Rosho introduce new Provincial Exco Representative at Mamusa  

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Picture: North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho introduces PER at Mamusa Local Municipality/Facebook 

By REGINALD KANYANE  

The embattled Mamusa Local Municipality said it welcomes the North West MEC for Finance, Matlalepula Rosho’s decision to bring the Provincial Exco Representative (PER) at their municipality. Recently, Rosho introduced Ellen Malephoi Mocho as part of Financial Recovery Plan at the municipality. 

The Mamusa Local Municipality continued to be marred with mismanagement and political interference allegations over the years. In a statement, Mamusa Local Municipality mayor, Seitebaleng Chelechele said Moncho has already commenced with her work since 1 February 2024. 

“She will be here until the municipal financial situation has improved. Mocho has a full support and cooperation of all councillors and staff members. It is important to note that, the municipality was not mandated, but voluntarily requested this intervention from the provincial treasury.

“So, this intervention will assist the municipality to make decisions that will be in line with the FRP in order to turn around its financial situation for the betterment of the communities. It is not Moncho’s first assignment as she has in the past, been deployed in Tswaing Local Municipality for the same purpose,” said Chelechele. 

She further said her impact was pivotal in the affairs of that municipality. Chelechele added that, they have no doubt that, Moncho will also do the same at their municipality. 

Meanwhile, in 17 April 2023, Rosho introduced the PERs to various municipalities that were under mandatory intervention to implement FRPs. She highlighted that, the Executive Council has resolved to place Naledi Local Municipality, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Madibeng Local Municipality, Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, Tswaing Local Municipality, Ditsobotla Local Municipality and Mahikeng Local Municipality under mandatory intervention in line with Section 139(5) (a) and (c) of the constitution, read together with Section 139 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). 

“Maquassi Hills Local Municipality has been placed under discretionary intervention. The PERs act on behalf of the Executive Council and are placed at each municipality to provide strategic leadership and guidance for the implementation FRP. 

“The process to appoint the PERs started in 2019 and appointments were effected at the end of 2022/2023 financial year. The PERs have been appointed for period of three years, which involved a comprehensive transparent due processes,” she said.

Rosho said the PERs are required to ensure that municipalities will ultimately create a conducive environment to generate income, comply to financial legislations and improve service delivery. She said the PERs will report to her department and the North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA). 

“They are required amongst others to do quality assurance of monthly and quarterly review reports, which will be processed by the MECs for EXCO’s attention, maintain a record of decision making processes taken by the municipal councils and accounting officer. 

“They will also have to ensure that appropriate corrective measures and control measures are taken, assist in the recruitment and selection processes for the appointment of senior managers and accounting officers, as well as provide strategic participation and stakeholder engagements in the affairs of the municipality,” said Rosho. 

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18 illegal miners sentenced to 120 days imprisonment for contravention of Section 5 (a) of Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Eighteen illegal miners were sentenced to 120 days imprisonment by the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 9 February 2024 for Contravention of Section 5 (a) of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002). The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said in addition, all Lesotho foreign nationals were each fined R5000 or 60 days imprisonment after being found guilty for being in the country illegally.

“The court further ordered that them to be deported. The accused persons, who consists of 15 Lesotho nationals and three South Africans aged between 19 and 53, were arrested in Stilfontein in September 2023 for illegal mining and Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).

“In another separate conviction for Contravention of Section 5 (a) of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002), 14 accused, who included nine Lesotho nationals and five Mozambicans, were each sentenced to 120 days imprisonment,” she said.

Funani further said, five Mozambique foreign nationals were individually fined R5000 or sentenced to 60 days imprisonment for Contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). She added that, the accused persons’ sentencing emanated from their arrest during an operation led by the National Commissioner, General Masemola in Stilfontein in 2023.

“In another illegal mining related activity on 9 February 2024, the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Investigation Unit, Stilfontein Visible Policing, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Illicit Mining Task Team and National Intervention Unit, confiscated large quantities of goods destined for illegal miners underground.

“The confiscation came after the team received a tip-off regarding a storage facility, which was used to pack and wrap food stuff in Goud Street, in Stilfontein. The search was conducted at the facility and goods such as packets of maize meal, canned beef, cooking oil, ultra Mel custard, canned fish, snacks, soya mince, washing powder, paraffin, diesel, beers and rolls of plastic sheeting worth R482 000 were seized,” she said.

Funani said an enquiry was registered for further investigation. She said the goods were found and seized approximately 300 metres from Scott Shaft, where previous operations led to the seizure of 29 firearms, gold, food stuffs and other illegal mining paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all members involved including the Hawks and other stakeholders for their active participation in the fight against illegal mining that resulted in the sentences and the confiscation of goods.

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Bafana walk away with the bronze medal at AFCON

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players lifting their coach, Hugo Broos/Google

By SAFA

Bafana Bafana walked away with the bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire after beating DR Congo 6-5 on penalties in the tournament third-place play-off on Saturday night.

Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams once again led from the front as he saved two penalties during the tense penalty shootout. He saved the final kick from Meschak Elia during sudden death to win the match for the South Africans.

The South African senior men’s team captain has been reluctant to take credit for his heroics during the tournament but will accept that his contribution was crucial.

The two sides created a number of opportunities during the match and with a bit of luck in front of goal, the match could have been wrapped up inside 90 minutes. The game finished at 0-0 and went straight to penalties.  And after the two sides could not break the deadlock during regulation time, it was left up to Williams to once again step up to the plate and deliver.

Williams kept his fifth clean sheet in a single AFCON and in the process broke former goalkeeper Andre Arendse’s record.

Bafana Bafana will return to South Africa in the coming days after a tough campaign that quietly began in January with a training camp in Stellenbosch.

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A fraud case against two men postponed

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A fraud case against two men, Teboho Phutiyagae (29) and Salvation Matswamere (40) has been postponed by Ottosdal Magistrate’s Court to 15 February 2024 for formal bail application. The Phutiyagae and Matswamere will also join other four accused persons in the same matter. case will then be transferred to the High Court .

The duo was arrested by North West Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) and Commercial Crimes Unit (CCIU) in Ottosdal on 6 February 2024 after being linked to a fraud case, which was registered in September 2022 .

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said one of the accused, allegedly presented himself as a 64-year-old and took a funeral policy through the assistance of another accused (40). Funani further said, according to information, Itumeleng John Ngakaemang (64) was found stabbed and strangled to death at his residential place at Letsopa Township, near Ottosdal on 25 September 2022.

“Investigations were conducted and Dorothy Moleleki (47) and other three suspects, were apprehended and linked to the murder of Ngakaemang. The preliminary reports suggested that, Moleleki and other suspects, planned and conspired the murder of Ngakaemang, as Moleleki wanted to claim from funeral policies that she took using Ngakaemang’s Identity Document (ID).

“It is alleged that Moleleki, who is a well-known loan shark around Letsopa, targeted an old and sick Ngakaemang who was one of her clients. She allegedly took Ngakaemang’s documents that were with her and opened policies using a suspect (29) to open some of the policies,” she said.

Funani added that, Moleleki allegedly hired two accused, Theuns Hayman (37) and Mike Phutiyagae (53) to kill the victim. She said, Moleleki subsequently claimed money from four different companies.

“However, the long arm of the law caught up with the four suspects in January 2023 after they were linked to the victim’s murder. They were also charged with conspiracy to commit murder, while Moleleki was also charged for fraud.

“One of the accused persons was an employee at one of the banks,” said Funani.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the Anti-Gang Unit and Commercial Crimes Unit members for their sleepless nights and dedication that led to the arrests of the suspects.

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Two Mozambican nationals nabbed for fraud

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Two Mozambican nationals aged 43 and 46 were arrested by the Hawks for fraud in Rustenburg on 9 February 2024.

It is alleged that in 2020,Khulumani Support Group, entered into an agreement with Sibanye Stillwater to repatriate former Sibanye Stillwater employees, who are either sick or dead to their respective countries. KSG would pay for the repatriation and Sibanye would reimburse it for the costs.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, one of the suspects who was a committee member responsible for submitting financial claims on behalf of mineworkers, allegedly submitted several claims with fraudulent death certificates to the value of R800 000.

She said the suspect then used the bank account of his accomplice for transferring the funds.

“The complainant detected the fraud activities and the matter was reported and fully investigated by the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team, which led to their arrest.

“They are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 12 February 2024 facing charges of fraud,” said Malwetse.

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Modiko urges Bantwana to keep dreams alive

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By SAFA

The South African U17 Women’s National Team Head Coach Nthabeleng ‘Dunga” Modiko believes that the junior women’s national team can also add pride to the South African flag and inspire the nation when they face Ethiopia U17 tomorrow afternoon at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

Speaking to http://www.safa.net, Modiko said her charges will do their utmost best to overturn the 3-0 first leg deficit in last weekend’s 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match.

Bantwana will need to put four goals past the Ethiopians and not concede in order to progress to the next round of world cup qualifiers of the junior women’s tournament to be staged by the Dominican Islands later this year.

The second leg match will be played at Lucas Moripe Stadium and kicks off at 15h00
The match will be livestreamed on the SAFA Facebook page.

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Broos proud of Bafana Bafana

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Picture: Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos

By SAFA

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is brimming with pride after his charges reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire this week for the first time in 24 years.

A 10-man South African senior men’s team bravely gave their all during a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Nigeria before eventually losing 2-4 on penalties on Wednesday night.

They will now turn their attention to DR Congo when they face-off in the bronze medal match in the third-place playoff on Saturday (10 February 2024).

“I have said it before and I will say it again, I am very proud of my team and I am proud to be their coach,” the Belgian said on Friday, 9 February 2024. “They’ve had a great run in this tournament and have played very, very well. Yes, we did not get to the final as we wanted, but that is football. I am still very, very proud and we continue to fight as we take on DR Congo tomorrow.”

Bafana Bafana have shown growth since Broos took over the reins more than two years ago and will be hoping to sign off from the tournament with one final win. It has been more than two decades since South Africa’s men’s national team has been this competitive.

“I always try and mix young players with experienced players,” Broos continued. “It was my goal to look into the future as well and think about who will be at the next AFCON or World Cup. We can compete with the best in the world and in Africa, and this team will continue building.”

Defender Siyanda Xulu said the AFCON is not over for Bafana Bafana with the bronze medal game against DR Congo still to come. “We still have to play and we have work to do,” he said. “We won’t stop until the final whistle. We are a unit, a family, a team that sticks together and we will go out there and give our best.”

South Africa face DR Congo at the Felix Houphouet Boigny stadium at 10pm local time. The team’s arrival back in South Africa is scheduled for 4am Wednesday morning, 14 February 2024.

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World renowned Hip Hop artist, Khuli Chana positively impacts the lives of learners in the North West

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Picture: World renowned rapper, Khulane “Khuli Chana” Morule amongst learners/Supplied   

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Khuli Chana Foundation in collaboration with the Hollywood Foundation, conducted a transformative Back to School drive by delivering essential school shoes to enthusiastic learners in Ga-Khunwana village, outside Mahikeng and Klerksdorp on 7 and 8 February 2024.

North West-born rapper, Khulane Morule (41) who is affectionately known as Khuli Chana in the music fraternity, made a generous contribution to Khunwana Primary School in Khunwana village and Reahola Primary School in Klerksdorp. He said this was a concocted effort from his foundation and the Hollywood Foundation.

“The donations were well-received and educators, the local royal household and the community showed a heartfelt appreciation. The joint effort between the Khuli Chana Foundation and the Hollywood Foundation is dedicated to providing relief to parents and empowering learners as they commence the new school year.

“With a hundred learners at each school receiving a pair of school shoes, the collaboration demonstrates both organisations’ commitment to education and making a tangible impact on the lives of young learners,” said Morule.

The ceremony at Reahola Primary School, was graced by the presence of musician and hit-maker, Maglera Doe Boy, who is a former learner at the school. He further said the event not only symbolised a momentous occasion of positive impact, but also served as an inspiration for learners to aspire to greater heights through the mentorship of the dynamic duo.

“During the handover, I shared moving words of motivation with the learners, reflecting on my own childhood and emphasizing the pivotal role of education in shaping their futures. As a mentor figure to the youth, I also pledged my unwavering support to ensure they have the necessary resources to pursue their dreams and excel academically.

“I urged learners to embrace respect for their educators, elders, and peers, echoing the powerful sentiment, “One learner, One teacher, One book, One pen, can change the world. These initiatives are part of the Khuli Chana Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting over 400 pupils this academic year,” added Morule.

He said they want to ensure that, the lack of school shoes does not hinder learning in primary schools across Gauteng and the North West. Morule said, in addition, they form a crucial component of the Hollywood Foundation’s R8 million pledge for the Back to School campaign.

“This is an initiative aimed at uplifting communities and providing essential resources to students in need nationwide,” he said.

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North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha says early antenatal care is vital

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Picture: The pregnant learner in school

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said his department aims to increase pregnancy education and highlight crucial topics that foster a healthy pregnancy and secure motherhood. This comes after the department observing a Pregnancy Awareness Week, which takes place from 6-10 February 2024.

Sambatha said, early antenatal care is vital, as this allows medical caregivers to monitor and manage existing medical conditions that can be aggravated by pregnancy, such as hypertension, diabetes and anaemia.

He further said mothers can also recognise early danger signs during their pregnancy and prepare for the birth and complications which may arise.

“The benefits of early antenatal care are free HIV testing and counselling is available. Early identification of pregnancy and post-delivery danger indicators, as well as preparation for birth and potential complications. Self-care which includes diet and cleanliness, as well as education about the roles of fathers, partners, and families.

“Additionally, pregnant women should know their rights, which include a woman’s right to choose a birthing partner, who will support her during her pregnancy and childbirth, as well as accompany her to the antenatal care clinic when she goes into labour. Women have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and confidentiality,” said Sambatha.

He added that, this include the right of the woman to ask questions and receive explanations regarding her condition. Sambatha said while postnatal depression is well known, depression during pregnancy is nearly as frequent and carries concerns of increased difficulties throughout the pregnancy and labour.

“There is effective medication available to lessen the dangers. Psychotherapy, group therapy, and even antenatal support groups are all extremely beneficial. Antidepressants are effective and when used in consultation with the mother’s healthcare provider, are generally safe during pregnancy.

“As we are observing pregnancy awareness week, I encourage all women who suspect that they may be pregnant to visit their nearest clinics to ensure that their babies are safe and healthy and immediately enrol with an ante-natal class provided at their local primary healthcare facility,” he said.

Sambatha said for teenagers who are first-time mothers-to-be, they have mentor mothers, who can assist them throughout their pregnancy journey and ensure a safe delivery.

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Six foreign nationals nabbed for illegal mining

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Picture: Six foreign nationals nabbed for illegal mining/Supplied

By OBAKEG MAJE

Six undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during an operation to combat illegal mining in the Namaqua District on 8 February 2024. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police received a tip-off regarding the possible undocumented persons on the Koinnas road enroute to Kleinzee.

“A waylay operation was conducted along the road and the police arrested four Lesotho men, one Mozambican and one Zimbabwean man respectively for Contravention of the Immigration act.

“Four mineral jig mining machines valued at R550 000 each were confiscated. The operation to combat illegal mining in the Namaqua District continues to intensify,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the efforts of the team for their ongoing actions in an attempt to eradicate the area of illegal mining activities and reclaiming the area from illegal miners.

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