A woman from Mothanthanyaneng village, near Taung is in need of a wheelchair for her daughter (6). Boipelo Rajoele said her daughter was born with clubfoot and now she is disabled.
“My daughter is in need of a wheelchair and any kind of donations to buy it will be welcomed. Next year, she will be doing Grade 1 and she will be in need of a wheelchair.
“I am unemployed and taking care of her daily. I have to always carry her around and it is a struggle. No one is assisting us financially, so I want to go and look for a job,” she said.
According to www.nhs.uk, clubfoot is described as a range of foot abnormalities usually present at birth (congenital) in which your baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position. In clubfoot, the tissues connecting the muscles to the bone (tendons) are shorter than usual.
“Clubfoot is a fairly common birth defect and is usually an isolated problem for an otherwise healthy newborn. Clubfoot can be mild or severe. About half of children with clubfoot have it on both feet. If your child has clubfoot, it will make it harder to walk normally, so doctors generally recommend treating it soon after birth.
“Doctors are usually able to treat clubfoot successfully without surgery, though sometimes children need follow-up surgery later on. If your child has clubfoot, the top of the foot is usually twisted downward and inward, increasing the arch and turning the heel inward.”
The website says the foot may be turned so severely that it actually looks as if it’s upside down. It says the affected leg or foot may be slightly shorter.
“The calf muscles in the affected leg are usually underdeveloped. Despite its look, clubfoot itself doesn’t cause any discomfort or pain. More than likely your doctor will notice clubfoot soon after your child is born, based on appearance. Your doctor can advise you on the most appropriate treatment or refer you to a doctor who specializes in bone and muscle problems (pediatric orthopedist).”
*Anyone who would like to assist Boipelo Rajoele can contact her on 0630514087
Picture: The fire that ravaged Cabanas Hotel in Sun City Resort in Rustenburg/Screengrab
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West calls on the South African Police Services (SAPS) Organised Crime Unit to investigate the sporadic fires in North West.
The DA spokesperson on Community Safety and Transport Management in North West, Freddy Sonakile said they have written to the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, requesting that he allocate a Task Team to investigate ongoing fires targeting critical infrastructure in the province.
“This request follows an earlier view by the DA that, the ongoing fires in the province indicate possible signs of economic sabotage. A fire gutted the Pilanesberg Airport last month. This weekend, a fire gutted the Manyane Resort.
“The DA expects the task team to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the fires throughout the province and make specific reference to the Mmabatho Palms, Pilanesberg Airport, Christiana Clinic, the Manyane Resort, and the offices of the Department of Social Development,” he said.
Sonakile further said the Manyane Resort fire, strengthens their suspicion of economic sabotage. He added that, over the last two years, there have been several incidents of unexplained fires targeting critical infrastructure.
“The Police Task Team must investigate each of these fires and produce a comprehensive report. Individuals identified, either through negligence or deliberate economic sabotage must be charged and prosecuted.
“These fires have destroyed critical infrastructure and resulted in the loss of millions of rands, which the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is unable to rebuild,” said Sonakile.
According to the Sun City General Manager, Brett Hoppe, the fire broke out in the kitchen at around 2:30pm.
“A fire broke out in the Cabanas Hotel kitchen at about 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon. The staff noticed a small fire which they extinguished, but it had already spread through the extraction ventilation to the reception area,” he said.
In a separate incident, the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi said Manyane Resort also suffered the same fate of the fire outbreak.
“There were no injuries reported in the two incidents and DEDECT as a custodian of tourism in the province, is working closely with the management of Cabanas Hotel and Manyane Resort to establish the root cause of the fire outbreak.
“These unfortunate incidents happened during the Tourism Month when the North West province is preparing itself to host the World Tourism Day from 26-27th of September 2023. It is equally important to indicate that, the fire outbreak in Sun City happened immediately after the North West Government held a successful Premiers Investor Dinner,” she said.
Tlhapi further said the importance of the tourism sector in the economy of the province cannot be overemphasised as such. She added that they are working hand in glove with the management of Sun City and Manyane Resort to try and normalize the situation.
“The Manyane Resort is currently closed until further notice. However, the Park Mahala Week Programme, which started from 10-17 September 2023 is continuing in other parks of the province,” said Tlhapi.
Picture: The panel during the interview process/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) said the embattled mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe should excuse himself from the process of appointing the municipal manager. This comes after they alleged that the whole process was flawed by him.
According to EFF Whip, Amogelang Matuane, the Director of Corporate Services, Dikagisho Mokoma has allegedly formed part of the panel during the interview process, even though she was not eligible to do so. Matuane said the interview process took place at Taung Library yesterday.
“We wrote a letter to the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai on 5 January 2023 reminding her about what the municipal council resolution was. There was a municipal special council virtual meeting to deal with this issue. During the meeting, the mayor presented the item and explained to the council the process, and also reminded the council that, it was indicated in the last statutory council meeting that, the manager responsible for recruitment in the municipality shall only go as secretariat and not as panel member.
“To highlight some issues, the council resolved to appoint a selection panel of five members as outlined in Regulator 12: Appointment of the selection panel for the Appointment of the Municipal Manager. On 14 June 2023, the council held another special council sitting at Depot Hall to deal again with the committee item,” she said.
Matuane further said that, in that meeting, the council approved the re-advertisement as part of the resolution and that, the mayor requested concurrence from the MEC, acting appointment of the accounting officer not for more than three months. She added that it means the council resolution 175/2022-2023 still stands as there were no changes or amendments made.
“The council also approved the process plan that guides the panel to ensure that, they are on the time frame in order to reach the deadline. There is a report that shows that, the shortlisting of the candidates has taken place on 8 August 2023.
“So, we making a plea to the mayor that he must ensure that all the panel members for the shortlisting process, were those who were appointed and approved by the council. If not, the process will be irregular and will lead to all applicants taking legal action against the municipality,” said Matuane.
However, she said the procedure and process unfolded was not according to the council resolution. According to Matuane, they requested Gaoraelwe to respect the council resolution.
“We also demand that, he should be exempted from the process because he has prioritised his personal interest at the expense of the municipality.
“The municipal manager position has been left vacant from 13 November 2022 until to date. The vacancy has been advertised three times already with the municipality expenses.
“We demand that the special council be convened in order to give the council a progress report,” she said.
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) councillor, Gaolatlhwe Tshipo shared the same sentiments and said, they are concerned about the ‘wasteful’ expenses the municipality continues to accumulate in its quest to appoint a new municipal manager.
In February 2023, the municipality commenced its shortlisting process that took place at Protea Hotel in Klerksdorp.
However, the process was futile and it was rescheduled. According to the information, the shortlisting process was supposed to take place at Taung Depot Hall some time ago, however, that process also hit a snag.
“As the ACDP, we feel that the whole flawed process amounts to wasteful expenditure. Remember, the overall advert cost roughly R300 000. Then, there are still claims for those who will come and form part of the panel for interviews.
“This was the third time the municipality advertised the position. So, that means, the municipality has spent almost R1 million just on adverts. This also creates anxiety because there is no stability. Remember, the municipal manager is the signatory of some other things as the accounting officer.”
Meanwhile, the municipal spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our media inquiry. The response will be incorporated into the article when received.
Picture: The former Hip Hop artist and socialite, Masego “Meezy” Sebigi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Taung have launched a manhunt after a former Hip Hop artist and socialite, Masego “Meezy” Sebigi was assaulted by her alleged boyfriend. It is alleged that, Sebigi and her boyfriend were drinking together at The Meat Brothers Pub in Taung when the incident took place.
One of our highly-placed sources, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “According to information. Sebigi went to the bathroom and her boyfriend found her in the company of The Meat Brothers owner allegedly standing outside the toilets. The boyfriend allegedly poured the owner of The Meat Brothers with alcohol and the security removed him from the premises.
“Masego went back and had fun with her friends. Later on, she went outside and that is when all hell broke loose. Her boyfriend assaulted her in front of everyone and it was terrible because he even dragged her on the tar road.”
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “We are investigating a GBH assault case and apparently, the suspect and the victim were drinking together at a local club when an argument ensued.
“The suspect assaulted the victim and the case was opened at Taung Police Station. We are still searching for the suspect and the investigation into the matter continues.”
Meanwhile, Sebigi did not want to comment on the matter. However, she wrote on her Facebook page that, she would ensure that the suspect faces the might of the law.
“A case has been opened with the Taung Police Station. I got the J88 filled out by a doctor. Officers handling my case have made follow-ups and come to see me to get more information to help with the investigation. I gave them the name of a witness. I hope he does the right thing and doesn’t choose to cover or lie for his cousin.
“Thank you all so much for your kind words of support and comfort during this very difficult time. I want everyone to know that no matter who says or does what about this, I won’t stop fighting for the person who did this to me to PAY! I want him to go brag about how a “mperekileng se Rustenburg” ka teng to people like him in jail,” she said (sic).
Picture: North West University’s Director of Food Security and Safety at the School for Microbiology in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Prof Olubukola Babalola/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West University’s Director of Food Security and Safety at the School for Microbiology in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Prof Olubukola Babalola said, the African continent is ravaged by a host of factors inhibiting food security and is trapped in what a recent report by the World Bank calls “the perfect storm”.
Babalola said its consequences are disastrous. She further said the COVID-19 pandemic was followed by the war in the Ukraine, which has led to severe food and fertilizer shortages.
“Now, Africa is in the midst of a tempest of increased debt and inflation, as well as the effects of climate change. The World Bank states that at least one in five Africans goes to bed hungry and that about 140 million people in Africa are in a food insecurity stranglehold.
“For us, these numbers are unacceptably high and among a host of other endeavours, are being addressed by the university’s niche area Food Security and Safety (FSS). Microbiology is one of the building blocks that is relevant to ensuring the safety, quality, and integrity of the food system,” said Babalola.
She added that FSS, helps to ensure the farm-to-fork passage of safe and secure food, as it is an essential way to prevent most human health challenges in recent times. Babalola said their research aims to propose safe and secure plant growth-promoting microorganisms as alternatives to using chemicals in agriculture.
“We also investigate the microorganisms causing plant diseases and sources of food contamination and we develop appropriate measures to control these. There is also an emphasis placed on investigating microorganisms that are tolerant to stresses caused by drought, as well as microorganisms that are disease-resistant.
“We look at plant cultivators that can be grown in adverse environmental conditions and investigate the sources of post-harvest and food spoilage including the shelf-life extension of food items to enhance preservation,” she said.
Babalola said what is especially important in an African context – and keeping in mind how climate change is severely affecting food security on the continent, is that, Food Security and Safety at the university also examines the contribution of agricultural systems. She said they do that from production, marketing, processing, and value-adding to technology and consumption – to household food security.
“Our research deals with both the technical and socio-economic dynamics of food security. It develops strategies for the sustainable improvement of rural households’ productive local crop and livestock systems, with the role of indigenous foods in household food security as a particular concern.
“The training of master’s-degree, doctoral and postdoctoral students is high on the entity’s priority list. These students conduct research in the sub-programs, namely Food production and availability, Food affordability and accessibility, Food safety, and, lastly, Climate change,” said Babalola.
She said the NWU is committed to helping achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), of which SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) is only one priority. Babalola said this entails ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, as well as promoting sustainable agriculture.
“The importance of this work cannot be underestimated, not only to the continent but to South Africa as well. Food insecurity is a global problem, despite commitments to ensure safe food production and poverty alleviation. Environmental organisations such as the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) say South Africa faces an impending food security crisis if there is no urgent action to correct unsustainable practices,” she said.
Babalola said the agricultural sector is in trouble as load-shedding costs farmers billions of rands to keep the supply chain afloat. She said this impacts negatively on South Africa’s state of food production by making food expensive and inaccessible to many and increasing the number of people and households experiencing food inadequacy and hunger.
Later this week, South Africa will mark Heritage Day, in which we celebrate the great diversity of culture, language and history in our country.
Like many South Africans, I am an avid viewer of the television series Shaka iLembe, which premiered locally in June. This spectacular and ambitious epic based on the history of King Shaka and the formation of the Zulu kingdom has become one of the most successful South African productions. It has supported skills development, job creation and localisation during six years of production.
Shaka iLembe forms part of a growing movement within the local creative industries to craft stories and histories about South Africa’s people from their perspective and through their eyes.
We have come a long way from the state broadcasting of the apartheid era, when the rich and cultural heritage of South Africa and lived realities of the South African people were marginalised.
Today, our storytellers, artists, filmmakers and other creative professionals are telling the stories of the South African people. These stories are cultural endowments for the benefit of future generations, and are integral to the ongoing task of forging national unity, inculcating national pride and promoting respect for diversity.
The success of Shaka iLembe and many other local productions should encourage creative professionals to apply their talents to the production of more such work. There are so many stories to be told, both of the past and the present.
One part of our country’s story that has not been fully told is our peaceful transition to democracy. It is a complex story with many different perspectives and competing narratives.
This past weekend, speaking at the funeral service for Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party, I told mourners that the commitment of leaders like Prince Buthelezi and President Nelson Mandela to put aside their differences and work for peace was a legacy we must all strive to uphold and emulate.
One of the most remarkable aspects of South African society today is our common commitment to maintain peace amongst ourselves and our neighbours, and to preventing tribalism and ethnic chauvinism from sowing discord between us. Even when acts of racism occur, these provocations are rejected by South Africans, who won’t let them be used to exacerbate tensions in communities.
This eternal vigilance is born of bitter experience that has its roots in the political violence of the 1980s and early-1990s, and how South Africans worked together to overcome differences, pull our country back from the brink and achieve peace.
As we revel in our cultural pride and celebrate our roots with art, dance, cuisine and music, we must remember that the struggle for peace and reconciliation is a vital part of our heritage.
We remember that the children born into democracy are able to take pride in their heritage today because of the peaceful democratic transition, which produced a Constitution that guarantees rights and freedoms for all, including the right to express one’s language and culture.
Today our artists and cultural workers are able to exercise their right to freedom of expression in how they chronicle both the past and the present, and to do so without fear of censure, banning or imprisonment.
These are the fruits of freedom, but also the fruits of peace. With so many countries and societies around the world today beset by conflict, we are fortunate that the project of national reconciliation is ongoing and has not been abandoned.
I call on all our creative practitioners to play a more prominent role in nation-building through work that highlights the uplifting, inspiring and enduring aspects of our society and its history.
Contributing to maintaining peace and to advancing reconciliation is our collective responsibility as South Africans. It is the greatest gift we can bestow on the generations to come.
Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The quest to resuscitate the economy of North West is on course. This comes after more than R100 billion worth of investments was pledged by different local companies and firms as well as Multinational Corporations. The pledges follow a ‘business dinner’ held by the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi at the Sun City Superbowl over the weekend.
Maloyi said the Members of the Executive Council, Executive Mayors, senior managers in government and State-Owned Enterprises were part of the initiative.
“The aim of the initiative was to expedite coordination of investments in the province. Its primary objective is to address high levels of unemployment in the province, which have surged to over 53%. Key to this investment drive is the establishment of mega and smart cities in the province, which will be coordinated by the North West Housing Corporation.
“They include Moretele Mega City, Matlosana Smart City, Marikana Smart City, Madibeng and Lanseria Smart City as well as Taung Mega City. We have declared that, the province is open for business. We have also implored investors to consider the province as their preferred investment destination,” he said.
Maloyi further said over and above investments in smart cities, there will be R20 billion worth of investment in accommodation facilities for students in Mahikeng, Rustenburg and Potchefstroom. He added that, a Chinese company has pledged to build a factory at Stilfontein to manufacture solar panels.
“This company has bought mining shafts in Stilfontein, but they are also investing in alternative energy. Their machinery has already arrived in the country. So, we are certain that this will bring much-needed socio-economic opportunities for our people and in particular the youth.
“Plans are already in motion to build a university, which will specialise in Mining Engineering. This university will be built in Rustenburg and it is a collaboration between the government and the North West University (NWU). This investment is part of the government’s future plans that are centred on mineral beneficiation,” said Maloyi.
He said other investment pledges were made including agro-processing, tourism, and infrastructure development.
Picture: The police nabbed 689 suspects during Operation Shanela/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 600 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspects were arrested for various crimes including dealing in drugs, business robberies, murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, assaults, fraud, and burglaries.
Funani said eight wanted individuals were amongst the suspects. She further said 51 undocumented persons were taken in for processing.
“The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects, and many others.
“The operation also culminated in the confiscations of various drugs, four handguns, one rifle, 30 ammunition, two computers, liquor, and copper cables. Operation Shanela that is aimed at fighting crime and ensuring that the citizens feel safe, keeps on producing good results,” said Funani.
She added that, 689 suspects were arrested across North West between 14 and 17 September 2023.
“In one of the operations on Friday, the Detectives and Support Personnel, Provincial Organised Crime operationalised information regarding alleged drug dealing activity in Zakhele, Ikageng. A search warrant was applied for and executed at the identified place.
“During the search, a man was spotted attempting to flush down the drain 12 mandrax tablets. A further search in the tuckshop led to the discovery of 14 bags, 60 litres of dagga, and 116 mandrax tablets, all with estimated street value of R173 00,” said Funani.
She said all four suspects aged between 19 and 38, were arrested and are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court for dealing in drugs. Funani said in Klipgat, a tactical operation by the local detectives and Brits Crime Intelligence on Friday, resulted in the arrest of two suspects for house robbery.
“The suspects were arrested after the team followed up on information about wanted suspects. The first suspect was arrested at Lekgema Section and found in possession of suspected stolen cell phone. Further investigation led to the recovery of suspected stolen goods such as plasma television, gas stove, blankets, a pair of shoes and music system at Sofasonke Section,” she said.
According to Funani, the other two suspects were successfully traced and arrested in Madidi village. She said one of the suspects was found to be in possession of unlicensed firearm and three ammunition. She said the suspects aged 33, 37 and 40 are expected to appear in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court today.
All other arrested suspects are expected to make their court appearances in different courts between today and tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police for their continuous hard work and ensure that, perpetrators are put behind bars.
Go begwa fa moithuti kwa sekolong se segolwane sa Bore kwa Ganyesa, o tlhabilwe ke moithuti jaaka ene ka sengwe se se bogale mo legetleng. Go begwa fa go ile ga runya ntwa kwa sekolong mo letsatsing la Lamatlhatso fa baithuti ba ne ba tsenetse dithuto-tlaleletso.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa Sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, moithuti wa dingwaga dile 19 one a dutse mo phaphosi-borutelo fa a ne a kgorogelwa ke baithuti bangwe ba babedi.
“Go begwa fa baithuti ba babedi ba, ba dingwaga dile 17 le 21, ba ile ba itelekela mo phaphosi-borutelo, mme ba fitlha ba tlhasela moithuti jaaka bone. Go begwa fa moithuti o, a ne a tlhabiwa ka sengwe se se bogale mo legetleng fa a ne a siela kwa ntle.
“Go filha ga jaana, ga go itsiwe sebakwa sa ntwa, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse. Sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya go teketa kgatlhanong le baithuti bao. Fela go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The body of a man covered with plastic discovered in a bakkie/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects were arrested for murder on Sunday. It is alleged that, the police spotted a suspicious charcoal Nissan NP 200 bakkie along R511 road in Kameeldrift, outside Brits. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the police allegedly made a U-turn and chased the vehicle.
“The vigilant police arrested two suspects aged 45 and 47 in the early hours of Sunday morning in the R511 Road outside Brits. According to information, the police were conducting routine patrols at around 2am when they saw a suspicious charcoal Nissan NP 200 bakkie.
“They made a U-turn to chase the vehicle. The police managed to pull the vehicle over and eventually conducted a search. As a result, they discovered the lifeless body of a man aged 45 covered with plastic bags at the back of the vehicle,” said Funani.
She further said the suspects tried to run away but were arrested. Funani added that the suspects allegedly assaulted the man, who was on their farm to fetch water.
“The suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 19 September 2023 facing a murder charge. The investigations into the matter continue,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the Assen police for their vigilance and commitment that led to the swift arrest of the two suspects.
The Guardian 