Picture: A bottle of LindTh’e Premium Gin/Supplied   

By OBAKENG MAJE
North West Media Awards organisers said they are thrilled to welcome a few strategic partners on board such as Kay 2ze Gee Tours, which is a prominent Travel and Tourism Company based in North West including LindTh’e Premium Gin.

The chairperson of North West Media Awards (NWMA), Ananius Ndlovu said the committee in collaboration, promises to elevate the NWMA 2023 to new heights and create an unforgettable experience for the winners. Ndlovu further said the winners of certain categories will be served with travelling vouchers for a romantic getaway.

“The Kay 2ze Gee Tours, a one-stop Travel and Tourism Company has earned a reputation for excellence through its tailor-made packaged tours, adventure tours, camping experiences, and team-building programs.

“With a remarkable record of winning 17 awards, Kay 2ze Gee Tours has demonstrated its commitment to providing outstanding travel experiences. One of the standout features of Kay 2ze Gee Tours is its specialization in Continental Tours, particularly within the SADC region,” he said.

Ndlovu added that, their expertise extends beyond tourism, as they offer additional services such as Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) markets and strategic planning sessions for both the public and private sectors.

“We are indeed proud to partner with Kay 2ze Gee Tours for the North West Media Awards 23. Their dedication to excellence, market activation capabilities, and commitment to making tourism accessible to all align perfectly with our mission.

“The Kay 2ze Gee Tours takes pride in its ability to swiftly activate destinations, market them effectively, and package tours that cater to people from all walks of life. Their future plans include expanding their offerings to include more outbound tours for middle-class clients and active participation in global tourism seminars and trade shows,” he said.

Ndlovu said they are also delighted to announce yet another partnership with a local brand, LindTh’e Premium Gin. He said the Rustenburg-based Premium Gin, has something special for the category winners.

“LindTh’e Premium Gin is synonymous with excellence, luxury, and craftsmanship in the world of spirits. Handcrafted in small batches using the finest botanicals, it represents the epitome of quality and sophistication.

“As the official sponsor of the North West Media Awards 23, LindTh’e Premium Gin adds a touch of elegance to our celebration of media excellence in the North West Province. But here’s the exciting news – every category winner at the North West Media Awards 23 will walk away with their very own bottle of LindTh’e Premium Gin,” said Ndlovu.

He said this exceptional spirit, known for its smooth, crisp, and complex flavour profile, will be a treasured addition to the accolades they receive.

Ndlovu said to their audience and supporters, here is another reason to get involved by voting and participating in the event and stand a chance to win their very own bottle of LindTh’e Premium Gin.

“It’s a token of our appreciation for your support and enthusiasm in celebrating the achievements of our media professionals. Join us in raising a glass to LindTh’e Premium Gin for their generous sponsorship and support of the North West Media Awards 23.

“Together, we celebrate the intersection of excellence in media and the art of crafting exceptional spirits. For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, and further information about the North West Media Awards 23, please contact us on 078 645 6037 or mediaawards@quickacts.co.za,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Department of Employment and Labour’s 2023 National Employment Equity said the roadshows in partnership with the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) have come to an end.

According to the Department of Employment spokesperson, Teboho Thejane, the roadshows which were conducted throughout the country under the theme: “Real transformation makes business sense”, started in July in Limpopo. Thejane further said the focus of the roadshows was to create awareness of the recently promulgated Employment Equity (EE) amendments, sector targets and regulations.

“The Amendments of the EE Act of 1998 and its Regulations are primarily aimed at empowering the Minister of Employment and Labour to regulate the setting of sector-specific EE numerical targets and the promulgation of Section 53 that deals with issuing of the EE Compliance Certificate as a prerequisite of accessing of State contracts.

“The recently released 23^rd Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) Annual Report showed that the South African labour market continues to be racialised and gendered. The report has shown that the status of the progress made in the implementation of affirmative action for the achievement of the equitable representation of employees from the economically disadvantaged groups in the workplace remains slow,” he said.

In her presentation to the Roadshow held at the Cape Town Lagoon Beach Hotel, the CEE Chairperson, Tabea Kabinde expressed dissatisfaction about the underrepresentation of the coloured community in both top and senior management positions in the Western Cape.

According to official statistics, coloureds only occupy 6.1% and 8.2% of the top and senior management positions in the Western Cape respectively. 

“That means, coloureds are overrepresented in lower levels of employment even though they are the majority population in the Western Cape. The setting of sector-specific EE numerical targets will assist the coloured Community to be represented equally in all sectors of employment in the Western Cape,” she said.

The Director of Employment Equity of the Department, Ntsoaki Mamashela, dismissed media reports that the coloured community will be disadvantaged by the Employment Equity targets as lies.

“People talking of a point of not knowing that’s why they are spreading rumours. Everybody argues that sector EE targets are quotas, but they are not. Quotas are rigid, meaning they are not flexible. Sector targets are flexible.

“Employers will still maintain powers to determine their own annual EE targets towards achieving the regulated 5-year sector EE targets. Those employers that have surpassed the regulated minimum targets proposed per sector are encouraged to still be proactive in setting EE targets towards achieving the demographics of the EAP,” she said.

Mamashela further said the purpose of the Act is to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination. She added that, the Employment Equity targets do not prevent the employment of anybody and also emphasised that no person will be dismissed or retrenched to advance EE targets. 

“The act further facilitates the implementation of affirmative action measures to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by Africans, Coloureds and Indians for both genders including white women.  

“EE and Affirmative Action seek to ensure the maximum participation of every citizen in the economy of the country, which is inclusive of the African, Coloured, Indian and White population groups. The EE reporting period opened on 1 September 2023 and will close on 15 January 2024,” said Mamashela.

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Picture: The alleged murderer of a prominent businessman, Ben Gumbi arrested/Twitter 

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man who allegedly shot and killed a prominent businessman, Ben Gumbi in Rustenburg has been arrested. Gumbi (49) was gunned down by two armed men outside a coffee shop in Rustenburg on 23 August 2023.  

The suspects then fled the scene with a blue Volkswagen Polo vehicle, which was found abandoned at the Corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets a few minutes after the incident.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Gumbi, made a breakthrough when they arrested a suspect, Sibongiseni Ngubane (33) on 12 September 2023.

“Ngubane was arrested in Germiston after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery. He appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

“Ngubane was remanded in custody pending further investigation and is expected to make a second court appearance on 19 September 2023,” he said.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the police for their dedication, which resulted in the arrest.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to two life imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Upington for rape and murder. This comes after Shane Basson (5) went missing on 5 November 2022 and her lifeless body was discovered in a veld.  

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Nelis Prins said the incident took place in Kakamas. Prins said a full-scale search in Alheit and its surroundings was launched, but the missing Shane could not be found.

“On 21 November 2022, the decomposed body of a little girl was found, who was later identified as Shane. Her decomposed body was found in the veld in the vicinity of Alheit. Warrant Officer Clifford Esterhuyse of Kakamas Detectives through investigation, identified the suspect, and Jan Heyns (37) was arrested at his house in Alheit.  

“Heyns was remanded in custody in Upington since the date of his arrest. On 14 September 2023, Heyns was found guilty on a charge of rape and murder. He was subsequently sentenced to two life imprisonment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Commissioner, Major General Thabo Mphuthi, applauded the hard work of Esterhuyse and the team working with him that led to the arrest, conviction, and sentence of the offender.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A couple aged 43 and 50 were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation for corruption during a sting operation at Madibeng Local Municipality on 13 September 2023. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlhangelani Rikhotso said it is alleged that, the suspects are owners of a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) business.

Rikhotso further said their B&B was closed down by the municipality for non-compliance. She added that, in an attempt to get the business reopened, one of the suspects allegedly offered money to the Head of Tourism stationed at Madibeng Local Municipality.

“The suspect and his wife showed up at the municipal offices and allegedly handed R5000 to the Head of Tourism, which resulted in their subsequent arrest.

“Both suspects will briefly appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 15 September 2023, where they will be facing charges of corruption,” said Rikhotso.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho welcomed the arrest and commended the swift effort of the investigating team.

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Picture: The former PSL player, Tornado Mongale/Google  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The former PSL player, Tornado Ignatius Mongale calls on sponsors to invest in local football. Mongale (38), who was born and bred in Shaleng village, near Taung said that even though there is no single team in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) from North West and Northern Cape, there is an abundance of talent in those provinces.

He was part of the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) Mayoral Cup competition plying his trade for his hometown team, the Real Traders FC. Mongale further encouraged local players to continue participating in local tournaments to get exposure.

He added that, the main purpose of rural tournaments is to promote local football.

“These kind of tournaments contribute to the development and empowerment of these players. Remember, one can also use sport to address socio-economic challenges, especially facing the youth. Soccer can be used as a tool to influence young people in a positive way.

“So, these kinds of tournaments are imperative because they attract scouts too. I would like to see more tournaments of this nature throughout the year. I will also urge the municipality to ensure that, they follow up on these players who were identified by scouts giving them the necessary support,” said Mongale.

He said that, there might be underlying challenges faced by these players due to their backgrounds, so the necessary support is needed. Mongale said it is not easy for rural players to adopt, especially when plying their trade in the professional leagues.  

“If the municipality can contribute, we will see more development in Taung. When you look around, we do not have enough players plying their trade in PSL including in the First Division. Again, we do not have a single team in the PSL and that needs to change.

“This affects our players to get a breakthrough. Funny enough, I’ve been through the country in provinces like Free State, Limpopo, and KwaZulu Natal, where you see various government entities putting efforts, unlike in North West and Northern Cape,” said Mongale.

He said even though it is not easy to coach in rural areas due to lack of support, he is willing to assist as he knows which doors to knock on. However, Mongale said, that can only be realised if everyone is willing to put in a sacrifice.

“Proper coaching can help rural youth to become skilled players and later play at the national and international levels. This will improve their financial condition as well. So, we need to continue to conduct soccer competitions in rural areas and ensure that all stakeholders form part.

“We cannot wait for players to make it and reclaim them after their success. Instead, we need to be part of the process and be there for them during the struggle. We do have great players around and I was in Jan Kempdorp, where I saw a maestro,” he said.

Mongale said his message to upcoming players is very simple. He said they should be disciplined, dedicated and determined.

“I urge them to surround themselves with good company, instead of indulging in drugs and alcohol. Remember, the wrong crowd will either delay or destroy your career,” concluded Mongale.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Five suspects aged between 30 and 51 were arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs. The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said all five suspects are facing charges of dealing in drugs to the estimated value of over R2 million.

Mathebula said the suspects were arrested by 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 on 13 September 2023.

“The arrests were made during a takedown operation, which was conducted in the North West and Gauteng provinces. Information was received about a syndicate alleged to be involved in the distribution and selling of illegal narcotics in the two provinces.

“The information was operationalised and the team pounced on the suspects at various identified houses. They are due to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Thursday,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, commended the team for conducting a well-coordinated operation that sought to dismantle a drug trafficking syndicate in the province.

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Setshwantsho: Danny Maotshelo o go kailweng a timetse kwa Modimong/Facebook  

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Bontsi jwa baagi kwa metse e e faroganeng go ralala Taung, ba kaile fa jaanong ba tshelela mo letshogong. Mme sebakwa sa seno, ele ka mokgwa o batho ba timelang ka teng mo matsatsing a.

Baagi ga mmogo le dingaka tsa setso tse di farologaneng, ba letse ba kokwane kwa lelapeng la rra Matshelo, kwa motseng wa Modimong, gaufi le Taung go ya go lekola seemo sa monna o timetseng eleng Danny.

Go begwa fa Daddy ana le matsatsinyana a ntse a timetse, mme go sena nko e e tswang lemina le go supa gore a ka tswa a le kae.

Jaanong, modulasetilo wa dingaka go tswa kwa mokgatlhong wa Traditional Health Practitioners (THP), Mpelegang Magano are, ba ile ba bilediwa kwa lelapeng leo ke ba bogosi jwa Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana go ya go thusa le go laola gore monna o o timetseng a ka tswa a le kae.

“Jaaka kele modulasetilo wa Traditional Health Practitioners (THP) mo Taung, re ile ra kopiwa ke ba bogosi jwa ga Mankuruane go ya go thusa, jaaka go na le monna o nyeletseng. Ka jalo, re ile ra kopiwa go ya go itaya tlhabane, mme re bone gore re ka thusa ba losika jaang.

“Re ile ra sheba jalo jaaka dingaka, mme re ile ra laela ba lelapa gore ba shebele ntlha efeng. Fela ka maswabi, motho o o nyeletseng mo lelapeng ga a sa tlhole a le mo botshelong jo bo ka kwano,” Magano wa tlhalosa.

Ba lelapa ba ganne go bua le babega-dikgang mo ntlheng eno.

Setshwantsho: Dingaka di kgokane kwa lelapeng la ga Daddy Botshelo

Kgabagare, ba sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima ba kaile fa batho ba feta sekete go ralala porofense ba ile ba kaiwa fa ba timetse go tloga ka ngwaga wa 2018. Sebueledi sa sepodisi, Mokolonele Adele Myburgh o boleletse ba dikgang tsa rona mo nakong  e e fetileng gore, go tswa go batho ba le 1610 ba go kailweng ba timetse, ke fela bale 536 ba ba iseng ba bonweng.

“Ke batho ba le 1610 ba ba ileng ba begwa fa ba timetse go tloga ka 1 Ferikgong 2018, mme ba le 536 ga se ba bonwe. Jaaka sepodisi, ga re belaele fa gona le segongwana se se dirang ka go utswa batho mo porofenseng.  

“Fa gona le dipelaelo tseo, ba lephata la diphakalane kgotsa The Hawks, batla batlisisa ntlha eo fela bontsi jwa sebaka, matseka ke one a batlisisang bontsi jwa dikgetsi tsa batho ba ba timetseng. Jaaka sepodisi, re tsweletse ka metseletsele le go tsibosa baagi ka go timela ga batho,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

 Mongwe wa baagi, Patricia Naledi are ba sentse ba le mo botlhokong jwa go timelelwa ke motsadi wa bone. Kgalalelo Naledi (79) go tswa kwa motseng wa Cokonyane, one a begwa fa a timetse mo kgweding ya Diphalane 2022, mme le go fitlha ga jaana ga se a bonwe.  

Lekgarebe la kwa Modutung gaufi le Magogong, Oratile Mothibi (18), le ene o ne a timela morago ga ma gatwe a gore o kgorogetswe ke banna bangwe ba ba sa itseweng kwa sekgweng, fa a ne a tsamaya le bo monnawe.

Go bigilwe fa banna bao, ba ile ba mo thopa ka dikgoka.

Gape bana ba le babedi go tswa kwa motse-setoropong wa Boitumelong, gaufi le Bloemhof, Rethabile Tshabadira (3) le Matseleng Nteta (7) le bone ba sentse ba timetse morago ga go ya kwa lebenkeleng go ya go reka dimonamone, mme ga senke ba bonwe gape.

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Picture: The missing Hei-Monique van der Westhuizen found/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A woman who went missing has safely returned home. Hei-Monique van der Westhuizen (29), who resides at Garner Street, Beaconsfield in Kimberley was reported missing on 11 September 2023.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said: “Hei-Monique was last seen by a friend in Beaconsfield wearing a black hoody written “number one girl” on the front, black trousers, and white takkies.

“She also has a tattoo on her left hand depicted as “CDK”. The Kimberley police are pleased to inform the public that the missing returned home and is united with her family. The police therefore wish to thank the media and all involved in ensuring her safe return home.”

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Picture: The missing Letitia Bucks/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Kimberley police are appealing to the public to assist them in locating Letitia Bucks (29), who is residing at Wit Pad Diamond Park, Green point in Kimberley.

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam, Bucks was last seen by her mom and congregants on 16 April 2023 when she stepped out of church in Florianville, telling her mom she is going to the bathroom and did not return ever since.

“She was wearing a black and white tight dress, a pink and red hoody tracksuit jacket and white flops. She is slim, with dark brown curly short hair and an “L” shaped gold slit in her teeth.

“Anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of Letitia, can contact Detective Sergeant Kelaegile Emily Mosala on 079 492 2681 or 08600 10111 or either SMS anonymously to 32211 or use the My SAPS app,” he said.

Sam further said all information received will be treated confidentially. He added that, the public is also reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing.

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