Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department has concluded the Grade 12 Preparatory Examinations that started on 28 August 2023 and finished on 22 September 2023 with no major incidents reported.
Motsumi lauded teachers and learners for successful exams.
“On behalf of the department, I wish to thank the school community, namely teachers, learners, and parents for the successful preliminary exams.
“I’d like to extend my gratitude to community members for not disturbing schooling during these crucial times. This is a sign of solidarity in the cause of revolutionising education for an African child,” she said.
Motsumi further said, the schools across the province will have spring camps that will run from 29 September until 8 October 2023 to close content gaps in the problematic areas of learning encountered by learners.
She added that, during this time, schools will be on recess until 11 October 2023.
“I would like to thank teachers, learners and parents for the success of the preparatory exams. On behalf of the department, I wish to thank my esteemed teachers, who held the fort to ensure examinations continue with no major incidents.
“I also thank parents for ensuring that, learners are at school on time and affording them the opportunity to write. The Preparatory Examination forms a vital component of candidates’ final School-Based Assessment (SBA) marks,” said Motsumi.
Picture: The policeman, Sergeant Thomas Moleme stationed at the Schweizer Reneke Police Station/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The alleged corrupt policeman, Sergeant Thomas Moleme is expected to briefly appear before Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 27 September 2023. Moleme was arrested for corruption in Schweizer Reneke and was granted a R7000 bail.
Moleme, who was working as a Detective, was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU) in broad daylight on 29 August 2023 in Schweizer Reneke.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Moleme along with a person who accompanied him and introduced himself as Captain, allegedly arrested a suspect for assault in May 2023.
“On their way to the police station, the pair demanded R1000 on behalf of the assault victim on condition that, the latter withdraws the case. The suspect consented to the demand and gave them R1000. Moleme and his companion further demanded R1000 each from the suspect.
“As a result, they were given R2 470 and released the suspect. However, Moleme apparently kept on harassing and demanding money from the suspect. Subsequent to reporting the matter to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit (ACIU), Moleme was arrested during an undercover operation by the ACIU and Anti-Gang Unit,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and subsequent appearance of the accused in court.
Kwena said dishonesty cannot be tolerated and any South African Police Service (SAPS) employee who acts in an unethical manner, will be brought to book to face the full might of the law.
Picture: Sporadic fires ravaged farms in Danielskuil/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The sporadic wildfires that ravaged farms near R385 road in Danielskuil were extinguished. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Sergio Kock said the Postmasburg SAPS, Traffic Department, Fire Department and all other relevant role players assisted with raging fires.
“The fires were sporadic and caused heavy clouds of smoke on the roads. That made the visibility dangerous for motorists driving in the direction of Koopmansfontein, Danielskuil, Lime Acres, and Postmasburg.
Motorists were urged to use alternative routes for their own safety as the situation was becoming dangerous, especially during the night,” said Kock.
Setshwantsho: Baagi ba Itireleng ba tswetse tsela ya N18
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Baagi ba motse wa Itireleng gaufi le Taung, ba tswetse tsela ya N18 e golaganyang Taung le Hartswater mo letsatsing la gompieno. Gape, go begwa fa baagi ba, ba letse ba tshwere molekgotlha wa bone wa ANC, Ntesang Montewa motshwara-kananyo.
Seno se tla morago ga gore, ba kae fa ba na le dingwaga-ngwaga ba ikuela go masepala go ba agela tsela ya pavement ya dikilometara dile 2.5 go tswa kwa motseng wa bone go golaganya tsela-kgolo ya N18.
Mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi, Itumeleng Pholo are, ba shupa mayara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe ka monwana. Go ya ka Pholo, Gaoraelwe o tsweletse go ba dukolosa sekhi, mme ebile o gana le go kopana le bone.
“Ka 2021, re ile ra kopana le masepala mme o ile wa netefatsa fa tsela e e kopanyang motse wa rona le tsela-kgolo ya N18, e wela mo tlase ga bone. Motsamaisi wa maloba wa masepala, Katlego Gabanakgosi, o ile a dira lekwalo le le shupang fa tsela eo, ele ya masepala mme one a kaya fa council e ncha fa e tsena, e tla dira ka natla gore tsela e agiwe.
“Fela, seo ga sa direga, mme mo ngwaneng o o fetileng, Gaoraelwe one a raya baagi are, mo bekeng ya ntlha ya Phatwe 2023, tsela eo e tlile go ka berekiwa. Fela, go ile ga nna le tshalelo-morago ya tshwetso ya council mme tshwetso eo ene ya tswa ka Sedimonthole 2022. Jaanong, morago ga moo, re ne ra tshepisiwa fa tsela eo e tlile go berekiwa,” Pholo wa tlhalosa.
Pholo are, ene ya re fa tsela e tshwanetswe e agiwa, Gaoraelwe one a ya kwa le kwa ntle le go ba naya ntlha. Pholo are, Gaoraelwe o reile baagi are go na le madi a kanang ka R10 million a betsweng thoko go ka aga tsela eo go tswa kwa Investment Account.
“Jaanong, la bofelo ga gwa feleletsa go ntse jalo. Re ile ra tswelela jalo go ka leka go kopana le Gaoraelwe, mme one a sia-sia. Ka Imbizo e ene ele kwa motseng wa Leshobo, ga ya feleletsa e atlegile, gonne baagi ba ne ba eme ka maoto ba batla tsela. Fela, modulasetulo wa matlole kwa masepaleng, Mika Moeti, one a raya baagi are, ba tlile go arabela dipotso tsa bone pele ga di ura dile 24 di feta. Fela, seo ga sa direga mme ene ya re ka Imbizo ya kwa Extension 7, Gaoraelwe one a dumalana le baagi gore o tla dira letsatsi gore a tle go kopana le baagi ba Itireleng,” Pholo wa tlhalosa.
Pholo are, seo ga sa direga, mme ba ne ba feleletsa ba kwadile makwalo le go dira di petition le go di romela kwa masepaleng. Are, fela seo ga sa thusa gonne Gaoraelwe one a se iponagatse.
“Jaanong, maabane re ne re tshwere kopano ya Community Based Plan (CPB). Baagi ba ile ba feleletsa ba tshwere molekgotlha wa ANC, Ntesang Montewa motshwara-kananyo gonne ba ne ba batla mayara. O ile a leka go letsetsa Gaoraelwe, mmusa-kgotlha, Grace Moipolai, ga mmogo le modulasetulo wa komiti ya mafaratlhatlha, Itumeleng Maribe mme ga a ba bona.
“Jaanong, mayara one a kaile fa a tlile go kopana le rona mo letsatsing la gompieno, fela ga bonagala gape. O ile a bolelela bangwe gore ene ka nosi o tshaba go tla go kopana le baagi, gonne a belaela gore ba tla mo tlhasela,” Pholo wa tlhalosa.
Pholo gape are, go na le dipego tsa gore go ne go beetswe thoko madi a kanang ka R6 million go ka aga tsela e, mme madi ao a nyeletse fela.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa masepala, Ricky Oliphant ga arabela dipotsi tsa bobega-kgang.
Picture: A canal where a body was found by police/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The police in Upington are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying the body of a man who was found in a canal near Raaswater on 21 September 2023.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson in ZF Mgcawu District, Sgt Omphile Masegela said the deceased is a coloured man estimated between 30 and 40 years of age. Masegela further said the deceased was wearing black track pants, a grey Adidas hoodie, and black All-Star sneakers at the time of his drowning.
“Anyone with information or inquiries can contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Bahedile Nkwadipo on 082 495 4615,” he said.
The Northern Cape has long been characterized by its arid climate and limited water resources. However, in recent years, the province has faced a new challenge – irregular and unpredictable rainfall patterns. This shift in weather patterns raises concerns among local communities, agriculturalists, and environmentalists alike.
The erratic nature of rainfall in the Northern Cape presents a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive and adaptive measures by the government to address the growing water insecurity in the province.
The heart of the concern lies in rainfall’s critical role in the province’s agricultural sector. Despite its harsh conditions, the Northern Cape has managed to sustain certain agricultural activities due to reliable rainfall during specific seasons.
However, the irregularity in rainfall has disrupted planting and harvesting schedules, leaving farmers in a precarious position. Crop failures and reduced yields have become increasingly common, posing threats to both food security and the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture. The irregular rainfalls have underscored the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to the impacts of climate change.
The impact of irregular rainfall in the province isn’t limited to agriculture; it has far-reaching effects on the region’s fragile ecosystems. Native flora and fauna have evolved to survive in arid conditions, relying on seasonal rainfall patterns for survival.
Disruptions in these patterns are leading to habitat loss, shifts in plant and animal distributions, and even endangerment of certain species. The delicate balance of the Northern Cape’s unique ecosystem is at stake, and unless the government takes decisive action, irreversible damage will occur.
This irregularity of rainfall also places stress on local communities, particularly those without access to alternative water sources like those in the Namaqualand region. Water scarcity becomes a pressing issue when traditional sources, such as rivers and wells, dry up due to changing rainfall patterns.
Communities that depend on subsistence farming or herding find themselves facing an uncertain future as they struggle to adapt to the evolving climate.
Migration and displacement become real threats as people seek better living conditions elsewhere, exacerbating existing social and economic challenges, which may also threaten the already small population of the province, decreasing even more and the loss of culture in some parts.
In the face of these challenges, it is imperative that the Northern Cape government takes proactive steps to build resilience and adapt to the changing climate. A multifaceted approach is needed, including investment in water infrastructure, improved water management practices, and the promotion of drought-resistant crops.
Local governments, together with national authorities, must collaborate to develop and implement policies that promote sustainable land use, efficient water utilization, and community empowerment.
Furthermore, local government initiatives to raise awareness and educate the public about climate change and its impacts can foster a sense of collective responsibility. Encouraging practices such as rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation techniques, and sustainable water conservation can contribute to mitigating the effects of irregular rainfall.
The irregular rainfall patterns in the Northern Cape are a stark reminder of the broader challenges posed by climate change. The province’s agricultural productivity, unique ecosystems, and local communities are all at risk. However, by embracing adaptive strategies and fostering a sense of urgency, the Northern Cape has the potential to lead the way in building resilience and addressing the impacts of irregular rainfall.
The time for action is now, and through collaborative efforts, we can ensure a more secure and sustainable future for this remarkable part of South Africa.
Note: (This opinion piece was produced through the Youth Citizen JournalismFellowship, an initiative of the Rural Action for Climate Resilience project, whichis co-funded by the EU and the Heinrich Boll Foundation)
Picture: The drugs that were allegedly found in possession of a man/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
A man has been arrested for being in possession of drugs during Operation Shanela. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Brig Mashay Gamieldien said, on 22 September 2023 at around 12pm, the Lime Acres Police Station Commander, Captain Ricky Daniels accompanied by the Vispol Head, Warrant Officer Ben Eiman and shift members, conducted stop and search actions in the business area of Lime Acres.
“While conducting random searches, Eiman searched two men and found 11 small ziplog bags on one of them containing crystal meth. A man aged 37 was arrested for possession of drugs and will appear in court soon. Operation Shanela continues to squeeze the space for criminals to operate,” said Gamieldien said.
Three suspects were arrested for house-breaking at Danieskuil on Monday. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Mashay Gamieldien, on 24 September 2023 at approximately 2pm, the Lime Acres Vispol Commander, Warrant Officer Ben Eiman, Detective Commander, Warrant Officer Thembelani Booi and Sgt Mzimkhule Dube, continued with crime prevention duties and followed up on information related to a housebreaking case that was reported in Lime Acres.
Gamieldien said whilst busy at the Community Service Centre (CSC), a second complainant reported another housebreaking case.
“The three police officers followed up on leads which led them to Danielskuil. Eiman arrested one man linked to the first case and also found a wallet containing banks and ID cards of the father of the first complainant in the possession of the suspect.
“Upon further searches, the police officials found a black bag containing clothing and shoes allegedly stolen items. The suspect took the policemen to a second premises, where they attempted to sell an Xbox 5 series and also found suspected stolen goods there amounting to R9000,” she said.
Gamieldien further said, that on 25 September 2023, the same three police officials continued their investigation and arrested the third suspect in Danielskuil. She added that, the two of the suspects were positively linked to the first housebreaking case.
“Both complainants positively identified their property. The three men aged 23, 31, and 33 respectively will soon appear in court on charges of housebreaking and theft.
“The public is urged not to buy stolen goods offered to them, as it is an offense to buy it but instead to report it to the police,” said Gamieldien.
Picture: The climate change continues to affect livelihoods/Google
KEAMOGETSWE THOMAS
In the vast and arid landscapes of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, the climate has long been a defining factor in the lives of its residents and the region’s economic activities. Changing weather patterns and extreme events connected to climate change make crucial infrastructure like roads, buildings, energy grids, and water systems more at risk.
The Namakwa District, known for its beautiful scenery, recently faced a severe flood. This, according to climate experts, highlights the pressing need to adopt infrastructure that can withstand climate challenges.
After the flood in the Namakwa District, speaking to Rural Action for Climate Resilience(RACR) Professor Dallip Das from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s engineering department and planning sheds light on the connection between climate change and the area’s infrastructure vulnerabilities After a significant flood in the Namakwa District.
Das emphasizes the shifting weather patterns, including increased rainfall, rising temperatures, and intensified storms, which have led to more frequent extreme events.
“Sudden heavy downpours, referred to as cloudbursts, and flash floods have become common, exposing roads, homes, and critical systems to heightened risks. Despite advanced technology, the unpredictability of these events remains a challenge, making planning and response complex,” he told RACR.
According to Dr Andries Kruger, Chief Scientist from the South African Weather Service, the Namakwa District isn’t usually flood-prone, but is more susceptible to droughts or extended dry periods. However, due to irregular rainfall, floods can occur in unusually wet seasons, like the current one.
Kruger also points out long-term climate projections indicating a drier climate in the region. “Over the past 30 years and even earlier, rainfall trends in the far west of the country show a decline,” he said, adding “Yet, it’s not possible to conclude that floods will become less likely from available data. Recent studies reveal that even in parts of South Africa experiencing less rainfall, heavy daily downpours haven’t decreased.”
Urgent Action Agenda: Adapting to Climate Challenges
The implementation gap poses a significant challenge, requiring concerted efforts to transform plans into action. Identifying vulnerable regions, infrastructure, and communities remains imperative.
In developing resilient infrastructure, a dual approach involving prevention and restoration must be adopted. Preventive measures focus on constructing robust infrastructure capable of enduring extreme events, while restoration strategies aim to rejuvenate damaged infrastructure with resilience at the forefront.
In the face of increasing climate uncertainties and extreme events, the paradigm of infrastructure development is evolving from reactive measures to proactive, resilient solutions. Central to this transformation is a resolute focus on prioritizing both resilience and sustainability.
This shift entails not only meticulous planning, design, construction, and maintenance but also active engagement with local communities, tapping into their invaluable insights and experiences to navigate the unpredictability of a changing climate.
Recent incidents, like the impactful flood event, underscore the imperative of a comprehensive approach, considering spatial, engineering, socio-economic, and environmental factors in infrastructure development.
Lessons drawn from these events advocate for the construction of robust roads and other structures using durable materials capable of withstanding nature’s formidable forces.
The urgent call to action is clear. Across regions, infrastructure, and communities, vulnerability is stark. Professor. Das advises, South Africa must strengthen existing structures and restore those damaged. This could mean constructing escape routes or using resilient materials. But this isn’t just physical—it’s about reshaping mindsets. Stakeholders need skills to navigate disasters, while local wisdom boosts adaptability.
Crucially, collaboration is key—uniting governments, organizations, and individuals.
Note: (This article was produced through the Youth Citizen Journalism Fellowship, an initiative of the Rural Action for Climate Resilience project, which is co-funded by the European Union and the Heinrich Boll Foundation)
Picture: The Municipal Manager, Modisenyane Thompson Segapo at Naledi Local Municipality/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The embattled Naledi Local Municipality in Vryburg said it is going to challenge the North West High Court decision. Last week, the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng, rendered the appointment of the Municipal Manager, Modisenyane Thompson Segapo as invalid and unlawful.
This comes after some aggrieved employees and councillors, Thabo Appolus, Lerato Setlhake, Lebogang Jacobs and Vuyiswa Morakile launched an application on an urgent basis challenging the appointment of Segapo.
Judge FMM Reid said, the report from the MEC has now been received and the MEC does not support the appointment of Segapo as Municipal Manager. Reid said the report of the MEC is dated 26 April 2023 and titled: “Report on the process of appointing the Municipal Manager at Naledi Local Municipality.”
“The finding of MEC is that the appointment of Segapo as Municipal Manager is not supported because MEC found the procedural and substantive requirements in relation to the appointment of municipal senior managers, submitted as per Regulation 17 (4) not to have been complied with.
“Amongst others, the following issues of non-compliance were highlighted in the MEC’s report. Interviews were conducted 44 days after the screening process, which is 23 days more than the period that is allowed in terms of Regulation 15(1),” he said.
Reid said Regulation 15 (1) which deals with the appointment and conditions of employment of senior managers was not complied with.
He said the screening report attached to the submissions to the MEC was incomplete and there is no letter from the National Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs or evidence from the municipality that the request for security screening and vetting was sent to the National Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs.
“The MIE screening results are dated 1 July 2021, which is prior to the vacancy date of 31 October 2022, and as such irregular. The minutes of the shortlisting process are non-compliant with the requirements in that the minutes attached to the report sent to the MEC did not mention the names of all the shortlisted candidates.
“The minutes only referred to the re-advertisement of the post. The minutes of the interview process are non-compliant in that it does not mention the top three candidates and those recommended to undergo competency assessments. There was no written confirmation attached by the successful candidate that does not hold any political office,” said Reid.
He said the term of the contract as reflected on the letter of appointment is non-compliant as it exceeds the term of the council by four months. Reid said the MEC found that the appointment of Segapo is contrary to the provisions of Section 54 (3)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000.
“The MEC concluded that the appointment of Segapo is not supported as Municipal Manager. Correspondence followed between the former acting Municipal Manager, the mayor, the MMC of Finance and Corporate Services, and the Whip of Council in which the above-mentioned irregularities were highlighted.
“No steps were taken to remove Segapo as Municipal Manager, despite his appointment being in conflict with the regulations as highlighted in the report of the MEC. In application of the facts to the law, the appointment of Segapo has to be set aside as it was not done in terms of the legislation and without the MEC’s approval,” he said.
Reid said as far as the setting aside of the meeting dated 10 March 2023 and all resolutions taken in that meeting, this court cannot determine whether the meeting was correctly constituted and mandated.
He said the applicants did not make out a substantive case to grant the relief to have the meeting and the resolutions (save for the appointment of the Municipal Manager) set aside.
“This is the position since there are several factual disputes relating to the mandates, proxy, and other issues which this court is not going to entertain in this urgent application.
“The court dispenses with the Rules relating to forms, services, and time periods as prescribed by the Uniform Rules of this court and directs that the matter be enrolled and heard as an urgent application in terms of Rule 6 (12),” said Reid.
He said the appointment of Segapo as the Municipal Manager from 10 March 2023 is set aside as invalid and unlawful. Reid said the municipality is ordered to advertise the position of the Municipal Manager and commence the recruitment process de novo.
However, the Naledi Local Municipality acting spokesperson, Portia Maphike said: “The court based its decision on the letter of the MEC of COGHSTA, which raised a number of concerns about the process of appointment, and not the candidate’s qualifications, experience, expertise or competency as these were all met.
“The issues raised by the MEC are based on gross mistakes made in the assessment by the Office of the MEC, which mistakes and falsehoods have since been clarified by the only appointing authority – the Municipal Council.”
Maphike said a judgment based on a mistaken assessment cannot be held without rectification, hence the resolution by the only appointing authority, council resolved on 22 September 2023, to appeal this matter at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.
She said the effect of the appeal process is that it suspends this erroneous judgment. Maphike said in effect, once the appeal is lodged with the SCA, the duly appointed Municipal Manager will return to work to deliver services to the communities as he has competently done.
The Guardian 