SANCO calls on North West Provincial govt to support SMMEs

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Picture: SANCO logo

By OBAKENG MAJE

Most Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in North West are grappling with financial challenges. Now, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the province, calls for prioritization of SMMEs and Cooperative empowerment.

SANCO provincial spokesperson, Palesa Zizi said the SMMEs and Cooperatives are acknowledged worldwide for their pivotal role in promoting inclusive socio-economic development, however, they are faced with significant challenges in the province.

Zizi said despite being recognised as the backbone of the economy, contributing to reducing unemployment, alleviating poverty and bridging socio-economic inequalities, they also act as catalysts for innovation, technology and trade, driving the demand for goods and services.

“Access to funding and markets remains a considerable challenge aggravated by stringent criteria imposed by corporate banks and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). Regrettably, government institutions such as the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) along with municipalities, do not accord these entities the priority they deserve.

“SANCO in its own assessment of the support programmes for SMMEs and Cooperatives, notes with serious concern that the province is not prioritising these enterprises. The Empowerment Fund, as one of the support programmes aimed at supporting the North West- based enterprises with machinery and equipment from DEDECT is falling short of its objectives,” she said.

Zizi further said the last advertisement or a call for Empowerment Fund applications made by DEDECT was in 2021. She added that, according to the DEDECT’s annual report for 2021/22, the department’s actual achievement for the number of businesses provided with production equipment is 15 out of a target of 50 and an allocation of R15 000 000 set aside for this support programme in the budget speech.

“According to the DEDECT budget speech and annual report 2022/23, the department funded a mere 39 enterprises with production equipment out of 115 approved applications from a total of 750 applications received. This means that, in the 2 previous financial years, the department has only managed to assist 54 enterprises with production equipment.

“We wonder what is difficult about buying this much-needed production equipment because the department has an allocated budget for this programme. This very department in its budget speech for 2023/24 has budgeted R15 000 000 for the procurement of equipment for start-up as well as growth and expansion of small business enterprises to contribute to job creation and poverty alleviation,” said Zizi.

She said they wonder how many they have funded thus far and will be able to fund at the end of this financial year. Zizi said analysis in terms of the DEDECT empowerment fund is that, each financial year, a budget of about R15 000 000 is set aside, but the number of enterprises assisted cannot even amount to a quarter of the budget allocation, meaning the chunk of this money goes back to the Treasury Department.

“Notably, the national Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has demonstrated to be more serious about small business development, procuring and handing over business equipment and machinery to 68 informal traders in the Moretele and 59 in Mahikeng.

“This is a total of 127, thus far for the North West this year, thereby contrasting with DEDECT’s limited impact. What is more surprising is that, the DSBD has not only procured and handed over this equipment to traders in the North West, but also reached out to all nine provinces,” she said.

Zizi said the DEDECT focusing only on the North West province and with a budget of R15 000 000, is unable to procure and hand over equipment to a mere 100 enterprises (25 per district) in the whole financial year.

She said the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) was designed to be the implementing agency of DEDECT and a leading development agency in the province, however, it has proven to be ineffective as it is struggling with basic property maintenance and payments of electricity and probably water.

“The agency is probably the weakest development agency in the country, for we are not even sure how it is progressing with its Special Economic Zone (SEZ) programme. North West Premier, Bushy Maape during Office of the Premier’s Provincial Budget Vote 2022/23, outlined plans which he said are at an advanced level to appoint various expert panels to conduct thorough assessments and alignment of national and provincial policy priorities in the critical performance areas.

“The assessment is supposed to review the performance, relevance, sustainability, retention and/or release of State-Owned Entities, the review of the Provincial Growth & Development Strategy and the design, planning and implementation of key strategic mega infrastructure projects,” said Zizi.

She said they are still eagerly awaiting the premier’s report with expectations that interventions will also revitalize the struggling NWDC, which we expect amongst other things to drive a radical tuck- shop revitalisation programme, aiming to ensure through the necessary support, the tuck-shop industry is being returned to South Africans.

Zizi said the challenges faced by SMMEs extend beyond financial support with exclusion from the planning and development of malls and shopping complexes exacerbating their struggle for market access and yet expected to grow and contribute towards job creation and poverty alleviation. She said SANCO emphasizes the need for authorities to impose conditions ensuring low-rent spaces for SMMEs in all economic developments and infrastructural projects like malls and shopping complexes.

“South Africa’s legislation, including the Immigration Act, the Business Act and municipal by-laws also disadvantage small businesses, the majority of which are run by black communities by allowing asylum seekers and refugees to participate in small economic spaces such as the spaza, tuck-shops and saloon, which in our view should be reserved for the citizens.

“SANCO calls for a reconsideration of these regulations, advocating for the prioritization of citizens in these small economic spaces as is the case with the Liquor Act. SANCO in North West strongly asserts that the growth and sustainability of small businesses are not receiving the attention they deserve and calls for urgent intervention, emphasizing the need for the government to fulfil its promises and prioritize the growth and sustainability of SMMEs and Cooperatives” she said.

Zizi said furthermore, SANCO calls for the establishment of an integrated database system to track funded enterprises, preventing multiple benefits and identifying collapsed ventures. She said organisation amongst other things believes that, implementation of the District Development Model (DDM) in the province must be reviewed to ensure it aligns with the intended outcomes of improved government planning and impactful service delivery.

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Less than 70 lives lost across North West roads during festive season

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Picture: The paramedics on the scene after a horrific accident/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said they have experienced a 10% reduction of road fatalities across the province. Lehari said just below 70 lives have been lost on the North West roads by 1 January 2024.

He further said this is all road fatalities recorded on the provincial roads, since the beginning of festive season. Lehari added that, culminatively, the N4, N12, N14, N18 and R503 between Mahikeng and Lichtenburg have recorded just below 30 of all the fatalities by New Year’s Day.

“No major crash, meaning an accident with more than four fatalities has been recorded as yet for this period. By New Year’s Day last year, 77 lives had been lost with just below 30 of them resulting from five major crashes.

“About 63% of all the fatalities had been recorded between 6pm and 00:00. So, we still pleading with all road users to respect all regulations and to be patient on the roads,” he said.

Lehari said with rains in many parts of the province, patience becomes essential. He said the pleas with motorists to drive to the conditions of the road, rather than speed limit.

“We can do more and must ensure people comply, if they are unable to do so on their own. We are requesting corporation of everyone on the road. The Eagles as other provincial traffic officers, have not taken their holidays.

“This is to ensure that, they are present on the roads. Kindly work with them to reduce crashes. Traffic is expected to peak from later this week as many will be travelling back to their respective work places,” said Lehari.

The Head of the Department (HOD), Dr Hans Kekana has directed that the Eagles Unit in particular, pay attention on all roads that are connecting with other provinces.

“Statistics indicate heighten traffic flow from 6pm in the evenings. So, we want our law enforcement presence to be felt at that time. For whatever reason, it appears people prefer to travel at night.

“It could be that they believe traffic is low then. But clearly, it peaks at that time and let’s focus on the problematic roads”, said Kekana.

Meanwhile, the Chief Director for Transport Regulations, Molefi Morule said he has been personally leading the operations. Module said he is concerned about the crashes in what is generally considered rural roads.

“The Ngaka Modiri Molema District is still high with about 38% of all recorded accidents, since the beginning of December 2023. We have begun to put more patrols on N18 road, especially in Taung, R49 between Mahikeng and Zeerust and on R503 between Mahikeng and Lichtenburg.

“We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the families of the departed and wishes speedy recovery to the injured. We also wish everyone a happy New Year and we must strive to arrive alive,” he said.

Module said the joint law enforcement operations will continue until the middle of January 2024 when learners will be preparing for new academic year.

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The slain Provincial Inspector to be laid to rest on Friday

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Picture: The late Provincial Inspector in North West, Motshidisi Mokotedi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari is set to attend a funeral of the late Provincial Inspector (PI), Motshidisi Mokotedi (31) at Boikhutsong village, outside Ventersdorp on Friday. Mokotedi was brutally murdered allegedly by her partner in December 2023.

Lehari said they condemn in the strongest terms the vicious actions that led to Mokotedi’s death. He also applauded the police for a swift response in dealing with the matter after the apprehension of Mokotedi’s partner (43).

“Mokotedi was attached to the Department’s Road Traffic Management Directorate and was part of the newly established Eagles unit.

“The funeral will commence at Boikhutsong village, outside Ventersdorp at 7am,” he said.

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A bail hearing on the Meat Brother Pub murder and attempted murder case postponed

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Picture: The Meat Brother Pub

By OBAKENG MAJE

A bail hearing on an attempted murder and premeditated murder case against a local businessman and owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41) has been postponed to 5 January 2024 for consultation.

Mangwegape’s arrest comes after he allegedly shot and killed the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injured his childhood friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33) during a commotion at the Meat Brothers Pub on 16 December 2023.

Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited the well-packed establishment to have fun. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.

Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully and that prompted Mangwegape to pull out a gun and shoot at them. Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds for medical attention.

On 3 January 2024, the state heard that, Mangwegape have two previous convictions to his name.

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The Meat Brothers Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape to apply for bail

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Picture: A local businessman and the Meat Brothers Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

An attempted murder and premeditated murder case against a local businessman and owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41) is expected to resume at Taung Magistrate’s Court todaybfor formal bail application.

Mangwegape’s arrest comes after he allegedly shot and killed the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injured his childhood friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33) during a commotion at the Meat Brothers Pub on 16 December 2023.

Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited the well-packed establishment to have fun. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.

Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully and that allegedly prompted Mangwegape to pull out a gun and shoot at them. Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds for medical attention.

On 27 December 2023, Mangwegape’s attorney, Isang Nakale from Isang Nakale Attorneys, told the court that his daughter was due for operation and she needs his presence hence he cannot continue with bail application hearing. The case was postponed to 3 January 2024 for formal bail application.

The new magistrate, Botsile Thaga from Ganyesa was roped in after the presiding magistrate, Thataotsile Matolong, recused himself from the case. Matolong said this case has ‘drawn a lot of attention’ and raised concerns, especially on various social media platforms.

“I would like to recuse myself from this case to ensure that justice prevails. This case has raised various concerns, especially on social media platforms. So, to ensure that our people still have trust in the justice system, we will allow the magistrate who resides outside Taung to preside over the case.

“I would also encourage the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to appoint personnel who work outside Taung to deal with this matter,” he said.

One of the community leaders in Manokwane village, Kgakololo Koji said: “We are happy that the accused has been remanded in custody and the case has been changed to premeditated murder. According to the law, no one who is facing premeditated murder should be granted bail.

“So, we call on the community members in Taung to come out in numbers on 3 January 2024 to show the state that, as community members, we are angry at what the accused has done. We say no to bail because if he is released on bail, we cannot guarantee his safety because people might take the law into their own hands.”

A member of the ANCYL in Taung, Tshepo Mothibi said as the ANCYL, they condemn the barbaric atrocity that took place at the Meat Brothers Pub.

“We are here in support of the family and we welcome the recusal of the magistrate in this case. You will remember that, there are a lot of concerns on social media due to what has happened,” he said.

Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) Deputy Secretary in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Mothohela Dikhai shared the same sentiments. Dikhai said the heinous crime allegedly committed by Mangwegape left the bereaved family devastated.

“We were shocked to see a businessman killing a reveller. We also welcome the decision taken by the magistrate and the investigating officer after they recused themselves from the case,” he said.

Mangwegape also had a “warrant of arrest” against him in a separate matter.

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More than 33 new babies born on New Year’s Day

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha welcomes newly-born babies/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said they have welcomed a total number of 33 babies across the North West on New Year’s Day. Sambatha said seven babies were born across the healthcare facilities in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, 11 in Bojanala District.

“Ten babies were born in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, while five babies were born across the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

“The first baby was born at Boitekong Community Healthcare Centre (CHC) in Rustenburg at around 00:01. It was an African female weighing at 3620g,” he said.

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Dagga worth R1.4m confiscated during stop and search

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A Swaziland national aged 47, has been arrested with dagga estimated to the value of R1.4 million. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Provincial Organised Crime Unit are investigating a case of illegal dealing in drugs.

“The police also seized the bakkie valued at approximately R400 000, including a trailer valued at R45 000. This took place during New Year’s Eve crime prevention duties at a vehicle check point in Kimberley.

“The police searched the four large crates on the trailer and discovered a consignment of dagga. The Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Johan Bean, commended the police for their vigilance and zero tolerance approach towards drug related crimes,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomes the arrest.

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SANCO in North West urges courts to ‘tighten the grip’ when handling GBV cases

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it is concerned about the alarming Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases and how they are being handled. SANCO provincial spokesperson, Palesa Zizi said they express deep concern over the escalating cases of GBV in the province and the perceived inadequacies in the justice system’s response. 

‘The North West province, has regrettably become a breeding place for criminal activities, particularly in the realm of GBV, Femicide and violence against children. The disturbing reality is that criminals operate with apparent freedom and seem to be well-connected within law enforcement and the justice system.

“It is truly disheartening for SANCO and communities to witness GBV&F cases being dismissed, with courts citing insufficient evidence and allowing perpetrators to be roaming freely on the streets, while victims’ families grieve and prepare for the burials of their loved ones,” she said.

Zizi further said, according to the South African Police Service crime statistics report from July to September 2023, there are 13090 sexual offences (10 516 rape, 1 847 sexual assault, 559 attempted sexual offences and 168 contact sexual offences) reported in South Africa.

She added that, SANCO Regional Executive Committee in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, noted six GBV cases in Klerksdorp since the beginning of this year, which received the necessary support from the REC and its branches.

“These distressing cases ranging from child rape to violent assaults, include that of Soso from ward 8, a 13-year-old child who was raped by their father in ward 11, as well as victims such as Mapule from ward 9, Modiegi from ward 37, Tshegofatso from ward 5 and a 12-year-old child who was raped in ward 7.

“SANCO is worried by the perceived leniency of the courts in granting bail to GBV perpetrators, seemingly prioritizing the rights of offenders over the right to life of victims. The disjuncture between the courts and the SAPS in handling GBV cases is deeply worrying and demoralising not only to victims and their families, but also to the dedicated SAPS personnel,” said Zizi.

She said the police are making arrests, while the courts are releasing perpetrators and this leaves communities with lots of questions. Zizi said the most upsetting being what amount of evidence is required by the courts for the prosecution and arrest of GBV perpetrators.

“Seeing offenders being released on bail or cases of GBV being not handled properly and being withdrawn erodes community trust in the law enforcement. We emphasize the need for the government to take decisive action in addressing the high prevalence of GBV.

“The organisation calls for a review or strengthening of existing laws. If that is where the loophole is, we urge the government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps. SANCO has frequently been in support of the victims of GBV, protesting outside magistrate courts, calling for the magistrates to refuse bail for these perpetrators,” she said.

Zizi said, however, they remain committed in their efforts to persistently advocate for the right to life of the victims, a right that the courts in North West seem to insufficiently protect. She said as SANCO, they will always step up to the occasion where the rights of society are violated and their interests are neglected.

“It is our responsibility to the community of North West and likes to make it clear that we will stop at nothing in safeguarding and defending the rights of ordinary citizens, often overlooked by the courts. 

“SANCO in 2024, will be launching the Bua Moagi GBV March as part of its efforts to intensify the call for the government to do more to address GBV and Femicide, specifically targeting law enforcement agencies, lawmakers and judicial system in the province,” said Zizi.

She said they call on all SANCO members across the province to prepare themselves for the march and actively stand against any form of GBV in their respective areas, ensuring that no women, children or persons with disabilities are being assaulted under their watch. 

Zizi said to enhance support for GBV victims, SANCO urges the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to repurpose all government buildings, which have been turned into white elephants into shelters for GBV victims.

“We cannot have a government that is unable to take charge or seems to not know what to do with lots of neglected buildings, whereas they can be repurposed for good use. Let these structures serve a meaningful purpose by becoming shelters for victims of GBV and others be turned into SMMEs business precincts or manufacturing hubs. 

“As a civic organisation dedicated to the community’s wellbeing, SANCO undertakes to continue its fight against GBV and calls on the judiciary to prioritise the rights of ordinary citizens over those of criminals,” she said.

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Four suspects nabbed separately for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition

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Picture: The ammunition allegedly found in possession of one of the suspects/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Four suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in separate incidents in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom. In the first incident, the police in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp, arrested Ditaba Matjobe (32) on 27 December 2023 for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said the police received a tip-off regarding the suspect in possession of illegal firearm and ammunition. Tselanyane further said that led the police to a house at Extension 11 in Jouberton Township. 

He added that a search was conducted at the place and the police arrested the suspect, who is a Lesotho national after being found in possession of a firearm.

“He briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 28 December 2023. He was remanded in custody for verification of his status in the country and formal bail application. Matjobe’s case was postponed to 5 January 2024.

“In another unrelated incident in Potchefstroom, the police arrested two suspects aged 43 and 25 for possession of suspected stolen property and ammunition. The duo were seen by the private security company’s personnel walking along Steve Biko Street in the Central Business District (CBD) carrying bags at around 4:10am on 29 December 2023,” said Tselanyane.

He said upon being stopped and searched, several items including 80x live R1 rifle ammunition, 15x 9mm ammunition, antique Ball Bearing (BB) gun, electrical plugs, smoking pipe and numerous other goods were found in their possession. 

Tselanyane said the suspects were immediately arrested and are expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 2 January 2024.

“Still in Potchefstroom, on 29 December 2023 at around 11:30, the police were busy with routine patrols around town when they arrested a man (29) at a house in Thabo Mbeki Street. The police allegedly went to the address to conduct a search, when they found a man in one of the rooms.

“During the search, they found four 9mm ammunition in a bag. The suspect was arrested after failing to give a reasonable account of the possession. He is also expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 2 January 2024 on a charge of unlawful possession of ammunition,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Sello Kwena, lauded all members involved for their vigilance that led to the arrests and seizures.

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