Picture: North West for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Keneetswe Mosenogi  

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR), Keneetswe Mosenogi said as part of their mandate to promote the culture of reading, writing, and learning, her department will be handing over two new libraries on 13 September 2023.

Mosenogi said those who will benefit from this initiative are Raditshane Secondary School in Tlapeng and Southey villages, near Ganyesa. She further said the two libraries are equipped with books, toy library equipment for visually impaired readers, including WIFI for swift access to the internet to assist users and students doing research as well as necessary electronic security systems.

“The libraries are designed to meet the various information needs of the community from toddlers to adults who require sitting and studying. The library service is made possible by the partnership between our department together with the national office and municipalities.

“Raditshane Secondary School was once visited by Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati who was gracious enough to allocate a site for the department to erect a modular library for the community to use. The department encourages a culture of reading and writing in our communities as a lasting legacy in the formally disadvantaged communities,” said Mosenogi.

She added that, her department in partnership with the Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Foundation, will also host the annual pilgrimage in remembrance of the late stalwart icon, Mama Ruth Segomotsi Mompati on 14 September 2023 by visiting her gravesite and laying wreaths as it is her birth date.

Meanwhile, last week, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation urged the department to ensure that, there is an embryonic role in various libraries across the province.

According to the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Priscilla Williams, the department has underspent on its capital projects such as construction and maintenance of libraries. Williams further said this is worrisome as only R5.8 million was spent due to delays in implementation by the North West Department of Public Works as an implementing agent.

The committee had an oversight meeting with the North West Department of Arts, Culture and Sports Recreation and Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation over the first Quarter Performance Reports for the 2023/24 financial year and the first and second draft Annual Performance Plans for the 2024/25.

“Both departments should urgently ensure that infrastructure projects are implemented. There have been serious challenges to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries for many years. Our people cannot access Wi-Fi that can assist them with relevant educational information.

“There has been a consistent concern about the type of reading material in libraries. The department must also prioritise modern reading material in our libraries as our children cannot learn from old material. Furthermore, there should be partnerships between Non-Government Organisations (NGOs, institutions of Higher Learning, and communities on the enhancement of learning through usage of our community libraries,” she added.

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Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi to engage with investors/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi is set to host the dinner with investors to expedite the coordination of investments into the province. Maloyi said this is aimed at addressing high levels of unemployment, poverty, and inequalities.

“This initiative follows concerns raised by the North West Executive Council about the unemployment rate in the province, which is currently hovering around 53%.

“It will also follow up on the commitments made by several business people and private firms to invest in the province during the North West Investment Forum held recently on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit at Sandton,” he said.

According to Maloyi, the dinner with investors is one of the options considered to lure investors to bring much-needed infrastructure development in the province to grow the economy and assist in mitigating the scourge of unemployment in the North West.

The dinner with Investors will be held in Sun City Superbowl, near Rustenburg on 15 September 2023 at 5:30pm.

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Picture: The late IFP leader and Apartheid collaborator, Mangosuthu Buthelezi/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a state funeral for apartheid collaborator, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said that, the late Buthelezi will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral, Category 1, at Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mangosuthu passed away in the early hours of Saturday aged 95. Magwenya said Buthelezi, who was popularly known as “The Prince of KwaPhindangene”, served as Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation and was the Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

“He also served as the first Minister of Home Affairs of the democratic South Africa. As preparations unfold for memorial events, Ramaphosa reiterates his deep condolences to the Royal Household as well as the friends, colleagues – including Members of Parliament – and associates nationally and internationally of the late leader.

“The State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy of government accords Special Official Funerals, Category 1, to persons of extraordinary credentials specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa,” he said.

Mangwenya further said Buthelezi’s funeral will entail elements of military honours. He added that, Ramaphosa has directed that, flags be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from Tuesday until the evening of the day on which the funeral will take place.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said they pay homage to Buthelezi’s family today.

“Today, I will lead a DA delegation to pay respects to the Buthelezi family following the passing of IFP Founder and President Emeritus and Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A corruption and contravention of the Immigration Act case against two men has been postponed by the Grankuwa Magistrate’s Court to 19 September 2023. Two Zimbabwean nationals, Dalubuhle Ncube (42) and Bonginkosi Moyo (40) were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in a sting operation in Garankuwa on 8 September 2023.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “They were arrested for allegedly enticing a Hawks investigator with R10 000 to secure the bail release of Ncube’s brother.

“According to the Hawks, Ncube’s brother has been in custody since 2022, following his arrest by the Rustenburg Serious Organised Crime Investigation for allegedly manufacturing drugs.

The report further revealed that the two were arrested moments after handing over R10 000 to the investigating officer assigned to the drugs case.”

Mamothame further said the money and the vehicle they used, were seized for further investigations. He added that Moyo and Ncube will remain in police custody until their next court appearance.

“The case was postponed for them to be appointed a Legal Aid SA attorney. The two are said to be Zimbabwean nationals and the state is yet to confirm their status in the country with the Department of Home Affairs,” he added.

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Picture: Mamusa Local Municipality logo/Google 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The embattled Mamusa Local Municipality is amongst those that failed to submit their Annual Financial Statement. According to the North West MEC for Finance, Motlalepula Rosho, two municipalities in the province requested an extension, which was granted.

Rosho said with the exception of Ditsobotla and Mamusa Local Municipalities, whose request for an extension, 22 municipalities submitted their AFS to the Auditor General (AG) on 31 August 2023 for auditing as legislated by Section of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

“The submission of the AFS aligns with Section 126 (1) of the MFMA, which mandates the accounting officer of a municipality to prepare the AFS and submit them to the AG for auditing within two months after the end of the financial year, which ended on 30 June 2023.

“The AFS submission was attended by all in the accountability ecosystem, including Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Municipal Managers, Mayors and Executive Mayors,” she said.  

Rosho said both the Provincial Treasury and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs have played a key supporting role in line with Section 154 of the Constitution to ensure municipalities are strengthened and adequately capacitated to execute their mandate. 

She further said they also ensure that, municipalities submit quality and credible AFS. Rosho added that, in conjunction with other initiatives by the National Treasury, the North West Provincial Treasury, has developed an innovative 40-day Audit Action Acceleration Plan (AAAP).

“We want to applaud the programme as one of its kind, unprecedented, and designed to address issues highlighted by the AG in previous audit reports. 

“The AAP offers clear directives to municipalities on their roles and responsibilities, which involves developing and executing comprehensive action plans,” she said.

Rosho said this includes specific activities to assist municipalities in addressing the findings identified by the AG. She said this approach empowers municipalities to continuously improve by monitoring and revising their action plans, thereby laying the foundation for improved audit outcomes. 

“The hands-on support programme is poised to yield sustainable results and thereby positively impact the operational efficiency of municipalities. 

“We are optimistic that the progress achieved through the APP will lead to improved audit outcomes and will assist in establishing a more robust and accountable municipal governance landscape. 

“The provincial Treasury also assisted municipalities with revenue enhancement strategy and appointment of Provincial Executive Representatives (PERs) for implementation of the Financial Recovery Plans (FRP),” said Rosho.

Meanwhile, reflecting on previous municipal audit outcomes, the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said: “We provide valuable insights into the performance of municipalities. The received reports over the past few years highlight the financial and operational challenges confronting our municipalities.

“The AG’s report on the North West municipalities provides valuable insights into the financial and operational performance of our municipalities. It also sheds light on the areas requiring improvement in order for government to bring effective service delivery and financial transparency.”

Maloyi said key among the issues noted is the challenge of irregular, wasteful, and unauthorized expenditure, which hampers accountability and has an adverse impact on service delivery. 

He said as they respond to the identified findings, they need to embrace not only the challenges but also the opportunities as part of finding lasting solutions to challenges confronting the municipalities.

“Through collaborative efforts involving government, civil society, and the private sector, we can drive the change required to improve the state of our municipalities. 

“As we adopt the recommendations, let us all continuously reaffirm the roles of our institutions and ensure that they are fit for purpose,” he said.

Maloyi said they need to continuously be mindful of the expectations of our people by ensuring that, they deliver quality services. He said AG’s recommendations have consistently reminded them that, they need to enhance financial stewardship in our institutions. 

“We need to ensure that we strive to close these identified gaps to move our province towards one that is more responsive to the needs of our communities whilst simultaneously ensuring that we manage to run a cleaner administration,” he said. 

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Picture: The newborn baby, who was stolen found unharmed/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

A woman (21) briefly appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court today for allegedly stealing a newborn baby. Andiswa Bayi was arrested at her house in Greenpoint in Kimberley by the Kimberley SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit with the assistance of the Kimberley SAPS Crime Intelligence unit on Friday.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said: “The baby was recovered and the police also found her clothes with Bayi. The baby underwent procedural medical observation and will be reunited with her parents.

“The baby went missing on 6 September 2023 at about 17:00 and Bayi was arrested and charged with kidnapping. The case was remanded to 19 September 2023 for a formal bail application and the accused will remain in custody.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said the victimisation of staff at Christiana Hospital is uncalled for. This comes in the wake of allegations that three employees were dismissed without following proper procedure.

The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema said his party is deeply shocked by the resurgence of apartheid-era tactics that victimise those with dissenting views in this era of constitutional democracy under the ANC-led government.

“Three employees, who served the North West Department of Health in the capacity of professional nurses and workers’ representatives at the Christiana Hospital, have been dismissed from work without any adherence to disciplinary processes.

“Based on the information available to us, these employees were terminated from the department on 10 March 2023, with their salaries already halted at the end of February 2023. This indicates a premeditated decision to dismiss them, even before any official dismissal letters were issued,” said Moema.

He further said these three employees, Tsholofelo Makuapane, Sylvester Moruri and Masabatha Bonakele acted as union representatives at the hospital. Moema added that, their termination means they have lost their primary source of income, which they depended on to support their families, all in the line of duty defending workers’ rights.

“It is deeply disheartening that workers continue to face such adversities under a democratic government. They are subjected to dismissals without being granted the basic right to a hearing. It’s public knowledge that workers at the hospital took matters into their own hands to address the blatant corruption within.

“In 2021, these workers sought clarity regarding the sluggish progress tied to the hospital renovation contract. This delay ultimately culminated in the unfortunate complete burning down of the hospital, for which, to date, no one has been held accountable,” said Moema.

He said these workers, through their union representatives, aired their concerns to the department, demanding accountability. Moema said that, the department chose to turn a blind eye and proceeded to dismiss these vocal workers without granting them a hearing.

“At no juncture did the department provide these workers with a letter of intention to suspend or invite them to a disciplinary hearing, where they could present their perspective. It remains our steadfast view that, these workers are being victimised to silence their genuine concerns about the facility’s management.

“The affected workers, with the support of their union, have approached the labour court to challenge their unjust dismissal. Six months have passed, and these individuals remain without a salary, a strategy seemingly designed to exhaust their resources and will to see this challenge through to its rightful conclusion,” he said.

Moema said as EFF, they urgently demand the immediate reinstatement of these workers. He said the department’s rash decision, bypassing due process, seriously undermines its credibility.

“Furthermore, we call for a comprehensive forensic audit to expose any underlying misconduct within the North West Department of Health with a particular focus on the Christiana District Hospital and the Sekhing Community Health Centre,” said Moema.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “The department is aware of the matter and it has been taken through the disciplinary processes. Their matters are before the MEC for final consideration. Since the MEC is still applying his mind on the matter, the department does not wish to comment any further.”

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Picture: Magalies Water logo/Google  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Magalies Water, Sandile Mkhize said the water utility welcomes the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) against the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) News.

The matter relates to the news report broadcast and published across SABC News platforms on 21 June 2023 alleging that, water quality non-compliance was recorded at the Mmabatho Water Treatment Plant. Mkhize said the plant, through an agreement with the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (NMMDM), is managed and operated by Magalies Water on behalf of the district municipality.

“While Magalies Water is on record, admitting that prior to taking over the operations at the water treatment plant, which was previously operated and managed by the erstwhile Sedibeng Water, numerous operational challenges had affected water quality output, as was reported in the Blue Drop Watch Report for the 2021/22 financial year, the situation has improved.

“Within a reasonable time, through collaboration, many of the identified challenges were resolved. The NMMDM as the asset owner and a responsible arm of government, would have not continued to maintain a working relationship with Magalies Water at the detriment of the residents who are the primary recipients of this important service,” he said.

Mkhize further said the progress was consequently reported to the accounting authority – the Department of Water and Sanitation and this information was supplied to SABC News as well, during their own investigations relating to the allegations of continued water quality non-compliance.

He added that, Magalies Water’s Scientific Services, through its SANS 241 accredited scientific laboratory ensures that water treatment processes at the water treatment plant, result in potable water of the highest quality, which is certified as safe for human consumption and does not pose any health risks to the consumers.

“As Magalies Water, we launched a complaint with the BCCSA against SABC News and the judgment has vindicated the water utility’s position and reaffirmed its integrity as a reputable bulk water services provider. The SABC News’ approach, story treatment, and delivery fell short of the BCCSA’s Code of Conduct as Magalies Water’s complaint was based on fairness. So, we are not only relieved but also vindicated.

“It has always been our position that the SABC needed to act responsibly and not be sensationalist in its approach. The misrepresentation that Magalies Water suffered, extended to doubts in the minds of many, as it relates to our capacity, skills, and technical knowledge to improve water quality within the area of operation,” he said.

Mkhize said they appreciate the role of the media as the fourth estate and its watchdog function, however, it is critical that the conduct of journalists and editors alike is beyond reproach given their responsibility to society. He said to date, the water treatment plant is regularly monitored and tested for non-compliance.

“Where non-compliances are observed, Magalies Water immediately activates quality assurance processes in line with the water sector standards, to resolve such. In its judgment, the BCCSA found that the SABC News failed to comply with provisions of Section 12 (3) of the Code of Conduct, which reads “Clause 12(3) of the Code of Conduct determines if a person who has stated that he or she is not available for

comment or such a person could not reasonably be reached to comment on a public issue, it must be stated in the programme.

“If there is no response from a person or party whose issues are to be discussed, or if, as in this instance the response is not received timeously, the Broadcaster is obliged to mention this fact on air. Applied to the facts of this case, the broadcaster should have indicated that the complainant was asked for its comment, but that their response had not reached the broadcaster at the time of the broadcast,” he said.

Mkhize said the commission has assured Magalies Water that, the SABC News has been reprimanded in accordance with the ruling.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Three employees at the Christiana Hospital alleged that, they were unfairly dismissed for blowing the whistle on embezzlement of funds and maladministration.

It is alleged that, Tsholofelo Makuapane, Sylvester Moruri and Masabatha Bonakele were victimised after writing a letter to the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha’s Office demanding a forensic report over an investigation against the Supply Chain Management (SCM) and the then acting CEO at the hospital over embezzlement of funds allegations.

One of the employees who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We are victimised for reporting any wrongdoings at the hospital. The investigations were conducted, but instead of the department tabling the report, we were fired without following proper procedures.

“We appealed the matter, but we are still languishing at home without any proper communication. What is happening now is a clear indication that the employer is retaliating against us instead of taking action and punishing the transgressors.”

According to this employee, their only mistake was to request the tabling of a forensic report. The employee alleged that, the then-acting CEO harassed them and even opened a protection order against them.

The National Public Servants Union (NAPSU)’s Provincial Organiser, Steven Mfanelo Nonzaba said they have tried in vain to have a consultative engage with the North West Department of Health to resolve the matter amicably. Nonzaba further said they would now resort to anarchy to get the attention of the department because it dismally failed to engage them in a civil manner.

“As per Labour Relation Act, we know that the resolution of 2019 is that, when someone is dismissed, there is an issue of an appeal and that is where it starts. After the appeal, all processes and procedures will be followed.

“So, as things have unfolded, we have arranged a meeting with the Office of Labour Relations from the provincial office and they said they were still busy with the report. I also contacted the legal department unit to check up on the status quo of the case,” he said.

He further said some officials told him that, the matter has been resolved and it has been transferred to the Office of MEC. Nonzaba added that, however, there was no correspondence, even though he wrote two emails requesting to meet with Sambatha.

“We think maybe the matter needs a political approach now with a little bit of anarchy. Some officials are sending us from pillar to post and now alleged that they cannot find the files of this case and they are engaging with Legal and Labour Relations units to trace them.

“So, we will go to any of Sambatha’s activities and engage with him for intervention. We know he is the people’s MEC, so it will not be hard to get his attention. We have been trying to approach this matter in a civil way, but the department does not want to come to the party.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “The department is aware of the matter and it has been taken through the disciplinary processes. Their matters are before the MEC for final consideration. Since the MEC is still applying his mind on the matter, the department does not wish to comment any further.”

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Picture: The president of Republic of South Africa

By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
 
Every September, South Africa marks Public Service Month to draw attention to the vital role of the people who work in the country’s administration in improving people’s lives. The task of building a better South Africa is enabled by the diligence, care, ethical conduct and innovation of the country’s 1.2 million public servants.
 
As they deliver on government’s mandate, public servants are expected to observe the Batho Pele principles such as courtesy, openness and transparency, maintaining service standards and giving best value. Public servants sign up to codes of conduct when they enter employment, whether they are in national departments or provincial and local government.
 
Public servants must uphold the standards expected of them, especially at points of service. They are expected to advance social and economic development through the services that they provide to citizens.
 
We often think that public servants are lacking in the provision of services to citizens and yet there are areas of distinction in the public service that don’t make the headlines.
 
One speaks here about the committed civil servants behind frontline service counters, in our community clinics, at our border posts, in our foreign missions around the world, in our police stations and in our classrooms and at the forefront of scientific endeavour in our various institutions.
 
These public servants get on with their tasks in relative anonymity, serving the South African people with diligence. One hears about situations when things go wrong, but one doesn’t hear about the thousands of people who every day apply for ID cards and passports in Home Affairs offices around the country, and who receive their documents in less than two weeks. Little is reported about the improvements brought about by the new Branch Appointment Booking system and e-service.
 
While many citizens daily experience the orderliness, professionalism and courtesy of frontline service officials, the headlines and online debates are often reserved for public servants involved in corruption or mismanagement. It is correct that these activities be exposed and action taken against those responsible.
 
We also need to recognise where progress is being made.
 
In Parliament last week, I outlined the commendable work underway in departments to discourage corruption, including the completion of over 11,000 lifestyle audits of public servants in national government. This work must continue, because we cannot build an accountable, professional civil service as long as there are individuals who see public office as a vehicle for self-enrichment.
 
At the same time, we must give credit where it is due to the vast majority of civil servants who rise each day to prepare to go to work serving the South African people with honesty and integrity.
 
Later this year, government will gazette several regulations to guide the implementation of the framework for the professionalisation of the public service that was adopted by Cabinet last year. These regulations will contribute to greater stability in the leadership ranks of the public service, ensure that recruitment processes are more rigorous and that prospective public servants undergo competency testing before taking up positions.
 
The implementation of the framework will improve the conditions of service for public servants and bring stability to departments that have undergone prolonged periods of uncertainty and flux. A better trained civil service that attracts suitably qualified individuals will engender greater public confidence.
 
As we recognise the critical work of the public service and as we commend the many public servants who diligently serve the nation, we know that there is much room for improvement.
 
It is for this reason that we have embarked on far-reaching public service reforms that will help build a state that is both capable and developmental; a state that both provides citizens with efficient frontline services and improves the quality of their lives.
 
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