Picture: The ANC member, Orapeleng Matshediso/Facebook

By ORAPELENG MATSHEDISO

Some of us were privileged enough to have been recruited into the ANC and other organisations of the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) by comrades, who patiently taught us both the written and unwritten founding principles of our organisations.

We have been taught to internalise and put into practice the phrase that says: “Let the best lead us.” We have been taught to appreciate and accept that, even within or among our own generation, there are comrades who are more seasoned and capacitated than us, and we have to always respect that fact.

Let me give an example, comrades such as David Maimela, Mosimanegape Moleme, Buti Manamela and many others are to a certain extent my generation. Acknowledging and accepting that they are somehow senior to some of us, does not make us lesser leaders.

This has been an unwritten principle that was internalised and practised within the congress movement for over years.

This unwritten principle has been key in reducing unnecessary leadership contestations. I am not suggesting that, we should not contest each other as generations. I am merely reflecting on how the principle of “Let the best amongst us lead” assisted the organisation and provided it with an opportunity to be led by comrades, who are equal to the tasks of the epoch.

I am reminded by the books of history that, in 1912 in Mangaung, the South African Native National Congress (SANNC), today known as ANC – maturely managed leadership elections. Apparently, John Langalebalele Dube was elected in absentia, he was represented by his brother, Charles Dube at the founding conference.

We are also told that, initially, the first president of the ANC or SANNC was supposed to be comrade Walter Rubusana, who declined the election in favour of comrade John Langalebalele Dube. What is of interest to me is that, comrade Pixley Ka isaka Seme never had a sense of entitlement to the leadership position on the basis that was amongst the prominent organisers of the conference.

Instead, comrade Seme became the first Treasurer of the ANC.

Today, those who are tasked to organise conferences are rigging them in their favour or their faction. Today, leadership in the ANC is no longer about electing those who are equal to the task of the day, but it’s about self and factional gratification.

The ANC is an organisation with a very rich history that as younger generation could learn from in the quest for unity, rebuilding and renewal.

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Note: (The views raised in this article do not represent Taung DailyNews or its Associates, but remain the views of the author. Taung DailyNews does not agree nor disagree with them)

*Mr Orapeleng Vanilla Matshediso is an academic, former Secretary General, President of the SRC at North West University (Mafikeng campus), the current Deputy District Secretary of the SACP in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and a member of the ANC in good standing. Mr Matshediso wrote this in his personal capacity.

Picture: The delegation of the North West’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The delegation of the North West’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) raised concerns about the slow pace of completion of bulk water treatment plant projects. This comes after an oversight visit to the wastewater treatment plants in Madibeng on Friday.

The leader of the delegation, China Dodovu said the NCOP has unequivocally expressed its discontent regarding the slow pace of the completion of the construction and refurbishments of the bulk wastewater development infrastructure projects in the North West.

Dodovu said North West is one of the water-scarce provinces in South Africa.

“The province has the potential to develop top-notch modernized bulk wastewater treatment plants if the provincial and the local government can all focus on turning the current poor state of affairs in many district and local municipalities.

“The delegation received a briefing yesterday in the province from the provincial government. The delegation heard that several bulk wastewater treatment plants in the province have reached their design life span and are failing to cope with the increased demand for water and sanitation services to the local communities,” he said.

Dodovu further said the delegation heard that, across the province, this has resulted in many bulk wastewater treatment plants constantly experiencing sewer spillages, burst water pipes and leakages, malfunctioning pump stations, and contaminated natural water sources among other things.

He added that, throughout the week, the NCOP delegation received briefings on the province’s identified bulk wastewater infrastructure development treatment plants under the theme of this year’s NCOP Provincial Week: “Building viable provincial and municipal infrastructure for effective delivery of services to communities.”

“The plants were the Groot Marico Water Waste Treatment Plant, Zeerust Water Waste Treatment Plant, Potchefstroom Bulk Water Supply, and Moretele South Bulk Water Supply Project. Notwithstanding the challenges that include funding, stop and start of the contractors on site, shortage of machinery and construction, and shortage of prerequisite expertise and experience, the delegation was provided with completion and handover dates that will take place early in 2024.

“Most of the contractors have reported that they have increased capacities regarding the required resources needed by the projects to accelerate the pace with which the projects move to complete them within the revised target dates,” said Dodovu.

He said they also raised their concerns regarding the commitments made for completion and handing over of the projects as some of them took more than ten years to be completed. He said the sudden change and the guarantee to conclude these projects within a short space of time is raising eyebrows as it seems impossible to complete them within the targeted timelines, in particular for the bigger projects.

“We are also concerned about the low local employment figures in these infrastructure projects, despite large sums of funds being invested by the province, which include the outsourcing of the work to external contractors who do not transfer skills to the province and deprive the local small-to-medium enterprises.

“The delegation is particularly concerned about the growing trend of building new infrastructure projects without maintaining the existing ones. With all these concerns, we requested the provincial government to provide an updated report on the completion timelines for all the bulk wastewater projects,” said Dodovu.

He said the report should include an update on employment and skills transfer plans for local SMMEs and individuals to be submitted to the NCOP on or before 31 October 2023.

‘’It is clear that there are problems in all the wastewater treatment plants and other related projects and we are unhappy with the stumbling blocks, fraud and corruption reports, and no consequence management.

“Water is life and so we must all be concerned with the slow pace of completion of the projects. However, we are inspired by the commitment of the provincial government to overcome all these challenges,” said Dodovu.

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search patrols/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Numerous fines were issued to motorists for transgressing traffic offenses, says the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane. 

Semane said this is the result of the high visibility patrols conducted at shopping malls and complexes, especially in the vicinity of ATMs, business premises, and National Key Points in Kimberley.

“Compliance inspections were conducted at tuckshops in Kimberley, Galeshewe, Roodepan, and Kagisho policing precincts. Stop and searches, vehicle checkpoints, high visibility patrols, and engagement with motorists during a roadblock on the N12 were the order of the day.

“Similar high-density operations were executed in the Pixley Ka Seme, ZF Mgcawu, Namakwa, and JTG districts under the command of senior managers. The South African Police Service (SAPS) management commended all members, law enforcement agencies, and community structures for their continuous participation in the fight against crime,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga led Operation Shanela’s actions in the streets of Kimberley on 15 September 2023. Ngubelanga also joined by the members from Provincial Components, Frances Baard District, Kimberley Flying Squad, Provincial Traffic, and safety volunteers took to the streets.

“Operation Shanela will continue to sweep the streets clean in our quest to reclaim our communities from criminals and restore the confidence of the community in the police. These actions send a strong message to those with criminal intentions that the net is gradually closing in on them,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities has voted unanimously in favour of the motion on the desirability of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill (B31-2022).

The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba said the Bill seeks, among other things, to establish the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) to provide for the objectives and functions of the council. Ncube-Ndaba further said this will include appointing the Board of the Council and providing for the appointment of members of the Board.

“The Bill also seeks to provide for the term of office of members of the Board, to provide for the termination of members of the Board, to provide for the termination of membership of the Board. To provide for meetings of the Board and to provide for the establishment of committees of the Board.

“It provides for the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Secretariat Unit of the Council, to provide for the establishment of norms and standards for the provincial and local working groups, to provide for the making of regulations; and to provide for matters connected therewith,” she said.

Ncube-Ndaba added that, the committee received its first briefing on the Bill from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in February 2023. She said that to ensure effective public participation in the Bill, the committee conducted in-person and virtual public hearings in June 2023.

“During the hearings, it heard 17 oral submissions. In addition to the public hearings, the committee received 52 submissions from the public. Clause-by-clause deliberations will continue on 19 September 2023,” said Ncube-Ndaba.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Kimberley said the unknown deceased person who was found lying on the N12 road outside of Kimberley in the direction of Warrenton on 31 March 2023, has been positively identified by his family. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam, the deceased was approximately between the ages of 50 and 60.

“He was found wearing blue jean trousers, a green striped t-shirt, and a brown jersey. The police are pleased to inform the public that, the family of the deceased having heard through this medium, contacted the investigation officer and positively identified their missing family member and now deceased relative.

“The South African Police Services (SAPS), therefore wishes to thank the media and all involved in ensuring that the family could find solace and closure,” he said

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Picture: Compliance inspections conducted at scrap metal dealers/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Eskom said cable theft costs it approximately R2 billion per year. The power utility said illegal electricity connections and cable theft often lead to prolonged power outages.

Eskom’s representative in Northern Cape, Sean Joseph indicated that the power utility is bleeding due to all of these cable theft and the impact it’s having on the economy. He said all these compromise the quality of supply, which affects businesses, essential services, as well as the day-to-day lives of society, and this has a negative impact on the economy.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the provincial second-hand goods office conducted a two-day Designated Second Hand Goods Officers (DSOs) work session that commenced on 12 until 13 September 2023 in Kimberley Police Station’s Green Doors Boardroom.

“The purpose of the work session was to guide the DSOs to perform their duties optimally and address challenges identified by the provincial office as well as to determine challenges experienced. The work session was attended by the Frances Baard District Visible Policing Commanders, Coordinators, Station DSOs as well as external stakeholders.

“The provincial second-hand goods office facilitated a number of presentations from the SAPS Provincial Essential Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) Warrant Officer Henk van der Merwe, who gave a synopsis of the impact of infrastructure crimes across the province and the importance of working with external stakeholders,” he said.

Sam further said Gert Pienaar from Transnet, shared information with the DSOs on frequently stolen items of Transnet. He added that Vodacom representative, Hardley Goliath in his presentation, highlighted the ramping up of security systems at their base stations due to theft and vandalism, the security features are part of the working relations with SAPS and for easy identification of perpetrators.

“A number of legal grey areas came from the DSOs which Colonel Zitumane of SAPS legal services could clear and give guidance on. A multi-disciplinary compliance inspection operation was executed on day two of the work session at second-hand goods dealers, also putting the theory into practice.

“The 10 compliance inspections conducted at scrap metal dealers resulted in four scrap metal dealers being fined and two were warned for contravening the Second-Hands Goods Act, 2009 (Act 06 of 2009). The police also assisted Transnet in executing an eviction on a Second-Hand dealer, who was operating illegally on their premises,” said Sam.

He said four suspects were arrested for possession of alleged stolen property through stop and searches and vehicle patrols.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Five suspects alleged to be Nigerians who were arrested for dealing in drugs worth R2 million briefly appeared in Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court. Veronica Agu (30), Pascal Enuma Ezekwueme (51), Solomon Ezeh (38), Robinson Ikechukwa Okoye (44) and Kingsley Ikenna Onbumneme (41) were remanded in custody until 20 September 2023 for formal bail application.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the verification process to determine their status is underway. Mamothame said the state intends to oppose their bail application.

“They are facing 14 counts of dealing with drugs valued at over R2 million. The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in collaboration with the National Intervention Unit (NIU), the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), Stilfontein Dog Unit, Potchefstroom Drug Task Team, Ekurhuleni District Task Team, and Bad Boyz Security arrested the five suspects on 13 September 2023, during a takedown operation, which was conducted in the North West and Gauteng provinces.

“According to the report, the information about a syndicate to be involved in the distribution and selling of illegal narcotics in the two provinces was received. The information was operationalised and the team pounced on the suspects at various identified houses,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Atamelang Regional Court for rape. On 16 November 2013, Fana Jonas Selemogo (38), accosted a victim who was walking home from a nearby tavern, accompanied by her friend.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Selemogo subsequently grabbed the victim (24) by her hand and dragged her away from her friend, who also tried effortlessly to rescue her. Mamothame said the incident took place in Sannieshof.

“The friend of the victim, ran home to seek help. When she came back with her brother, the accused and the complainant had already left. Selemogo managed to drag the complainant to his shack, while assaulting her and repeatedly raped her upon arrival.

“The next morning, she managed to flee and when she arrived home, she reported the incident to her aunt. The matter was subsequently reported to the police who later effected an arrest,” he said.

Mamothame further said the complainant was also rushed to a nearby medical facility to receive medical attention and for DNA samples to be taken. He added that, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

“He was granted bail, however absconded until he was re-arrested on 21 Feb 2017. Selemogo was then remanded in custody until the completion of the trial. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and the court further ordered that, his name be registered in the sexual offender’s register,” said Mamothame.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Edward Manicus, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances to do so.

Magistrate Stefan Du Toit agreed with the state and remarked that, rape is a very serious offence that causes permanent scars on the victims and that the courts have a responsibility to send a strong message to wannabe offenders.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, investigating officer and other role players in bringing the perpetrator to book.

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Setshwantsho: Basimanyana kwa sekolong sa setso

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Lefapha la dipuso Selegae ga mmogo le Merero ya Segosi le tlhotse le thankgolotse lenaane la go itsise baagi ka ga ditsamaiso le ditsela tsa go bula dikolo tsa mophato go ya ka molawana wa Act no 2 ya ngwaga wa 2021.

Go ya ka lefapha, molao o, o akaretsa botlhe bomme le borre ebile o setse o tsentswe tirisong go tloga lweetse a roga morago ga mopresidente wa naga, Cyril Ramaphosa a sena go saena fa Seetebosigo a rogwa ka 2021.

“Maikemisetso a kopano e, ene ele go lemosa le go itsise  baagi ka ga di tsamaiso tsa go ka ikwadisetse go tsamaisa dikolo tsa go rupisa. Baatla kopanong, ba tlhatlheletswe le go ka tsibosiwa fa ba tshwere matshelo a batho le gore, go tshwanetse ga nna le komiti e e leng gore ke yone fela e le nosi e naleng le dithata le tetla ya go rulaganya di tsamaiso tsa go isiwa ga dikolo tsa setso.

“Go ya ka molao wa tsamaiso ya mophato, komiti e e tlhopilweng e tshwanetse go akaretsa dikgosi go tswa ntlong ya dikgosi ya profense di le nne. Badiredi ba puso go tswa kwa Lefapheng la COGTA ba le ba bedi ga mmogo le badiredi ba puso gotswa kwa Lefapheng la Boitekanelo ba le babedi.”

Lefapha le kaile fa gape gotla akaretsa ngaka ya setso gotswa Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council, le di kemedi di le pedi gotswa SALGA tse di emetseng bo masepala.

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