Picture: The police embark on Back2School campaign/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in the Northern Cape addressed parents and learners on school safety, discipline, school attendance as well as the consequences of becoming involved in criminal activities. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Col Cherelle Ehlers said the police embarked on “Back to School” awareness campaigns at several primary and secondary schools in rural and urban areas, across the province.
“The District Commissioners, Senior officers, and Station Commanders led the campaign in all five districts. The campaign was conducted in conjunction with Government Departments, the Community Police Forums, and other structures.
“The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, and the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Nomandla Bloem, accompanied by the District Commissioner of John Taolo Gaetsewe, Major General Jonny Besnaar visited schools in the district,” said Ehlers.
She further said, that the Northern Cape MEC for Education, Zolile Monakali, visited schools in the Prieska area. Ehlers added that the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, urged parents to execute their parental responsibilities and to refrain from substance and alcohol abuse within the family structure.
“The School Safety Campaigns will continue throughout the province during the academic year,” she said.
Picture: The City of Matlosana’s CFO, Percy Phetlha/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
The City of Matlosana’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mercy Phetla (38), the GMHM Construction and Projects employees, Matshepiso Mothelesane (39) and Nomthandazo Mokasule (49), were arrested for fraud. It is alleged that in June 2023, a service provider purchased a vehicle worth R1.4 million for Phetlha.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, the trio handed themselves over to the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit on 18 January 2024.
“The investigations by the Hawks Serious Corruption revealed that, the service provider has a contract with the municipality. The trio was arrested and appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 18 January 2024.
“They were granted a R35 000 bail each and their case was postponed to 1 March 2024 for further investigation. They have been ordered to hand over their passports to the investigating officers and all documents relating to the GMHM to be immediately removed from Phetlha,” she said.
Picture: The firearm allegedly found in the suspect possession/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (23) was arrested for house-breaking, theft, and illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm. A case of burglary was reported at a farm, near Karos on 7 January 2024, where a rifle was allegedly stolen.
The ZF Mgcawu District Police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said: “The police of Upington Crime Office, received a tip-off that led to a house in Karos, where the suspect was allegedly found in possession of the suspected stolen rifle.
“The police issue a stern warning to firearm license holders to ensure that, the safekeeping of their firearms at all times.”
Picture: The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi and delegation/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi in collaboration with ward councillor, Tshidiso Makonoto, officials from the North West Department of Education, Community Development Workers (CDW) and the South African Police Services (SAPS), conducted visits to seven schools in Brits on 17 January 2024.
Tlhapi said this was part of the North West Provincial Government’s State-of-School Readiness Programme. She said the visit and inspection were conducted at Isaac Mokoena Primary School, Mothotlung Secondary School, and Rantsou Primary School in Brits.
“The purpose of the visit was to assess the school’s readiness for the 2024 academic year. Several important areas were assessed, including performance management, school planning, learner admission procedures, and the accessibility of crucial strategic documents like policies.
“Other essential elements of the assessment were financial concerns, textbook and stationery supply, infrastructure requirements, and interaction with school principals and the School Governing Body (SGB),” said Tlhapi.
She further said issues highlighted during the assessment include an over-subscription of learners leading to a shortage of classrooms, limited furniture, insufficient toilets, as well as bullying amongst the learners and undocumented learners, particularly in lower grades.
“Other challenges noted include substance abuse, a lack of parental support in addressing learners’ ill-discipline and underperformance, and dishonesty among parents in completing learners’ special needs assessment forms.
“To uphold the quality of education, we took proactive measures by verifying the strategic planning documents, workforce, and policies of schools for the 2024 academic year. This demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that, educational institutions are adequately prepared and equipped to provide a high standard of education,” said Tlhapi.
She added that, despite the challenges, they commended the school management for ensuring that, teaching and learning resumed on the first day of school reopening. Tlhapi also praised the management for developing plans to raise extra funds.
“We highlighted the significance of using the funds for maintenance and operating needs such as replacing windows, ceilings, roofs, grass mowing, plumbing, and payment of auxiliary personnel.
“Acknowledging the challenges faced by schools is a crucial step in addressing issues head-on. So, we are committed to engaging with the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, and school management of Rantsou Primary School, which has extra classrooms to serve as overflow for the other two schools,” she said.
Tlhapi requested an invitation to one of the parents’ meetings to address concerns about their lack of support for the schools. She said they are firm in their commitment to addressing these challenges and collaborating with schools to create an environment that allows every learner to excel.
“We applaud the dedication of school administrators and emphasise the need for community assistance in overcoming these obstacles.
“The government is investing a lot of money and resources to ensure learners become future leaders. So, I personally make a call to learners to stay away from substance abuse and emphasised the need for dedication and discipline in achieving success,” she said.
Picture: A slaughtered goat confiscated by police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three suspects aged between 25 and 45 were arrested by the police in Danielskuil for stock theft. This comes after goats were reported stolen on 16 January 2024. The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela, said the police conducted preliminary investigations, which led to the apprehension of the suspects and the discovery of a slaughtered Savanna goat to the value of R30 000.
“Further investigations revealed that, two more alive goats to the value of R4000, were kept at another location. The goats were recovered and handed over to the rightful owner. The police urge all farmers to brand their stock to ensure it is easily identifiable,” he said.
North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi condemns with the strongest possible terms the ongoing violent protest at the Department’s Head Office in Mahikeng. This comes after a group of individuals embark on protest action following the announcement to kick-start the Routine Roads Maintenance project.
Molapisi further said the protesters are causing havoc by burning tyres in front of the main entrance and alternative gates. He added that, this prohibits officials’ access to the premises and also affects day-to-day work and service delivery.
“The ongoing protest is a result of misinformation spread by individuals, who are hell-bent on discrediting the department and its leadership. The department recently issued a statement announcing the resumption of Routine Road Maintenance project after delays caused by administrative-related issues.
“It must be indicated that, the department held a meeting with the same group of protesters to clarify issues around the project. It is mysterious that protesters have decided to embark on a protest action before the date of a follow-up meeting is set,” said Molapisi.
He said the communities should be rest assured that, they will stop at nothing to deliver the mandate. Molapisi said no amount of threats, or illegal and disruptive action will stop them from creating employment for the communities.
“Security measures to ensure the safety of employees and premises have been put in place. The law enforcement authorities have been deployed at Departments’ Head Offices to maintain calm and stability,” he said.
Picture: North West Premier, Bushy Maape visits Dingake Primary School in Lichtenburg/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West Premier, Bushy Maape said he is pleased with the introduction of serving breakfast at 300 schools across the province. Maape, who was accompanied by the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, visited the Dingake Primary School in Lichtenburg to monitor progress registered in the implementation of this initiative through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in the province.
“Dingake Primary School forms part of a cohort of 300 schools, where the province introduced breakfast to mitigate the impact of poverty on learners in economically depressed communities. The introduction of this initiative means learners in these schools are receiving two meals a day.
“As part of the province’s back-to-school campaign, we are pleased with the feedback we received in the implementation of this programme. The province is feeding over 740,000 learners through this initiative,” he said.
Maape further said in 2023, he announced that learners in financially depressed communities would benefit from this programme, which is currently serving two meals per day to 300 schools across the province. He added that the feedback he received in the implementation of this programme is satisfactory.
“To date, we have not experienced any hiccups. The programme is in full swing and we also show gratitude towards the roll-out of several Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives by the private sector in addressing the scourge of poverty in this community and particularly at this school,” said Maape.
He said they understand that various social partners and in this regard, business have been assisting this school with poverty alleviation projects.
“This is commendable and I would like to urge others to do the same. We can only build our communities if we work together to address the challenges of poverty and unemployment afflicting our people.
“While there were minor incidents which were reported on the first day of the re-opening of schools, we are confident that this will not have any adverse impact on the 2024 academic year activities,” said Maape.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “The department is off to a positive start as schools across the province welcomed learners back for the 2024 academic year. We are thrilled to see such a vibrant atmosphere at Dingakwe Primary School today.
“The high attendance and enthusiasm among both learners and educators are a testament to the dedication of our school communities and the importance placed on education in the North West.”
She said Dingakwe Primary School with its 571 learners, exemplifies the diverse and thriving school communities across the province. Motsumi said the school’s participation in the breakfast program is a crucial step towards addressing food insecurity and creating a conducive learning environment for all learners.
“We would also like to commend the teachers and support staff for their tireless efforts in preparing for the new year. We encouraged learners to embrace the opportunities ahead and maximize their education. The department remains committed to providing quality education for all learners in the province.
“With a promising start to the new year, the department is confident in building on past successes and creating a brighter future for education in the North West,” she said.
A man who is accused of killing a cash-in-transit security guard, Lebogang Kakgola (33) at Absa ATM in Tlakganeng Filling Station, outside Ganyesa in May 2022. Osvaldo Julio Cumbane (30) was arrested by the Mahikeng-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit on 15 January 2024.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, warrant officer Amogelang Malwetse said, it is alleged that two security guards were taking out cash from the safe when one guard was suddenly grabbed from behind. Malwetse further said, a scuffle ensued between him and the suspects, who wanted to take his rifle.
“In the process, a shot went off hitting the crew. He was declared dead on the scene. The other security guard fired shots in defense of his colleague, leaving two suspects injured. However, he was also grabbed from behind, pointed with a firearm, and forced into the security vehicle.
“He handed the money outside the safe to the suspects and jumped into the safe, while the suspects still focused on the money. The suspects fled the scene with the security vehicle, leaving the security guard who was locked in the safe a few kilometres away,” she said.
Malwetse added that they abandoned the vehicle in the middle of the road. She said an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen.
“Following the sterling investigation by the Hawks team, a warrant of arrest was issued based on the positive evidence that linked Cumbane to the case, he was arrested at Odendaalsrus in Free State.
“He appeared before the court and the case was postponed to 26 January 2024,” said Malwetse.
Batsadi ba baithuti ba Grade 11 kwa sekolong se segolo sa Mankuroane ba eme ka tlhako ele nngwe, mme ba kaile fa ba sa amogele dipholo tsa bana ba bone. Go ya ka dipego, bontsi jwa baithuti ba Grade 11 kwa sekolong seo, ga ba falola mme seo sene sa tshakgatsa batsadi.
Mo letsatsing la Labobedi, batsadi ba ne ba kokwana kwa sekolong le go ipelaetsa. Ba kaile fa gona le dikgogakgogano ma gareng ga barutabana le mokgogo, jaanong barutabana ba dirisa baithuti go lwantsha mogokgo.
Mongwe wa batsadi o sa batleng leina la gagwe le itsiwe, o kgwa ka tlhaa.
“Nna, ngwanake o paletswe ke go fetela kwa mophatong wa marematlou, mme matsapa e nnile serutwa sa English. Ke makadiwa ke gore, go tloga ka se seripa (term) sa ntlha go fitlha ka sa boraro, ngwanake kgale a falola. Jaanong, go tla jang gore a tle go palelwa ka seripa sa bone?
“Ene ya re fa go bulwa dikolo ka seripa sa bobedi, go ile ga nna le tsereganyo. Mo tsereganyong eo, re le batsadi re ne ra kopa go nna le kopano le barutabana ba dirutwa tse di nang le mathata. Fela, go ile ga tla barutabana ba le babedi fela go tswa mo go ba le supa,” motsadi wa tlhalosa.
Motsadi o are, baithuti le bone ba ile ba makadiwa ke dipholo tse ba di boneng. Are ga gona gore ngwana e kare a kwadile dipampiri tse tharo tsa serutwa sa English, a be a tla go palelwa ke go falola.
Motsadi o mongwe, Tshepiso Kobetseng are mo ngwageng o fetileng, ba ile ba kopana le mogokgo ka di 13 Sedimonthole. Kobetseng are baithuti ba, go bontsha fa ba paletswe ke go falola ka bontsi.
“Jaanong, re ne ra dumalana gore re tla nna le kopano ka di 16 Ferikgone 2024, go tla go seka-seka kgang e. Sebakwa segolo ene ele morutabana wa serutwa sa English o kgale a seo. Fela, re makaditswe ke gore gompieno fa re goroga, mogokgo ga tlhole a bua puo e re ne re dumalane ka yone, mme ebile are re ye kwa motsamaising wa kgaolo.
“Re ile ra kopa ditlankana tsa baithuti go netefatsa fa ele boamaruri ga ba falola. Fela mogokgo o ile a re bolelela fa gona le molao o ba kganelang go ka dira jalo. Jaanong, seo se ne sa re tlogela ka dipotso tse di senang di karabo,” Kobetseng wa tlhalosa.
Modula-setilo wa lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo, Tshepiso Matsitle are: “Ga ese ke itemogele go sa utlwane ga barutabana le mogokgo. Le kgang ya gore barutabana ba goga maoto fa go tshwanetse ba rute bana, e ntsha mo ditsebeng tsaka.
“Fela fa ele gore kgang eo ena le bo nnete, ke selo se se maswe gore barutabana ba goge maoto, ka ntlheng ya gore ba lwa le mogokgo. Se se ileng sa nna teng mo sekolong ke ka motsi wa tsereganyo e eneng e kopilwe ke sekolo.”
Matsitle are ka maswabi, barutubana ga ba iponatsa ka nako ya tsereganyo. Are ke barutabana ba le babedi fela ba ba iponagaditseng go tswa mo go ba le supa.
“Jaanong, go fitlha ga jaana ga re itse gore a ngwana ke ene a leng phoso, kgotsa ke morutabana. Ke nnete lekwalo ke le bone, mme re tlile go le neela motsamaisi wa kgaolo go ka tla ka tsiriganyo,” Matsitle wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa Lefapha la Thuto, Mphata Molokwane are Grade 11 ke Grade e e boima go gaisa mo dikolong tse di farologaneng.
“Bontsi jwa baithuti ga ba falola Technical Mathematics, mme ke diprecent di le 44 di le tsa falola. Ka 2019, e nnile di precent dile 85 tsa baithuti ba ba falotseng, mme ka 2020, e nnile diprecent dile 87. Ka 2021, go falotse diprecent dile 85, fa ka 2022 go falotse diprecent dile 94.
“Go ya ka dipalopalo, sekolo se ke se se dirang bontle, mme ga se re utlwe ka dikgoga-kgogano tse di umakilweng magareng ga mogokgo le barutabana,” Molokwane wa tlhalosa.
The newly-elected municipal speaker at the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Kealeboga Seboko said they hope the intervention that will be brought forward by the North West MEC for Cooperative, Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi will be in line with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000.
Maloyi had a consultative engagement with the GTLM councillors at Pudimoe Community Hall on 16 January 2024 inquest to bring intervention. This comes after the municipality turned into a “butt of jokes” for having not one, but two mayors, two municipal speakers, and two chief whips, all from the ANC.
“We had a consultative engagement with Maloyi and what we are waiting to hear from him is the recommendation from all challenges we presented to him. We hope that the recommendations will be in line with the Municipal Act.
“At the end of the day, the municipal council is the statutory body that makes its own decisions, although he has the right to give advice and bring intervention if need be. His intervention comes after he received a letter from the former municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai due to some challenges experienced at the municipality,” he said.
Seboko said if what they raised found expression earlier, the municipality would not be in this predicament.
Maloyi said he received information that there is instability in the municipality, hence his visit. He said what is happening in the municipality is shocking because they do not want any political or administrative instability in any municipality across the province.
“So, this one came as a shock, hence I came here. I wanted to understand why people are behaving in the manner in which they are behaving. I allowed councillors to interact with me and I listened to them.
“They have raised about 29 points, which we have noted. So this morning, I’ll be meeting with my legal team for us to discuss what kind of intervention can be implemented at this institution,” he said.
Maloyi further said once they have done so, then he will go to the executive council and recommend the appropriate action that must be taken. He added that he hopes all this happens before the end of this week.
F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti alleged that what is happening at the municipality are individuals who are serving the interests of warring factions. Moeti said they have reflected on critical challenges within the municipality and their challenges started when they were dealing with the appointment of the municipal manager position.
“We urge Maloyi to go deeper into this matter and do forensic investigations. All other issues that people raised were economical with Maloyi. There are serious challenges related to finance, investment accounts and it is imperative to investigate such.
“So, we believe that Maloyi will make recommendations. Also, those who posed themselves to different positions such as mayoral, chief whip and speaker positions are doing that for personal interests,” he said.
“However, we call them to desist from that and have the interest of the people at heart. The MEC must bring stability to the municipality.”
Gaoraelwe spokesperson, Crespo Menyatso said: “What is important is that we must appreciate the fact that Maloyi availed himself to listen to the challenges the municipality has. Now, the ball is in his court and we must allow that process to be ventilated.
“I was also told that Maloyi will cast his net wider and probe all widespread allegations raised during the meeting. So, we must allow him that particular space. I think the municipal council will also subject itself to that particular decision.”
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