Picture: Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu visiting water project in Zeerust/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu said he will ensure that Operation Bulela Metsi meets its obligations to the people of Dinokana and ultimately the whole province. Mchunu said they have invested R106 million into the Dinokana Water Supply Intervention Project that is implemented by Magalies Water in Zeerust.

He further said, the Dinokana Water Project, is one of the 27 water and sanitation projects under Operation Bulela Metsi that were unlocked and reprioritised as a result of intergovernmental interventions led by his office and the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) early this year.

Mnchunu added that he conducted an oversight at the construction sites of the water project and met with the community of Dinokana.

“The delegation was taken through the ‘sacred’ Dinokana Eye, a natural spring where the source of the water and the pump station are located and also conducted a walkabout at the site where a 15-kilometer bulk pipeline is being laid.

“Through the intergovernmental structures set in the province and the constitutional mandate of each institution, the program will ensure that every household has access to water through a standpipe. So, the people need to be patient as the projects are being implemented in phases,” he said.

Mchunu said they are happy that, there is progress and that ultimately, water will reach everyone who needs to benefit from the project. He said they are now here to point to the work that is currently being carried out.

“Refurbishing the pump station is critical so that all the pumps are working optimally in order to pump the required quantities and be able to meet the demand of these communities in the four wards.

“The project scope underway entails the refurbishment and upgrade of the Dinokana Rural Water Supply Infrastructure, which consists of high lift pump refurbishment and upgrade from 2 Ml/day to 4 Ml/day, refurbishment of boreholes, upgrading of spring water pump station and pipeline, refurbishment of the distribution system up to the bulk water reservoirs and constructing an additional 2 Ml reservoir to provide additional gravity pressure,” said Mchunu.

He said already over 1000 metres of the bulk pipeline has been laid, works on the refurbishment work have commenced, and work on the bulk distribution network has also commenced. Mchunu said that 17 local people benefited through the Dinokana Water Supply Intervention project, and 5 more job opportunities will in the future be added to benefit 25 locals each per ward.

“We encourage those with illegal water connections to report to the local mayor to be legally connected for free. This way, they won’t face the wrath of the law. We also call on the community to safeguard the infrastructure.

“Connecting water illegally damages the pipes and further assigned one of the local youth in Dinokana to lead in the fight against vandalism of the water infrastructure. Dinokana Water Supply intervention project which commenced on the 30 September 2023, is expected to be completed on the 30 September 2024,” said Mchunu.

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Picture: The GWK merged with VKB Group/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

GWK said it merger with VKB has produced a positive impact in less than six months. According to the GWK Engagement Manager, Madri Scheepers, the merger was officially approved by the Competition Authorities earlier this year.

“There are positive stories about the impact of the merger and the people in this story have already emerged. Directly or indirectly, people, including employees, customers and communities in the areas where GWK and VKB operate businesses, have begun to experience the positive impact of the merger.

“Value has already been unlocked for the VKB Group (or the combined group) in specific divisions, either monetarily or through efficiencies. More positive news is that, the combined group is moving forward and successfully finding solutions for more efficient energy consumption at various business units,” she said.

Scheepers further said this value can be attributed to several factors and one of these, is the leadership of the GWK/VKB’s integration committee, which follows a structured and comprehensive process to lead the integration process in collaboration with the executive leadership team of the VKB Group.

She added that, apart from the input of this committee, the dedication of the employees of the combined group is worth mentioning.

“Every day, employees embrace the changes and focus on utilising the opportunities on a professional, personal, and business level. These people are, and have always been a core focus for GWK and VKB, even before the merger.

“As a combined group, employees have the certainty that no retrenchments linked to the merger will take place for 36 months from the effective date and eligible employees will soon share in the benefits of employee trusts,” said Scheepers.

She said in addition to this, employees have more opportunities to develop and grow their careers as part of one of the largest agricultural businesses in South Africa. Scheepers said as part of the integration process, dedicated focus and hard work are being done to unlock benefits for clients as a result of the merger.

“This applies to commercial and emerging producers who each play a valuable role in the sustainability of agriculture – something vital to the combined group. The focus on support for emerging producers and the establishment of these producers as sustainable commercial farmers in the future, are supported by projects that are already actively operating for the last few years, as well as access to financing and other services. 

“The latter includes established and committed financing solutions and input financing to eligible emerging producers, which are available through the combined group (subject to the credit policy and relevant legislation),” she said. 

Scheepers said potential qualifying beneficiaries can send their enquiries to contact@vkb.co.za. She said currently, the processes and qualifying requirements are being put in place for managing financing options – the group will communicate with relevant stakeholder groups as soon as more information is available.

“The company’s connection with PALS (Partners in Agri Land Solutions) is a further vital partnership to promote innovative and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector and to support communities, as well as promote sustainability within the industry. 

“An example of one existing project is Agriqua, which is a structured mentorship programme that has been successfully implemented and is operating in the Taung area. One hundred and fourteen producers form part of the programme, which strives to support emerging producers in preparation for establishing commercial farms,” concluded Scheepers.

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Picture: The disgraced ANC councillor, Tebogo Sepale

By OBAKENG MAJE

The rape case against disgraced ANC councillor, Tebogo Sepale (43) has been postponed by the Orkney Magistrate’s Court to 24 November 2023 for judgement on bail application.

Sepale is currently facing 11 charges (two for statutory rape, three for the violation of a child with consent, one for manufacturing pornographic material, four for rape and one for sexual intimidation), but the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, the state may add other charges when the matter goes to a higher court.

“Sepale’s court appearance emanates from a report by the police indicating that, the Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit was investigating a case of crimen injuria, and two separate counts of statutory rape, after they were reported at Kanana Police Station respectively.

“In one of the cases, the suspect allegedly shared nude pictures with the complainant, in the second and separate case, but involving the same suspect, two counts of statutory rape were laid on Saturday, 06 May 2023, by the parents of two boys aged 15 and 17. He will remain in police custody pending the outcome of his bail application,” he said.

Mamothame further said the state argued strongly against granting the suspended ANC councillor at the Matlosana Local Municipality bail. He added that, the state believes it is in the interest of justice for Sepale to remain in police custody until the completion of the trial.

“He argued that, he suffered from illnesses that require treatment, which he alleges was not provided to him in custody. This was, however, disproved by an official from the correctional facility, indicating that treatment is provided and that the accused would wish to consult with his private doctor, such as being arranged,” said Mamothame.

The state prosecutor, Adv Maria Krause argued that, there were no compelling circumstances to grant the accused bail. Krause said, following the outcome of the bail application, the state will make an application to the Director of Public Prosecutions for the matter to be transferred to a higher court for pre-trial conferencing, as investigations have been completed.

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Picture: A diesel truck/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

The North West High Court in Mahikeng has granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) an order declaring forfeit to the state, a truck-horse and a tanker that were used to transport illicit diesel. This order relates to an incident where Chrispen Pirukai (40), appeared at the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2023.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Pirukai was arrested at the Ramatlabama Port of Entry by the border police officials, after he had allegedly failed to declare that he was transporting diesel from Gaborone in Botswana to Pretoria.

“The Hawks reported that, on 15 July 2023, the accused was driving in a truck when he was stopped by border police officials at the port of entry, where he allegedly declared that the truck was empty. However, upon inspection of the truck, the trailers were allegedly found to contain approximately 45,000 litres of diesel.

“As a result of the alleged misrepresentation by the accused, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) would have incurred a loss of over R270 000. The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and SARS Customs & Illicit Economic Activities Division attended the scene, where the accused was subsequently arrested and charged with contravention of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No. 91 of 1964),” said Mamothame.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded AFU for successfully receiving an order for the forfeiture of assets, which are proceeds of crime, impacting negatively on the economy of the country.

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Picture: The accused, Agnes Setswaro/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A woman who was arrested after being accused of killing her relatives to cash in from insurance claims, Agnes Setswantsho (49), has been remanded in custody. Setswantsho briefly appeared at the Molopo Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Setswantsho is facing a charge of murder, two of fraud and one of defeating the ends of justice.

“An intelligence operation led to the arrest of the accused on suspicion that, she murdered her relatives to benefit from insurance claims. The accused was traced and arrested in Centurion during a takedown operation led by the SAPS in collaboration and full cooperation with an insurance company.

“The SAPS further reported that, in the past two months, Sergeant Keshi Mabunda and a team of detectives. have been working on the case following a tip-off from relatives of this suspect. Through analysis and collection of evidence including the exhumation of a body, the team was able to link the accused to the team’s first focus of the case,” he said.

Mamothame added that the police report showed the murder was initially ruled a “natural death”, where a female relative died under mysterious circumstances in Mmabatho, North West in March 2023.

He said the investigations have revealed that Setswaro fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative before her murder. Mamothame said the police are conducting further investigations, with the possibility of adding more charges against the accused.

Meanwhile, the case was postponed to 24 November 2023 for a formal bail application.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Moretele Regional Court for rape. On 22 September 2019, Tebogo Khunuona was seen by his neighbours jumping over the complainant’s wall and entering the house through an open window in Kanana village, near Temba.

He then found the complaint (37) in her bedroom, threatened her, and proceeded to rape her repeatedly.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, the accused is said to be known to the complainant’s husband who was not home at the time of the incident.

“Khunuona was later arrested at his home and he pleaded not guilty to the charges,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor Patricia Matlala, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no substantial and compelling reasons to do so. Matlala argued that, the complainant, who is a wife and respected member of the community violated her right to dignity eroded.

Magistrate Gilbert Sono agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the courts have in protecting members of the community from such perpetrators.

Khunuona was sentenced to a further 10-year sentence for housebreaking with intent to commit a crime.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Warrant Officer Lamola from the South African Police Service, and the witness for their collaboration in bringing the perpetrator to book.

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Picture: The community members attending the public hearing/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, Violet Siwela said they have concluded three days of public hearings on Thursday on the National Small Enterprise Amendment (NSEA) Bill in North West’s Bojanala Platinum District at the Rustenburg White Town Hall.

Siwela said two other public hearings in the province were held in Taung, and Mahikeng on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. She further said, residents of Bojanala Platinum District, who participated in the public hearings overwhelmingly supported the NSEA Bill and proposed that a new clause be inserted to make it mandatory for big businesses to train small local enterprises.

“They submitted that the proposed Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency should relax funding criteria and set aside funds specifically for small enterprises owned by women, youth and people living with disabilities.

“The residents further suggested that the new agency should stop the theft of applicants’ business ideas as is currently the case with Small Enterprise Finance Agency, they claimed. Another participant suggested the use of artificial intelligence as a solution to this challenge,” said Siwela.

She added that, at the same time, others said that the Bill should find mechanisms to end the bullying of small enterprises by big companies. Siwela said the biggest form of bullying, they claimed, is non-adherence to the 30-day payment period by both local government and private companies.

“The Bill is eight years overdue and the committee is determined to move with speed and diligence to ensure that it is passed into law as a matter of urgency. After the last leg of public hearings in Gauteng next week, the committee will deliberate on all written and oral submissions and write a comprehensive report.

“The committee will then deliberate on the Bill and come up with a final version that will be tabled in the National Assembly for adoption,” she said.  

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Setshwantsho: Mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Onalenna Benni Setumisho/Facebook  

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Ditheetso mo kgetsing ya lekwalo-thibelo kgatlhanong le naledi ya maloba ya kgwele ya dinao, Onalerona Benni Setumisho, yo ga jaana eleng mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung ga di a tswelela. Seno se tla morago ga gore, magistrata, Thataetsile Matolong, yo one a tshwanetswe ke go reetsa maphata a le mabedi mo kgetsing e, a se nne teng.

Go begwa fa Matolong a na le loso kwa gabo, mme seo se mo itsitse go tla kgotlha-tshekelo. Kgosi ya Baga-Maidi, Nnyoko Charles Motlhabane, o dirile lekwalo-thibelo kgatlhanong Setumisho, mme a mo latofatsa ka go mo tlhapaola.

Go ya ka tshedimosetso e bobega-kgang jwa rona jwa Taung DailyNews bo e fitlheletseng, Setumisho o ile a amogela lekwalo-thibelo ka di 16 Diphalane 2023 go tswa kwa go Motlhabane. Setumisho are, lekwalo-thibelo leo, le ne la mo kaela fa a sa tshwanelwa ke go atimela gaufi le ntlo ya segosi kwa Motlhabane a dulang teng.

“Ke nnete ke ile ka amogela lekwalo-thibelo go tswa kwa go Motlhabane, mme ke ne ke sa tlhaloganye gore lekwalo-thibelo leo ke la eng gonne ga e se ke tsamaye ke kopane le Motlhabane mo sebakeng sa ngwaga le seripa.

“Labofelo fa kene ke kopana le Motlhabane, ene ele ka nako e morafe one o ntsha matshwenyego mabapi le go bulwa ga matekiri mo motseng mo ngwageng o fetileng. Jaanong, ke ile ka makala thata ha ke fitlhela mapodisi ka dikoloi tsa bone tse di itsegeng jaaka di hippo, ba tlile go kgokgontsha ba lelapa laka ba ituletse monate,” Setumisho wa tlhalosa.

Setumisho are, ebile one a nagana fa mapodisi a tlile go mo tshwara go ya ka mokgwa o ba ne ba le bantsi ka teng. Are, mo lekwalo-thibelong leo, Motlhabane o mo laela gore a tsamaele bokgakajana jwa dimitara di le 200 go ntlo ya segosi, ga mmogo le dikantoro tsa morafe.

“Fela, se se makatsang ke gore, dikantoro tsa morafe ke ko re bonang ditirelo teng. Gape, lekwalo-thibelo leo le tlhalosa fa ke sa tshwanela go ka dira dikopano kgotsa go thibela ditirelo mo motseng. Mme ke sa itse gore o raya jang.

“Fela dintlha tsotlhe ke tla di utlwa go tswa mo molomong wa gagwe ka letsatsing la tsheko kwa kgotlha-tshekelo. Motlhabane gape o ntatofatsa ka go mo roga, mme ga ke itse gore leng. O tla tshwanelwa ke go tlhagisa bopaki joo botlhe fa pele ga lekgotlha gore le nna ke kgone go ikarabela,” Setumisho wa tlhalosa.

Bangwe ba baagi ba tlhalositse fa se se dirwang ke Motlhabane ele go kgokgontsha morafe, mme ba tlile go ema Setumisho nokeng.

Kgabagare, Motlhabane are ga nkitla a kgona go tshwaela mo kganyeng e. Kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha 24 Ngwanaitsele 2023.

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Picture: Former Sowetan sports editor, Sello Rabothata/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan has joined millions of South Africans in mourning of former Sowetan Sports Editor, Sello Rabothatha who passed away at his home on the East Rand on Wednesday. Rabothata was 68 and was one of the three Sowetan Sports journalists, together with the then Sports Editor, Molefi Mika and the late S’Busiso Mseleku, who coined the name Bafana Bafana when South Africa was re-admitted into FIFA in the early 1990s.

‘’We have lost yet another dedicated servant of the game, an intelligent and efficient journalist. I travelled with Sello during the 2006 FIFA World Cup bid as well as the 2010 bid.

‘’He was a smart journalist and a patriotic individual, who was quick to tell naysayers who thought South Africa was not capable of hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup the true story about this country. He was frank and spoke his mind too,’’ said Jordaan.

He further said during his years as a senior Sports journalist, Rabothatha mentored a good number of the current crop of journalists. Jordaan added that, Rabothata left behind a rich legacy and would love to see the current crop of journalists carrying his mantle going forward.

“To his family, friends, and associates we join you in mourning this giant of South African journalism. May his soul RIP,’’ he said.

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