Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president Cyril Ramaphosa said, the national budget that was presented last week, will help the country to achieve more rapid and inclusive economic growth, while supporting the developmental goals.

Ramaposa said over the last five years, they have taken several actions to get the economy back on track. He further said they have implemented far-reaching reforms in the energy, logistics, water and telecommunications sectors to address the binding constraints on growth.

“We have created a stable macro-economic environment to encourage investment. And we have expanded public employment and social protection to create jobs and provide an income for those who are unemployed.

“This budget takes us further along the path of reviving our economy and rebuilding our institutions, in at least three important ways. First, the 2024 budget shows that we are staying the course in our commitment to achieve a sustainable fiscal trajectory,” said Ramaphosa.

He added that, over the past 15 years, the debt burden has grown to a point where they are spending more on interest payments than they are on education or health care services. Ramaphosa said by reducing debt, they will create more space to spend on the things that matter – building the infrastructure, improving schools and hospitals, and making the communities safer.

“At the same time, the less the state borrows the more can be invested in the economy. This will help to create a virtuous cycle of investment and growth in the years to come. Second, the budget protects critical services and social spending, making sure that the government can deliver on its most important obligations to all South Africans.

“We have allocated additional funds for service delivery, which will help to pay the salaries of police officers, teachers, nurses and doctors. This year alone, we will spend more than R480 billion on education, R272 billion on health and R265 billion on other services like water, housing and public transport,” he said.

Ramaphosa said a further R7.4 billion will go towards the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has already created more than 1.7 million opportunities for work and livelihoods over the last three years, ensuring that key programmes like school assistants will continue.

He said they are also increasing social grants to help the poorest households cope with the rising cost of living. Additional money has been allocated to the fight against corruption and state capture, following through on the commitment he made during the State of the Nation Address (SOPA).

“Thirdly, the budget includes new measures to support growth and create jobs, while rebuilding infrastructure. A new R2 billion grant has been established to fund the rollout of smart meters in municipalities, which will help to modernise our electricity system and reduce load shedding.

“A generous incentive will be introduced to support the manufacturing of electric vehicles from 2026 onwards, as part of our commitment to position South Africa as a leading player in the green economy,” said Ramaphosa.

He said innovative new funding instruments have been introduced for infrastructure projects, and the National Treasury has published revised regulations to make it easier to implement public-private partnerships. Ramaphosa said these measures will enable much greater investment in infrastructure.

“Our economy has been weighed down by more than a decade of low growth and rising debt, made worse during the state capture era as confidence was eroded. During the course of this administration, we have worked hard to change this and build a foundation for higher growth and more jobs.

“The 2024 budget shows that we are heading in the right direction. We are determined to continue on this path, following through on economic reforms, getting our public finances in shape and protecting basic services for the poor. Working together we will ensure that better years lie ahead,” he said.

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Picture: The MPL in North West Provincial Legislature, Mmoloki Cwaile

By OBAKENG MAJE

Factionalism, gatekeeping and purging, continue to be the ‘order of the day’ within the African National Congress (ANC) in North West, if what ANC Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Mmoloki Cwaile said is anything to go by. Cwaile, who was spitting venom, accused some of the ANC leaders (Provincially and Nationally) of conniving and colluding to oust him.

In 2022, Cwaile was charged with misconduct by the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC). His membership was suspended for 10 years, but he appealed the sanction. 

However, he alleged that, is been almost 10 months since waiting for the decision on his application.

“My Lord, you will remember that, the thugs who call themselves leaders in the ANC and stole the Provincial Elective Conference (PEC) in August 2022, have connived and colluded with national leaders to deal with me decisively.

“You will remember that, even before the conference could be completed, ANC deployee to the North West, Obed Bapela, who is the main beneficiary from the province, made a pronouncement that I must be charged.

“Indeed, I was charged and subsequently to that, I was subjected to a traumatic disciplinary process that was sitting every day of the weekend until 8 March 2023,” he said.

Cwaile further said the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) that was erroneously constituted, pronounced that he was dismissed from the ANC. He added that, over and above, his membership was suspended for 10 years.

“I’ve never heard of such a sanction. However, I was never given any opportunity to deal with their evidence because it was non-existent. No witnesses were brought forward and ANC dismissed me without exercising the audi alteram partem rule, which is a principle of administrative justice and fairness.

“I then appealed the matter to the National Appeal Committee (NAC) for review. In terms of the Constitution of the ANC, the appeal must be resolved within six months. However, I can tell you now, it’s been almost 10 months since waiting for the decision,” said Cwaile.

He said on top of that, he had written more than 10 letters to the Office of the Secretary-General (OSG) seeking redress, but with no response. Cwaile alleged that those who were supposed to assist him from the national level, are beneficiaries of tenders from various departments in the province.

“They are eating and dining on behalf of the people of the North West. That is why they are muted and the attitude is that they must conclude the nomination list and submit it to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), so that they close the door and no one will have the opportunity to challenge it.

“You would know that the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) has adopted the guidelines that say, if one has been charged and on appeal, must be disqualified to be nominated to the parliament,” he said.

Cwaile said he was nominated successfully and allowed to go through all processes of interviews, including security vetting. He said, however, on the 11^th hour, the party decided to use that policy against him.

“When the ANC adopted that policy, it was wrong because the constitution says, even if you are a subject of disciplinary action, you remain to have that right. But, that right was denied only to Cwaile.

“There is a collusion and conniving of both ANC leaders from local and national level to make sure that they frustrate me. I am therefore accepting the decision to dismiss me. These leaders are muted and they should be like that forever,” said Cwaile.

He said he will quickly disengage from the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) because he is no longer a member of the ANC by virtue of the Provincial Disciplinary Committee.

Meanwhile, the ANC Provincial Chairperson, Nono Maloyi said: “I would not know about the outcome of the decision regarding appeals made by those ANC members who were sanctioned. We should be knowing by now that the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) is an independent body, which does its work.

“So, once it completes its exercise, it must then pronounce the outcome. However, for now, we all know that those comrades have appealed their cases at the national level. So, I do not sit in the NDC and I would not know or be able to give you answers to that question. But, the members of the NDC or PDC are best placed.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Two of four men who were arrested for kidnapping and robbery, briefly appeared at the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 28 February 2024. Samuel Modise Pholo (41) and Thabo Petrus Lehihi (46), were arrested after their attorney handed them over to the police.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said on 19 May 2022, one of the suspects allegedly called a farmer (55) and pretended to be buying cattle from him. Myburgh further said on their way to the farm on the N14 road between Vryburg and Delareyville, the vehicle was stopped.

“Three suspects, who pretended to be police officers, ordered the victim to climb into another vehicle and were kidnapped to Randfontein. Furthermore, he was threatened with a firearm and money was withdrawn from his bank account. He was ultimately left stranded in Klerksdorp.

“The police investigations conducted led to the arrest of all four suspects on 25 May 2022 and they were all granted bail. After numerous court appearances, the case was provisionally withdrawn. However, a warrant of arrests was then authorized, which led to the re-arrest of the first two suspects, Maloisane Maritius Khaue (50) and Lebameng Anderson Lepholletsa (44) at their homes in Wolmaranstad on 20 February 2024,” she said.

Myburgh added that they both appeared in court on 21 February 2024 and were granted R1000 bail. She said the case was postponed to 8 February 2024, and their attorney was ordered by court to hand in the outstanding accused. 

“The possibility of linking the accused to other cases is under investigation. They were both granted R1000 bail and the case was postponed to 22 March 2024 to determine a Regional Court date,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit for their efforts and dedication, which resulted in the apprehension of the accused. Kwena also thanked the attorney for handing over his clients as ordered by court.

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Picture: The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

Numerous police officers across the North West have been awarded medals for their loyalties within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The ceremony was held at the SAPS Provincial Head Office in Potchefstroom on Friday.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Sello Kwena, said amongst the medal recipients, eight members received their 40-year loyal service medals and others were handed 30- and 20-year loyal service medals. Kwena said, it is the responsibility of police management to recognise good work and to boost the morale of members, taking into consideration the difficult situation under which police officials work. He also encouraged those police officials, who were on parade for the last time and who are going on retirement.

“You dedicated your life to serving the community with pride and were a valuable member of the police, the family of men and women in blue. Thank you for protecting and serving the people of South Africa, especially in the North West.

“You completed such a fulfilling career in the police and you are indeed an example and inspiration to all young police officials. You are police officials that we honour and look up to. We would also like to applaud seven new members, who successfully completed the Tactical Response Team (TRT) course,” he said.

 Kwena further said those who completed the course, have received their badges and berets. He added that Constable Berlia Bafana from Potchefstroom, was the only female out of 124 applicants, who successfully completed the TRT course.

“The police are committed to continue to work hard in order to make sure that community members in the province are protected, especially with the upcoming National General Elections (NGE),” said Kwena.

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes worth over R3m discovered in a storeroom/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The illicit cigarettes worth over R3 million were discovered in a storeroom at a wholesale store. According to the ZF Mgcawu District Police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela, the police received a tip-off about a wholesale that is keeping illicit cigarettes.

Masegela further said the members of Upington Border Police, Upington SAPS D-relief, Highway Patrol, and customs, operationalised the information and visited the store on 1 March 2024.

“The new storeroom facility was searched and illicit cigarettes to the total value of R3 315 000 were found in the storeroom. The cigarettes were confiscated and an inquiry docket was registered for further investigation.

“The police are warning against trading in illicit cigarettes and anyone who make themselves guilty, thereof will face the full might of the law,” she added.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Women’s football takes centre stage with the sixth edition of the Hollywoodbets Super League 2024 season underway this weekend. The season promises to deliver a thrilling line-up of matches scheduled to kick off on 2 March 2024.

Hollywoodbets Senior Sponsorship coordinator, Menzi Ngcobo said last season saw more than 720 goals scored and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies claiming their third successive championship title. Ngcobo further said this year, the defending champions are aiming to start their campaign strongly in the pursuit of a fourth consecutive title, while other teams must pace themselves, recognizing that success in this league requires endurance similar to a marathon.

“As we embark on the 2024 season of the Hollywoodbets Super League, we are thrilled to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to women’s football. We are dedicated to providing a platform that empowers female athletes to shine nationally.

“Through the Hollywoodbets Super League, we aim to foster growth, inspire greatness, and celebrate the resilience and skill of these incredible athletes. We look forward to a thrilling season ahead and to witnessing the impact of the league in shaping the future of women’s football in South Africa,” he added.

The South African FootbalAssociationon (SAFA) CEO, Lydia Monyepao said: “In Hollywoodbets, we have an honest and dedicated partner who has immensely helped in the growth of women’s football, and the results are there for all to see. Because of the quality of the Hollywoodbets Super League, Banyana Banyana is the reigning African champions and made the country proud at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia last year.

“The Hollywoodbets Super League has given most of our players a platform to display their talent and in the process have been identified by big clubs overseas, and that has helped our senior women’s national team and other junior national teams a great deal. Most of our teams have thrived continentally and globally and without our proud partners, this would have remained a pipe dream.”

Monyepao said she is looking forward to the 2024 edition of this amazing league. She said in an action-packed weekend, there will be numerous fixtures played across the country.

“Durban Ladies FC will be facing off against the University of Pretoria at Chatsworth Stadium in what is expected to be an intense showdown.

“JVW FC will clash with TS Galaxy Queens at UJ Soweto Campus, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies lock horns with Royal AM at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville,” said Monyepao.

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