Schweizer Reneke gets a R69m school construction project  

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during sod-turning/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, today did a sod-turning for the construction project of a new primary school valued at R69 million. Motsumi said the school will be constructed in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer-Reneke.

She further said her department has officially handed over a significant project management responsibility for the construction. 

Motsumi added that the new school project is slated to encompass essential facilities including 21 classrooms, an administrative block, a multi-purpose hall, a science lab, a kitchen, a sports field among other amenities, over a duration of 18 months.

“The initiative comes as a beacon of hope for the community, particularly addressing the pressing issue of overcrowded schools and the plight of learners who endure long distances to access education. 

“The project’s inception traces back to 2014, initiated by the late business person and contractor, Wandile Bozwana. However, following Bozwana’s passing, the department sought legal opinion to finish the project,” she said. 

Motsumi said the department’s intervention signifies a pivotal moment for the community, offering tangible relief to parents and learners burdened by lengthy commutes and overcrowded classes. She said the broader societal impact of the project, emphasizing its role in combating unemployment, particularly among the youth.

“It’s unacceptable that decades into democracy, we still grapple with youth unemployment and an uncertain future. This endeavour not only addresses immediate educational needs but also fosters economic empowerment and secures a brighter tomorrow for our youth. 

“This initiative follows the recent handover of the Serachero Primary School in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to meeting the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive development and nurturing future generations,” said Motsumi.

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You FM set to unveil its fresh and exciting line up

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Picture: You FM logo/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

South Africa’s independently-owned commercial radio station, You FM, is set to unveil its much-anticipated new line up on 5 April 2024. The line-up is expected to feature some exciting changes, as favourite and familiar radio voices returned.

The chairperson of Motswako Media Group, which You FM is a subsidiary of, Tebogo Pooe, said the new talent has also joined the station. Pooe further said, the North West-based radio station is consistently building on its winning formula, which has seen the station delivering strong listenership and revenue results in 2023.  

“We are celebrating five years of providing content that is in tune with our listeners all over the province. The station is operating in an ever-changing environment, where people are constantly re-evaluating the quality and pace of life daily.

“Sticking to what works and staying ahead of trends is what keeps us relevant to our listeners. We welcome the return of veteran radio presenter, Malik “Pat Cash” Maloyi, who will be presenting Life and Money, which is a weekly show and airs between 7 and 9pm,” he said.

Pooe added that the interactive slot focuses on lifestyle content and money matters, such as investment tips, ways of managing finances, as well as entrepreneurship.

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Learners aggrieved over ‘dysfunctional’ internet connection at Taung Library  

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Picture: The library in Taung

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Most learners from various schools around Taung, rely heavily on local libraries for the provision of free internet to access information either for their homework or school projects. However, some of the learners who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, alleged there is poor service at the Taung Library, including dysfunctional internet. 

One of the learners from Batlhaping High School said: “I was here last month and there was no internet for a week. We heavily rely on this library to do school projects and most of them need research. So, we were struggling because our parents are unemployed and could not buy us data as it is too expensive. 

“So, I urge the relevant authority to ensure that there is accessible internet at the library at all times. At one time, the photocopying machine was also broken. The public libraries are the beacon to be heavily relied on for information access.” 

Another learner from Pinagare High School shared the same sentiments. She further said, it is high time now that the North West Department of Education comes on board and ensures there is internet access in public libraries across the province. 

“I stay in Pudimoe and there are some challenges with our library there too. The department should come on board to engage with those who are tasked to ensure that there is internet connectivity at our libraries. 

“In most cases, we will be told about the service provider, which I believe that was not even supposed to be the case. The government should cut ties with agencies because most of them put profit ahead of good service.” 

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said: “We refute the allegations that the internet at the library in Taung is dysfunctional. Also, the allegations that the photocopy machine is broken is not true. 

“As municipality, we provided photocopies to all libraries and the internet was only not functional for one week in March.”

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi, said in tandem with Batho Pele Principles, her department provides “information” on the services rendered through events of handing over and launching programmes that are established to benefit the community. 

Mosenogi said during the 2023/24 departmental budget speech, she made a commitment that, her department will complete the construction of projects such as Migdol, Redirile, Logagane, Rekgaratlhile, Uitkyk and Mmatau librairies and hand them over to the communities through their municipalities.

“An event will be organised by the department to officially hand over the aforementioned libraries, which will be fully equipped with furniture, books, computers, library for the blind, and internet.

“The purpose of this communication plan is to outline proposed and costed communication, media and publicity activities aimed at disseminating information and ensuring maximum coverage for the official opening of Migdol modular library, Uitkyk modular library, Logagane modular library, Mmatau and Redirile community libraries,” she said. 

Mosenogi said the opening of the libraries will be done between 5 April and 9 May 2024 2024. She said the plan will not only assist in highlighting the opening of libraries, but will also showcase the contribution of the department in increasing access to libraries in the country.

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Ditheetso tsa kopo ya beile mo kgetsing ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa Majaneng di a tswelela 

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Ditheetso tsa kopo ya beile mo kgetsing ya polao kgatlhanong Motseothata Nelson Seoleseng (35) wa kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung, di a tswelela mo letsatsing la gompieno. 

Ditheetso tse, di ne tsa emisiwa ka Labobedi, mme di solofetswe go tswelediwa mo letsatsing la gompieno. Go begwa fa Seoleseng one a tshwara le go latofadiwa ka go tlhaba le go bolaya tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31), ka thiba.

Go begwa fa Seoleseng ga mmogo le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa ana le lekgarebe la gagwe. 

Mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa: “Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo. 

“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk, one a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing la Tshipi.” 

Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa. 

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, kgetsi ya polao e butswe.

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Two men sentenced to 18 years for armed robbery and possession of illegal firearm 

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Picture: Illegal firearm seized by the police during arrests/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Two men were sentenced to 10 and 8 years imprisonment respectively by the Kimberley Regional Court for armed robbery and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. On 20 November 2022, Relebogile Seshego (36) and Katlego Phukuntsi (26), entered a jewellery store at the Diamond Pavillion Mall and threatened the store employees with a firearm. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said, they robbed the store of jewellery, cellphone and an undisclosed amount of money. Pilane further said Phukuntsi and Seshego were seen fleeing the scene in a white Toyota starlet. 

“The police were alerted and responded swiftly. Both suspects were successfully traced and arrested on the same day. The case docket was handed over to Sergeant Eunice Ngono of the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation unit, who successfully opposed bail. 

“Through her meticulous investigation, both accused ended up pleading guilty to all charges and were found to be guilty as charged. Seshego was sentenced to 10 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and a further two years for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, which was wholly suspended for a period of 5 years,” she said. 

Pilane added that Phukuntsi was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment on the same charges. She said both accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the firearms controls act.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, has lauded the investigating officer, and welcomed the sentencing. Ngubelanga has assured the community that the police will continue to use its resources to curb this kind of offence in the province.

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R80m newly-built Saruchera Primary School to bring basic services to Vryburg residents 

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Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi and North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi has today officially opened and handed over a state-of-the-art primary school at Huhudi Township, in Vryburg. Maloyi said built at the cost over R80 million, the school comprises 24 classrooms, library, computer centre, science lab, multipurpose hall, ablution facilities and several other facilities. 

“It currently has an enrolment of over 1300 learners from Grade R to Grade 6. The official opening of the school serves as an indication that provision of basic services and in particular provision of free basic education, remains one of the apex priorities of the government.

“This is one of the ten state of the art schools that will be handed over to communities this year. As a government, we set aside close to R800 million for this exercise. This school is built in a new settlement, where we have also built low-cost houses for locals,” he said. 

Maloyi further said this is primarily aimed at bringing amenities such as schools closer to where people live. He added that the Saruchera Primary School, which is named after the late Clement Saruchera who was a principal, activist and community builder in the area, is a no-fee paying school. 

“This will see learners being provided with free meals during school days,” said Maloyi.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “Last year, the provincial government introduced breakfast in 300 schools across the province to mitigate the high levels of poverty and unemployment in economically depressed communities. 

“Over 740 000 learners across the province are benefiting from this initiative which is being implemented through the National School Nutrition Programme. Schools of similar magnitude will be implemented across the province, particularly in township and rural communities.” 

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Breaking News: The embattled National Assembly speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula resigns with immediate effect

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Picture: The former Speaker of National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula/Google 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The embattled National Assembly speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has resigned from her position and also as a Member of Parliament (MP). Mapisa-Nqakula said in a statement that she has submitted her resignation letter to the acting Speaker of the National Assembly, Lechesa Tsenoli. 

“My letter of resignation as both the Speaker of the National Assembly and a Member of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. The resignation is effective immediately. I have made this conscious decision in order to dedicate my time and focus to deal with the recently announced investigation against me by our country’s law enforcement agencies.

“My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being levelled against me. I have made this decision in order to uphold the integrity and sanctity of our parliament, an apex institution of our system of government, representing the People of South Africa as a whole,” she said.

Mapisa-Nqakula further said the position of the speaker of the NA of the Republic of South Africa is critical in the reconstruction and development of the country. She added that, given the seriousness of the much-publicised allegations against her, she cannot continue in this role. 

“As a country’s chief lawmaker, I hold a central responsibility to protect and preserve the integrity of parliament by ensuring that my actions ensure that its sacred work must continue without blemish.

“I believe that, at the right time, I will have the opportunity to thoroughly address these allegations as and when they have been formally brought against me in the appropriate forums, at which time I will clear my good name. I maintain my innocence and am determined to restore my good reputation,” said Mapisa-Nqakula.

She said as a member of the ANC, she has spent half of her life in the forefront of the struggle to defend the freedom and rights of all South Africans, 30 of these years in her capacity as MP and the Executive.

Mapisa-Nqakula said part of the principle for which she and many other comrades fought for, is the principle for every South African to be deemed innocent until proven guilty. 

“Given the public trust entrusted in me as a Speaker of our National Assembly and the need for me to protect the image of our organisation the African National Congress, I have an obligation, despite the principle that I should be deemed innocent, to step down from my office.

“I have also written to my organisation to thank the African National Congress informing the leadership of my decision and to thank the ANC for having given me the opportunity and trusted me with many senior leadership responsibilities in service of our people and our Revolution over the years,” she said.

Mapisa-Nqakula said she remains a dedicated member of the African National Congress, a movement she has remained loyal to all her political life.

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Four people nabbed for common robbery and impersonating police officer 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

Four people who were arrested for common robbery and impersonating a police officer, were remanded in custody until 9 April 2024. The accused, Rojase Ngatana (26) Eugene Sebakeng (34), Patrick De beer (39) and Cleopas Msipa (49), briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 2 April 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the accused were formally charged by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit members on 1 April 2024. Mokgwabone said this comes after the complainant and witnesses identified them during the identification parade held on 28 March 2024.

“The complainant and his companions allegedly met a man who introduced himself as Thomas at Tower Mall in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp in February 2024. He allegedly informed the victims that Simon, who arranged the meeting, was waiting for them at his place to discuss and finalise the transportation tender contract. 

“They all went to a house at Extension 21 in Jouberton Township, where they met a man who introduced himself as Simon. Whilst in the house, seven men entered and introduced themselves as police officers and one of the men produced a police appointment card,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said the victims were ultimately searched and put into separate rooms. He added that, the complainant was coerced to unlock his cell phone and the suspects used a banking App to transfer themselves R70 000. 

“They later gave the victim R750, apparently to use it to fill up his car. Following the release, the victims went to Jouberton Police Station to register a case, which was taken by the Anti-Gang Unit for investigation. Further probe led to the identification parade after the suspects were arrested on a separate case with similar modus operandi,” said Mokgwabone. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, extolled the Anti-Gang Unit members for their meticulous investigation that resulted in the linkage. Kwena said this will certainly curb organised crime in the area.    

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Teaching and learning affected at Nthapelang Primary School over mobile classrooms

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Picture: Nthapelang Primary School in Matolong village

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Teaching and learning was affected at the embattled Nthapelang Primary School in Matolong village, near Taung on Tuesday. Learners and teachers were turned away by irked parents and School Governing Body (SGB) members, who are demanding mobile classrooms. 

In January 2024, Taung DailyNews exposed that the school principal allegedly turned toilets into classrooms due to overcrowding. This caused an outcry and resulted in the suspension of the principal by the department. 

The SGB chairperson, Kgalalelo Kgamanyane said they also want the department to do away with the multi-grade system at the school. Kgamanyane alleged that the department never informed them that the school will be a multi-grade. 

“Since the department promised to bring mobile classrooms to the school. However, nothing has materialised until today. So, we are disappointed because it seems the department does not take our plea seriously. 

“We also do not understand what does it mean when the school is using a multi-grade system. There is no policy nor any document in place that explains what a multi-grade system is,” she said. 

Buoyed Kgamanyane further said, no teaching and learning will take place until their challenges are addressed. She added that there is also a shortage of teachers at the school. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane refuted allegations that they once promised to deliver mobile classrooms at the school. Molokwane urged the SGB members to refrain from closing the school as they are part of the school management. 

“Instead, they should guide parents in the right path. It should be noted that the department has never committed to sending mobile classrooms to the school. The community and parents should note that multi-grade school is when more than one Grade is taught in a classroom. 

“Through multi-grade education, this enables learners to work alone or collaboratively toward the curriculum objectives of the individual Grade levels. Teachers benefit from multi-grade teaching because it gives them greater freedom to be innovative and adaptable in their teaching approach,” he said.

Molokwane said that teachers can also establish an engaging learning environment and present a range of teaching strategies. He said it is less expensive than establishing separate classrooms for each grade level or paying more teachers.

“When staffing schools in isolated or rural locations with little funding, it is also more effective. So the school would not have any extra staff,” said Molokwane.

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An attempted murder and murder case against the former Meat Brothers owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape postponed   

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Picture: The local businessman and former owner of the Meat Brothers

By OBAKENG MAJE

An attempted murder and murder case against the local businessman and the former owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), was postponed to 2 May 2024, while the state was still waiting for ballistic test results. Mangwegape, briefly appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court today and he was remanded in custody. 

This comes after he was accused of killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33). Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited the Meat Brothers Pub that was full to capacity on 16 December 2023. 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, but Mangwegape allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them. Mdi was fatally shot and his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.

Meanwhile, one of the community leaders, Kgakololo Koji said: “We welcome the postponement. We actually knew what would have happened in court today and I promise you that, we will be here again on 2 May 2024.”

The ANCYL spokesperson in North West, Molebang Mohlomi said in a statement that, they condemn violence meted against patrons at the Meat Brothers. Mohlomi said it is alleged that security guards and bouncers unleashed live ammunition towards unarmed civilians, who were trying to gain access to the establishment. 

“This barbaric behaviour bothers public safety. This shows how business owners lack respect for their clients. A clinical approach to review licences of public places must be applied to ensure those who are bestowed with the responsibility to protect patrons are PSIRA compliant. 

“We have sent our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. Equally so, we call upon law enforcement agencies to speedily resolve this brutish crime,” he said.

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