By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

Today, we commemorate President Nelson Mandela’s birthday.  Such is his towering legacy that it is a day celebrated around the world, with its international observance having been declared by the United Nations in 2009. This is in testament to his role as a revered statesman, unifier and above all, as a peacemaker.

Striving for peace in the world, for an end to conflicts everywhere, and for a true international fellowship of humankind are the ideals that Nelson Mandela stood for.

They were relevant when he was a statesman on the world stage, and they are even more relevant today with many parts of our continent and the world embroiled in conflict. 

As South Africa we hold fast to the ideal that a better world can be achieved through engendering peace. This derives from negotiation and compromise over violence, the use of force and resorting to war. 

South Africa’s  contribution to world peace is through supporting societies in conflict, and this is largely as a result of the Nelson Mandela legacy.

Our experience with negotiating an end to apartheid and with building a multiparty democracy is regularly sought out by parties seeking to bring conflict to an end.

Since democracy we have played such a role in Northern Ireland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Eswatini, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Ethiopia, and most recently, in Sudan.

Last week I met with the Deputy President of the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan, where we discussed the support South Africa can lend to the convening of an inclusive dialogue process towards a permanent peace.

Earlier this month I was in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where South Africa is playing a key role in facilitating dialogue, conflict resolution and providing technical assistance under the 2013 Peace and Security Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Great Lakes.

Last month marked six months since the signing of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in Pretoria on the 2^nd of November 2022. 

This peace agreement that South Africa played a role in brokering under the auspices of the African Union, continues to hold.

President Mandela said that ‘the heroes are those who make peace and build.’  We will continue to follow in his footsteps by calling for political solutions to conflicts. We are fortified by the towering moral courage of great leaders like President Mandela.

That is why on this Nelson Mandela Day I  call on each and every one of us to promote peace everywhere.  The  peace-making and peacebuilding processes we are called upon to get involved in are the fruit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

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Picture: The Phalaborwa Consultant company allegedly abandoned the water project

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality said it might terminate the R1 billion Water project contract awarded to the Phalaborwa Consultant company. This comes after the contractor allegedly abandoned the project for the past three months without paying its employees.

Phalaborwa Consultant was appointed to install pipelines for the abstraction of water from the iconic Taung Dam to the Taung Water Treatment Plant and reservoir in Morokweng village. However, on 14 July 2023, the aggrieved employees embarked on a protest and barricaded a road between Manthe and Kolong villages, near Taung after they were allegedly not paid their three months’ salaries.

According to one of the employees, Sparks Tshisi, they have tried to get in hold of the company’s representative, Simon Malatjie but to no avail.

“It’s been three months since last we received our payments. So, we decided to barricade the road in order for the company to pay us. We do have families to feed and we cannot continue to work without being paid.

“We need our salaries and we urge the municipality to intervene. Our Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) are nowhere to be found. The other one said he is in Johannesburg looking for a job, while the other one is in Kuruman also job-hunting,” Tshisi said.

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality spokesperson, Joe Motlhasedi said: “Yes, it is true that employees barricaded the road because the contractor has not paid them for three months. The contractor is off-site.

“He has not been on site now for three months due to the non-payment of labourers. His guarantee has lapsed in February 2023 and the engineer has made him aware on several occasions but did not renew it. The engineer requested the intervention from the municipality and we wrote them a letter of intention to terminate should they not provide the guarantee.”

Motlhasedi further said, the municipality requested to have a meeting with the contractor on 11 July 2023, but they did not honour the invite. He added that, again on 14 July 2023, the municipality requested the virtual meeting, and still the contractor did not honour the invite.

“The remedial action is to request the contractor to relinquish the works to the other contractor, who has recently completed his portion of the same phase. If that fails, then we have to terminate the contract,” he said.

Meanwhile, on 19 March 2022, the R1 billion Taung Bulk Water Supply project was brought to a grinding halt after community members alleged that, the contractor was not properly introduced to them.

In a statement, the Water and Sanitation Department spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau said the project is funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), with approximately R1 billion allocated to the project.

“The project is one of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) major infrastructure projects in the North West, aimed at developing water infrastructure that will meet the needs of the community and ensure water security.

“The construction of an adequate infrastructure such as the Taung Bulk Water Supply that can support and supply efficient safe water to communities in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, therefore, is a critical input to sustainable growth and development,” Ratau said.

He said the scheme, which is implemented in phases, has created 304 jobs thus far and 189 139 households in more than 55 villages have been targeted to benefit from this water project.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man who is linked to three hijacking cases in Sun City, Phokeng, and Mogwase, near Rustenburg was remanded in custody until 20 July 2023. Abraham Mkhabela (31) was also charged with being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said these cases were reported between June 2016 to June 2023. Myburgh further said Mkhabela was traced and arrested after a motorist (33) was allegedly hijacked on the R565 road in Sun City on 3 July 2023.

“The victim was allegedly driving in a silver Mercedes Benz. He stopped to pour petrol at a filling station in Ledig. He just pulled out of the filling station when he was approached by three armed men, who were also driving a Mercedes Benz.

“He was pointed with a firearm and instructed to get out of his vehicle. Furthermore, he was robbed of his vehicle and personal belongings, and left unharmed next to the road,” she said.

Myburgh added that Mkhabela was allegedly arrested by the members of Rustenburg Public Order Policing (POP), Visible Policing, and Crime Intelligence after operationalised information received on Sunday evening, 9 July 2023.

“The team proceeded to an identified flat, in Rustenburg, where Mkhabela was found sound asleep. He was immediately arrested and police seized a police reflective jacket.

“Mkhabela briefly appeared at Mogwase Magistrate’s Court and he was remanded in custody until 20 July 2023 for bail application,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the teams for their dedication and diligence that lead to the arrest. Kwena also emphasized that, police would leave no stone unturned to ensure that, hardened criminals are put behind bars.

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Picture: The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, General Koliswa Otola donates gifts to school children/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola donated gifts including a baby cot, sanitary towels, nappies, groceries and stationery to school children at Tlhabologo Inclusive Day Care Centre in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 17 July 2023.

“We celebrate the birth of the world icon, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Remember, people all over the world celebrate Mandela Day and contribute 67 minutes of their time for community service to honour the legacy of the late icon.

“I was accompanied by delegates comprised of the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, Women’s Network, policewomen and men, as well as civil servants from various provincial components in Galeshewe and Kimberley SAPS,” she said.

In her response to the good deeds of the police, the Tlhabologo Inclusive Day Care Centre principal, Maureen Tsiu, expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the team.

Mandela Day will be celebrated under the theme: “The legacy lives on through you: Climate, food and solidarity.”

According to Wikipedia, Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, which is Mandela’s birthday. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010.

However, other groups began celebrating Mandela Day on 18 July 2009.

On 27 April 2009, the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela Foundation invited the global community to join them in support of an official Mandela Day. Mandela Day is not meant as a public holiday, but as a day to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former President, and his values, through volunteering and community service.

Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, and the ability to make an impact.

The Mandela Day campaign message is:

“Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes. We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring people together around the world to fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity,” according to a statement issued on Mandela’s behalf.

To mark the first global celebration of Mandela Day on 18 July 2009, Mandela’s 91st birthday, a series of educational, art exhibit, fund-raising and volunteer events leading up to a concert at Radio City Music Hall on 18 July were organised by the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly formally declared 18 July to be “Nelson Mandela International Day.” In 2014, the UN General Assembly established the Nelson Mandela Prize, a quinquennial award recognizing the achievements of those who dedicated their lives to the service of humanity.

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Picture: A firearm confiscated from a suspect/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man in Schweizer Reneke was arrested for allegedly being in possession of an illegal firearm. It is alleged that, during routine patrols on 14 July 2023, the police in Amalia allegedly noticed a vehicle with three occupants, who looked very suspicious.

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The police allegedly went to their station to get back-up. With the additional manpower, the vehicle was traced.

“The driver of the vehicle allegedly sped off after realising that the police are pouncing on him. The suspect allegedly jumped out of the vehicle and tried to flee, but he was immediately apprehended.

“The vehicle of the suspect was allegedly searched and a rifle was found inside it. The suspect (55) appeared in the Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2023, where he is facing a charge of illegal possession of a firearm,” van Rooyen said.

She said the case was remanded until 24 July 2023 for a formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng lauded the police involved in the apprehension of the suspect. Tlotleng said, if the cooperation between the community and the police can be strengthened, greater successes will be achieved.

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Picture: The NARYSEC students planting seedlings in a tunnel at Kgora Farmer Training Centre/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

One of the 45 National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) beneficiaries said the six months of training at Kgora Farmer Training in Mahikeng will bring a positive impact on his life. Dikgang Kogela said he has learned a lot since he started the program in March 2023.

“Training at Kgora Farmers Training has been advantageous for me. As a crop farmer, I learnt so much about weed control and diseases. I, therefore, plan to use the knowledge gained here to benefit the farm back home. We highly appreciate the government for bringing this initiative, which is a youth skills development and employment programme.

“Being part of this youth flagship programme will benefit from character building programme, soft and hard skills training and I will be able to undertake various rural infrastructure and other development projects. What I like about this programme, is it transforms youth from rural areas, from being job seekers to becoming job creators in their own right, breaking the vicious cycle of social grants dependency,” said Kogela.

The Head of Department at North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Thupi Mokhatla said: “Our Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) states that the NARYSEC beneficiaries will receive tailor-made training focused on technical skills necessary for primary agriculture production at Kgora Farmer Training Centre.

“This approach will make headway to ensure systematic mentoring on diversified agri-business value chains including primary production. The Kgora Farmer Training Centre is a unique public service institution in the North West dedicated and accredited solely for the development, empowerment and training of farmers across all farmer categories.”

Mokhatla further said, in an effort to promote income-generation opportunities for youth in the North West, the department is currently providing training to 45 beneficiaries of the NARYSEC. He added that the main objective of the NARYSEC training project is to enhance opportunities for unemployed rural youth aged 18 -35 years to become self-reliant, show their capabilities and allow them to be active members of the farming economy.

The Kgora Farmers Training Centre Manager, Thuthukani Hlangu, emphasised that, beyond training to primary agriculture production, the strengthening of the technological capabilities of these beneficiaries through value chain development is key to the success of interventions centred on capacity development of their operations.

“The Kgora Farmers Training Centre is a state-owned agricultural skill training centre based in Mahikeng and tasked with a responsibility to improve farming skills of all levels. It is accredited by the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA), as an education and training provider in the agriculture sector on animal and plant production,” he said.

According to the www.gov.za website, the NARYSEC programme was established in May 2013, where 13 000 participants were trained as development agents. at various stages of their training as development agents. The websites say The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) had partnered with the Agricultural Research Council to train 900 agri-paraprofessionals in smallholder livestock and dairy production and 750 more in vegetable gardening and soil sampling. The Department has invested over R631 million in programmes to train and deploy rural youth.

“A further 400 youth have received practical training in construction by Murray and Roberts. This is part of the collaboration with the private sector. Youth have also participated in construction projects in Worcester (housing construction), Beaufort-West (constructing a youth hub), and Limpopo (brick making and paving).”

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Picture: A firearm allegedly found in a man’s possession/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been arrested for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm in Christiana. It is alleged that the police received a tip-off about a person in possession of an unlicensed firearm in Geluksoord, near Christiana. The North West Police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said Phillip Kati (26) was arrested.

“On 13 July 2023, the Visible Policing Commander and members immediately followed up on the information at the given address in Geluksoord, where the occupant of the premises was found.

“The permission to search the premises was granted and during the search, a maverick shotgun was found hidden on the premises. Further investigation indicated that, the firearm had been reported stolen during a house robbery,” she said.

Van Rooyen further said, Phillip briefly appeared in the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on 14 July 2023. She added that Phillip was remanded in custody and he will be back in court for a formal bail application on 18 July 2023.

Meanwhile. The acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng congratulated the police involved in the apprehension of the suspect. Tlotleng added that, if the cooperation between the community and the police can be strengthened, greater successes will be achieved.

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Picture: Ten cows allegedly stolen on a farm near Bloemhof/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

Six men were arrested for allegedly stealing 10 cattle in Bloemhof. Dawid Mofokeng (47), Dawid Maponya (62), Tshepiso Dlamini (38), Matlhomola Molopi (30), Morabe Hletise (31), Mpho Maleha (40) briefly appeared in the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until 21 July 2023 for formal bail application.

On 12 July 2023, the Bloemhof Station Commander allegedly received a call from a local farmer and business owner, informing him of men who were at his farm trying to sell cows to him.

According to the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, the farmer found it suspicious and after engaging the Station Commander, the Pudimoe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) police as well as Bloemhof Vispol members, rushed to the farm to investigate.

“Upon arrival at the farm, six men were allegedly found, where they have already chased the cattle into the farm. During questioning, the men were allegedly unable to account for the cattle nor could they provide the necessary documentation.

“All suspects were immediately arrested for the possession of suspected stolen stock. Further investigation led the Detectives to a neighbouring farm, where it was confirmed that the cattle had been stolen from. The owner was located and he positively identified all ten cattle as his,” she said.  Property,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, lauded all the members involved in the apprehension of the suspects. Tlotleng said, if the cooperation between the community and the police can be strengthened, greater successes will be achieved.

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Picture: Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services MD Oberon Matsuvuki, whose company allegedly left two incomplete road projects in Rustenburg and Brits in 2021, after pocketing R25 million, claiming cash flow problems and community disruptions. (Photo: Instagram)

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Department of Public Works and Roads has probed a R134 million tender awarded to the Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services company allegedly owned by Oberon Matsuvuki. The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi said they have received the report and ordered an independent forensic investigation to be instituted as a matter of urgency.

“I have directed the Head of Department (HOD), Moss Kgantsi to institute an internal investigation on a tender awarded to Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services valued at R134 million. The report indicates that, the department has no record of any official termination of contract, in relation to the two abandoned projects, but only a notice of termination was issued to the contractor.

“Moreover, termination processes were never concluded. Equally, there was no process to register a complaint against the contractor. It is an anomaly that, a project is abandoned, nothing is said about it, and officials continue with business as usual,” Molapisi said.

He further said he demand accountability for this negligence and waste of taxpayers’ money. In finding a permanent solution to this matter, Molapisi added that, he has directed Kgantsi to terminate the department’s contract with Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services without delay.

“We have also outlined that terms of reference to guide the independent forensic investigation should be an investigation of the appointment of Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services for contract PWR 127/14 from Khunotswana Village towards N4, to the total amount of R134 million;

“Investigation of project management on the following contract, (a) PWR 09/17B-FA23 for Patch and reseal of road D521 from road P51/1 in Segwaelane to Wonderkop. The appointed service provider was Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services, (b) PWR 09/17D FA-24: Patch and Reseal of Road P63/1 from Letlhabile to Hebron (Gauteng Border), including intersection improvement on the Mangope Highway,” said Molapisi.

He said the appointed service provider was Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services and an investigation on any other abandoned project by Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services should be executed.

“Kgantsi must appoint an independent forensic investigation in line with the terms of reference provided, and within a period of six weeks of appointment, the investigation should be concluded.

“The outcomes of the investigation will be made public and whatever remedial actions recommended by the final report will be actioned to the latter, including consequence management recommended. he said.

Molapisi has also urged members of the public to report any allegations of possible malfeasance to relevant authorities, including law enforcement agencies.

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Picture: The late ANC veterans, Meshack Monageng and Sammy Lebelo/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it is devastated after two veteran civic and alliance leaders, Sammy Lebelo and Meshack Monageng died in hospital on Sunday.

The SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said Monageng and Lebelo succumbed to illness, while admitted respectively at the Medi-Cross Medical Centre and Life Peglerae Hospitals in Rustenburg.

“We are deeply saddened by the demise of the two pillars that had devoted their lives to our struggle for liberation and community upliftment.

“Both of them have left indelible marks as public servants and community builders that had walked in the footsteps of our global icon, Nelson Mandela,” he said.

Sebegoe further said they convey condolences to the Lebelo and Monageng families.  He added that, although both Lebelo and Monageng had been ill for quite some time, nothing could have prepared them for this terrible twin blow.

“The death has robbed the communities across the North West of the most advanced cadres, who were not only selfless but dedicated, highly disciplined as well as loyal compatriots, who had laid a solid foundation for political, trade union, and civic activism in Tlhabane, Rustenburg Zone and the Bojanala region.

“In life, the two were inseparable and shared a strong bond of friendship that was underpinned by their Christian values. They had tirelessly worked for the unity of the revolutionary alliance. Lebelo and Monageng both cherished the vision of nation-building, non-racialism, non-sexism, reconciliation, and social cohesion that was espoused by Madiba, Oliver Tambo, and the founding fathers of our liberation struggle,” said Sebegoe.

He said a fitting farewell for the two veterans will be a decisive victory for the ANC in the Rustenburg ward 11 bi-elections to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sebegoe said Lebelo had served as the first Chairperson of the ANC Tlhabane Branch, SACCAWU Shop steward, ANC Regional Executive Committee Member, Regional Treasurer, SANCO Provincial Treasurer, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance in the previous term of council and was currently a Proportional Representation Councillor in the Rustenburg municipality.

“Monageng was former SADTU Regional Secretary in Bojanala, SANCO as well as ANC member. He was since 2010 employed as Director Basic Services in the North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs,” he said.

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