ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for all learners during the colder months. 

“The Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School in Montshioa and Setumo Secondary School in Majemantsho, received commitments for major renovations from the agency of the Department of Economic Development called Gambling Board. Both schools will be fully renovated in different phases until they are completed,” she said.  

NWGB CEO, Nareen Pillay said: “As winter approaches, it is crucial for our learners to have warm and conducive learning spaces. We will be replacing doors, windows, and roofs, and fixing ablution facilities based on the specific needs of each school. The exact cost of the renovations is yet to be determined according to each school’s identified needs. 

“The social cluster also conducted an oversight inspection at DP Kgetleng Primary School in Mahikeng, which is undergoing extensive renovations encompassing all classrooms and the construction of a new block for additional classes and an administration block.”

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sports, donated sporting kits to Onkgopotse Tiro Technical School, Batswana Commercial School, Slurry Primary School, Phakisa Primary and Melorana Primary Schools.

The sports kits consist of volleyball quick set, balls, netballs, soccer balls, morabaraba board and tokens and kgati ropes.

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Monna o bolailwe ka go tlhabiwa mo toropong ya Taung

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Monna wa dingwaga di le 22 o tlhabilwe le go bolawa, gaufi le seporo sa terena kwa toropong ya Taung mo letsatsing la Tshipi. Go begwa fa moswi, Charlie Manopole wa kwa motseng wa Mokassa, a ne a eme le tsala ya gagwe fa a ne a tlhaselwa ke setlhotshwana sa batho ba ba neng ba tshwere digalapane. 

Go ya ka dipego, monna o, one a latofadiwa ka go kgothosa mongwe wa banna ba ba kukunelang batho ka setsaya-ditshwantsho tse di emeng (camera). Go begwa fa motsaya-ditshwantsho o, ane a lemoga moswi ka jerese e aneng a e apere gore ke ene o oneng a mo tshwera poo mo matsatsing a go feta. 

Go begwa fa morutshu o, o tshimolotse kwa tikwatikweng ya Taung, kwa moswi a ile a tlhabiwang teng. Fela, one a kgona go siela kwa ntlheng ya seporo sa terena, kwa go begwang fa a ileng a tlhokafalela teng. 

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Ke nnete sepodisi se ile sa begelwa ka tiragalo e. Moswi one a kgorogelwa ke setlhotshwana sa batho, mme one a tlhabiwa mo mmeleng. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga go ope o tshwerweng, mme kgetsi ya polao e butswe fa dipatlisiso le tsone di tsweletse.” 

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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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