Picture: The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi handing over a house to a beneficiary, Bakang Mahlangu at Chaneng village, near Rustenburg/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man who is the only surviving member of his family in Chaneng village, near Rustenburg said he is happy to receive a newly-built house. According to Bakang Peter Mahlangu (52), he has been living in a shack for many years.
“I have lived in a shack for many years and never thought I will own such a beautiful house. Today, my prayers have been answered. So, I am a happy man and this house will heal all the pain and suffering that I went through. I can’t thank the government enough,” he said.
The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi who handed over the house said, it was built with alternative technology methods by a good Samaritan.
“We have made a commitment to eradicate all mud houses in the province. This initiative will restore the dignity of many residents living in such conditions. This is part of the Nelson Mandela International Day. In line with this message, I believe it is possible to rid the province of all mud houses for the benefit of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalised.
“Mud houses are not safe as they can collapse, injure or even kill our people, especially during rainy weather. I have instructed my team at the North West Human Settlements Department that, we need to eradicate all mud houses and restore the dignity of our people as a matter of urgency,” said Maloyi.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono who accompanied Maloyi also donated goats to other community members and implemented food gardens as part of the government’s food security programme.
The School of Accounting Sciences at the North West University (NWU) has once again distinguished itself as an indisputable leader in its field with the recent announcement by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). The school’s Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accountancy has been accredited for the purposes of SAICA’s Associate General Accountant [AGA(SA)] designation.
The NWU is one of only two universities to receive this accreditation from SAICA in 2023, with the accredited programmes being the Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accountancy and the Extended Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accountancy.
The role of an AGA(SA) is officially described as that of enhancing, driving and measuring organisational value thanks to their broad, future-focused, multi-disciplinary approach to driving operational performance.
According to Professor Heleen Janse van Vuuren CA(SA), Director of the School of Accounting Sciences at the NWU, the AGA(SA) designation is recognised professionally for equipping members with the professional values, attitudes and abilities and technical competencies that enable them to drive operational efficiency and quality in the value-creating process, thus enhancing organisational value.
After the completion of an extensive formal accreditation process, SAICA’s Executive Director for Learning, Development and National Imperatives, Robert Zwane said that SAICA is confident that the programme at the NWU met the formal regulatory accreditation requirements of the Department of Higher Education and Training and that the NWU has the “appropriate resources to deliver high-quality programmes at the required standard and quality to meet SAICA’s requirements for the AGA(SA) designation”.
Vuuren said: “This accreditation by SAICA is an exciting one for the university, as it provides our BCom Financial Accountancy students with another opportunity to obtain a professional designation from a globally recognised professional body.
“We believe that the quality of our programmes, together with this opportunity to pursue the AGA(SA) qualification, will ensure that our students are well-equipped to fulfil their prospective roles in the industry.”
Northern Cape MEC for Transport Safety and Liaison, Nomandla Bloem donates gifts/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Northern Cape MEC for Transport Safety and Liaison, Nomandla Bloem, donated bicycles to Louisvaleweg Primary School in Upington in commemoration of International Mandela Day. Bloem then proceeded to Kanoeneiland Police Station Victim Friendly Facility to donate furniture that caters to the needs of victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“A brief station profile and crime overview were presented by the Station Commander of Kanoeneiland, Captain Bakang Kgwadi. The newly-appointed District Commissioner, Major General Thabo Mphuthi, along with the members of Kanoeneiland SAPS warmly received the gifts,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mphuthi said: “On behalf of the SAPS management, we express gratitude and encourage our members to take care of the facility. They should ensure that, at all times, the victims are treated with respect and dignity.
“We have also refurbished a house belonging to an elderly man in Paballelo. The occupant was provided with new furniture and groceries.”
Picture: The traffic officers conducting roadblocks in Brits and Tshwane/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Motorists who allegedly transgressed on the roads between Brits in North West and Tshwane in Gauteng were penalised. This comes after the Trans Kalahari Corridor National Committee in the Republic of South Africa held the Inter-Provincial Joint Law Enforcement Operations between Brits and Tshwane on 18 July 2023.
The Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) is a road network ranging approximately 1900 kilometers across the territories of South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
The TKCS Executive Director, Leslie Mpofu said traffic fines were issued for those driving without licenses, illegal immigrants were arrested, those having warrants of arrest paying their dues on the spot, and discontinued unroadworthy vehicles.
Mpofu further said they also educated road users about the importance of road safety in honour of International Mandela Day. He added that, the operations were consisting of 253 law enforcement officials from North West and Gauteng Provinces.
“The law enforcement officials took to the N4 road after the opening parade to conduct stop and check in all vehicles coming and going to North West and Gauteng to ensure compliance of drivers, passengers and roadworthy of these vehicles.
“We were also joined by delegates from Eswatini. The support we receive from various stakeholders in South Africa is appreciated and clearly shows that, working together, we can achieve our set goals. I am further pleading for continued working relationship and supporting each other even in the future,” he said.
Mpofu said this will ensure that the roads are safe from accidents and criminal elements. He said operations like this will also ensure that motorists do comply with road regulations.
“We also welcomed delegations of Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), David Mfanimpela Myeni from Eswatini. The Eswatini MVA visit is informed by the SADC bilateral agreement on the harmonization of systems and processes in ensuring a better African trade.
“They are benchmarking on South African transport agencies’ regulations and tools to correlate their services and working force. The Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) is a tripartite transboundary Corridor Management Institution that was established with a political and economic vision to pursue or contribute towards deeper regional integration programs of SADC, SACU, and indeed NEPAD,” he said.
Picture: One of the placards at Naledi Service Point in Vryburg/Morongwa News
By OBAKENG MAJE
The smooth running operations at North West Social Development’s service points in Vryburg and Ganyesa were affected on Monday. This comes after aggrieved security guards locked the gates of these service points demanding their three months’ salaries.
This left North West Social Development employees stranded.
According to one of the security guards, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal and works for Mabotwane Security Services, it’s been three months since they received their salaries.
Mabotwane Security Services company is contracted to the North West Social Development to guard some of the service points offices across the province.
“We barricaded the gates because we cannot work without being paid. This has affected our livelihoods and imagine how are we going to survive. We also have bills to pay, but our company keeps on giving us empty promises.
“Most of us are behind with our policy payments. Imagine if something happens to our family members. How are we going to handle the whole situation? Other security guards have been evicted from their rental homes because they were not able to pay rent,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said they are aware of the matter. Siko said as the department, they have an obligation in terms of Treasury Regulation 8.2.3 to settle the invoices within 30 days upon receipt.
“However, during April and May this year, the department has been experiencing delays in processing payments of security services claims due to non-compliant vouchers. The delays of payments are attributed to non-submission or incomplete timesheets, incorrect invoices, and no submission of incident reports.
“As a way of intervention, the department will soon conduct a workshop with all contracted security companies to address the current challenges. We fully understand the plight and the inconvenience caused by the delays in paying the security officers,” he said.
Siko further said they request calm and patience as they work towards resolving the challenges at hand.
*The Mabotwane Security Services was not available for comment at the time we published the article. However, we will incorporate its comment in the article when received.
Picture: The deceased, Matshidiso Cathrine Mojaki/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man who stabbed his wife to death in Kolong village, near Taung was sentenced to life imprisonment by Taung Regional Court on 18 July 2023. Thapelo Edwin Mojaki (41), who pleaded guilty to the matter, stabbed his wife, Matshidiso Catherine Mojaki (36) to death with a sheep shearing scissors back in 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, on 9 October 2022, Mojaki approached his wife, who was on her way to catch a taxi to work, accompanied by their 16 and 18 years-old children respectively.
“He subsequently asked for money and when his wife, Matshidiso said she did not have any, Mojaki took out sheep shearing scissors and stabbed her several times.
“She was declared dead on the scene and Mojaki was arrested the following day. The court denied him bail until the completion of the case,” said Mamothame.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Tecia Khula urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, as there were no compelling circumstances to deviate. Khula further highlighted the trauma experienced by their children, who experienced their pregnant mother being stabbed to death by their own father.
In imposing the sentence, Magistrate Buti Zulu agreed with the state and remarked that the accused had a responsibility to protect his family and not be a perpetrator of crime towards them.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded all role players for ensuring the perpetrator is brought to book.
They further called on strong advocacy against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) in communities.
Picture: The missing man, Basil Smith who is mentally challenged/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Northern Cape police are requesting the public to assist them in locating Basil Owen Smith (35), who resides at 45201 Ivory Park in Roodepan. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Timothy Sam, Smith was last seen on 11 February 2023.
“He was wearing a black jean trouser and a white shirt. Smith is mentally challenged and likes walking from home to sit at the corner of Raven Street in Roodepan and he would normally return home.
“The police released a statement on 23 February 2023 appealing to the public to be on the lookout for him, but he has not returned home. So, anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of Smith, can contact Detective Sergeant William Maenetja at 076 834 8758 or 08600 10112 or either sms anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS app,” he said.
Picture: The identikit of the suspect, who allegedly raped a woman/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A woman was allegedly raped while jogging in the vineyards, near the industrial area in Kakamas. It is alleged that, she heard footsteps behind her, and when stopped and turned around, an unknown man asked her for money.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt CJ Prins said the woman allegedly told the suspect that, she does not have money with her. Prins further said, the suspect then allegedly pinned the woman to the ground and raped her.
“The suspect then allegedly grabbed the victim’s cell phone and walked away. The incident took place on 26 June 2023 late afternoon. An identikit of the suspect was compiled and is between the ages of 20-25.
“He is approximately 1.55m tall, of medium build, and at the time of the crime, he was wearing a black beanie, denim pants, and a dark blue golf shirt,” he said.
Prins said anyone who could identify the suspect, is requested to contact the investigating officer at Kakamas FCS unit, Sgt Dippenaar on 079 6977836 and 08600 10111 or through MySAPS mobile application. He said all information will be treated as confidential.
Picture: The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje at the incomplete house built for an elderly woman
By OBAKENG MAJE
The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje will hand over a house to an elderly woman in from Magogong village in Taung. Maje built a house using his own money for an elderly woman, Lele Seitshokelo (78), who stays alone in a mud two-roomed house.
This comes after a donor, who was supposed to build a house for Seitshokelo five years ago, disappeared in thin air.
“This incomplete house was abandoned by a donor five years ago and I decided to come and complete it using my own salary from the municipality. Remember, the late Dr Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker, and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.”
“On 18 July every year, everyone is invited to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in their communities. Each and every person has the responsibility to change the world for the better. International Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change,” he said.
Maje further said, as an activist, he lives among the people and the condition Seitshokelo found herself in is inhuman. He added that, one would not expect an elderly person for that matter or even anybody to be subjected to these conditions in this democratic dispensation.
“So, I saw it befitting to come and make a positive contribution as the deployee of the ANC. This will bring back the elderly woman’s dignity. I am using my own resources with support from my family. So, I encourage the youth not to lose hope, but to use various avenues to improve their lives,” said Maje.
Meanwhile, Seitshokelo said she is grateful that Maje came to her rescue. She said it is heart-warming to see people like Maje still in their midst.
“I am happy to see the executive mayor coming to my rescue and spending his 67 minutes of humanity here. I stay with one of my children, but in most cases, I stay alone because she is seldom home.
“I had no hope that one day I’ll receive a decent house after the donor, who was supposed to build me a house disappeared. I am not sure what happened, but I had incomplete structure outside for almost five years,” she said.
Seitshokelo said, when Maje visited her home last year and promised to finish her house, she was skeptical. She said she regained her confidence when indeed he came to do an assessment.
“Finally, he is here with local people to finish the house. Truly, I feel honoured, and may Almighty bless him,” said Seitshokelo.
According to Seitshokelo, she originally comes from Dithakwaneng village, near Kuruman and she relocated to Magogong village during her time while working on the farms. A mother of four said she does not feel safe because there were a few break-in attempts at her house previously.
Meanwhile, the National Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said: “Mandela Day is more than an annual global celebration of the birth date of democratic South Africa’s founding father and the first Black President. It serves as a resounding call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide to reflect on Mandela’s timeless values and principles and make a tangible and positive impact in their own communities.
“This day holds profound significance for Parliament, as it not only pays tribute to the founding father of our democracy but also commemorates a man who endured 27 years in prison to liberate South Africans from the shackles of race-based oppression.”
Six people were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for murder. Fanie Maphonkolo (29), Tumelo Masisi (37), Neo Lebeloane (29), Aupa Mosesi (35), Goitsemang Khunou (28) and Esrom Mafoko (42), were also sentenced to further 10 years for an attempted murder.
The North West Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the conviction of the accused persons emanated from an incident that occurred at Ramokala village on 27 December 2018, where Andries Mabula and Mogomotsi Mojela were taken from their homes to a bus stop and brutally assaulted by community members.
“They accused them of having been paid R3000 to kill Maphonkolo and Masisi. The two sustained serious injuries from the ordeal and they were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Mojela later succumbed to his injuries.
“The surviving victim had to be relocated to another province as a result of the threats made towards him prior to the commencement of the trial. The court ordered that, five years from the attempted murder charge should run concurrently with the 15 years,” said Mamothame.
He further said this means, the accused persons will serve an effective twenty years of direct imprisonment.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, William Lebelo urged the court to impose a sentence befitting to the crime and one that will send a strong message that members of the community should report all crimes to authorities and not take matters into their own hands.
In imposing the sentence, Magistrate Herbert Modiba agreed with the state and remarked that the accused violated the deceased’ right to life, the surviving victim’s right to bodily integrity and security, and his right to be free from being subjected to violence.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded Warrant Officer Molefe and William Lebelo for their collaboration leading to the conviction. They urged members of the public not to take the law into their own hands but to report crimes to authorities.
The Guardian 