Picture: North West MEC for Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

Most municipalities across South Africa are in a dire state and rely heavily on consultants. This grim picture was painted by the Auditor-General (AG), Tsakani Maluleke during her report last week. Maluleke said out of 257 local municipalities, 38 received unqualified audit outcomes with no findings, 104 received unqualified outcomes with findings, 78 received qualified outcomes with findings, 6 received adverse outcomes with findings, 15 received disclaimers with findings, and 16 were outstanding audits.

The North West MEC for Treasury, Motlalepula Rosho said, in a quest to improve the situation in the province, they will have a consultative engagement with the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi.

“We will convene a joint session with municipalities in the province on 8 June 2023 at King Gate Hotel in Rustenburg. The aim of the session is to assess the state of affairs in municipalities with regard to issues of governance, financial management, service delivery, infrastructure and local economic development. The session will be attended by the Executive Mayors, Mayors, Municipal Managers and Chief Financial Officers.

“Various municipal support programmes have been implemented. These include the deployment of Provincial Executive Representatives (PER) and Provincial Municipalities Financial Recovery Services teams to assist with the implementation of interim rescue plans and development of the financial recovery plans,” she said.

Rosho further said, the PERs act on behalf of the Executive Council and were placed at Naledi, Tswaing, Madibeng, Ramotshere Moiloa, Ditsobotla, Kgetlengrivier Local Municipalities as well as the Dr Ruth Segomotsi District Municipality to provide strategic leadership and guidance for the implementation Financial Recovery Plans. She added that the PERs have been appointed for a period of three years.

“The technical financial management support to all departments and entities the initiatives targeted to improve the number of departments achieving clean audits in the province is making steady progress and that it has been expanded to include an additional department whilst also targeting public entities.

“Through the Office of the Provincial Accountant General, we shall continue to provide financial management oversight and support to all departments and public entities on accounting, audit, risk management, reviewing of financial statements, and monitoring of the post-audit action plans for improved audit outcomes,” said Rosho.

She said plans are also afoot to establish a call centre, which deals with 30-day payments queries and supply chain management practices complaints. Rosho said the call centre is expected to be operational in the 2024/2025 financial year.

“Notwithstanding the fact that the call centre is not yet operational, provincial treasury continues to monitor the performance of departments on 30-day payments through quarterly reports that are processed through the executive council,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, China Dodovu said: “The briefing by the Auditor General (AG) on municipal audit outcomes presented an opportunity to the members of the committees on cooperative governance to have a deeper and broadened understanding about the financial administration at the municipalities to intensify their oversight role over local government.

“We call on members of the committees to intensify their role to ensure that stability and excellence in municipalities are achieved. The AG told the joint meeting that the timely submission of financial statements and other information for auditing improved from 81% in the previous financial audit cycle to 91% in the 2021/22 financial audit cycle.”

He said Maluleke highlighted that, without proper financial planning, controls, and reporting, municipalities cannot deliver services to the people and account for tax-payers money. Dodovu said the committees also heard that some municipalities use a lot of money to pay consultants, even though little value is derived from their services.

“Consultants are asked to complete daily financial administrative work, which is supposed to be done by municipal officials. According to the AG, municipalities that use consultants are generally those who receive bad audit outcomes, the AG pointed out.

“The AG also blamed poor financial management and a lack of consequences for poor management on the fact that municipal infrastructure grants are spent on salaries. She said the municipal council and the accounting officers are responsible for the lack of accountability in municipalities,” said Dodovu.

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Picture: The North West University principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West University principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka has been appointed as a member of the Nuclear Engineering Advisory Council (NEDAC) at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in the United States of America (USA). The distinguished Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Head of the Department at NCSU, Dr Kostadin Ivanov said, with efficient, sustainable solutions needed more than ever to address global energy problems, Tyobeka’s contribution as a nuclear expert will bring a positive impact.

“This is in recognition of his stature and contribution within the nuclear science and engineering community. It is also in acknowledgment of his help and supports to the nuclear engineering department at NCSU in its cooperation activities with different organisations and institutions in South Africa, as well as with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” said Ivanov.

The NEDAC provides observations, advice, feedback, and support to the NCSU’s Department of Nuclear Engineering.

Meanwhile, Tyobeka expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that expertise is shared for the betterment of all. He said he is humbled by and very grateful for the opportunity.

“The North Carolina State University’s nuclear engineering program is the third highest ranked of its kind in the United States, which speaks volumes of the esteem it is held in. I will also serve with world-renowned experts from the industry and academic sector, which is fertile ground for the cross-pollination of ideas.

“The appointment also cements the NWU’s standing within the global nuclear community. It shows that we have the skills and expertise to collaborate with institutions of the highest standing globally. It is through the fostering of partnerships like these that we as a university and as a country continue to grow,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court for fraud and contravention of the Birth and Death Registration Act 51 of 1992. The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col, Tebogo Thebe said in 2016, Alfred Ndlovu (50) was arrested by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crime Investigation team for intercepting email communication between the Gasegonyana Local Municipality and one of its service providers.

“Ndlovu changed the banking details of the service provider and as a result, the municipality effected payment to a fraudulent bank account to the value of R2.5 million.

“He was arrested after being positively identified through ATM recording, using a fraudulent bank card. It was further established during the arrest that, Ndlovu was in possession of a fraudulent identity document and passport,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Prince Mashimbye welcomed the sentencing of Ndlovu.

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Picture: The 2022 Comrades Marathon winner, Tete Dijana aims high/Supplied

By VUSI and KABELO SELEBOGO

The winner of the 2022 Comrades Marathon, Tete Dijana, is finalising his preparations for the 2023 edition of the gruelling Comrades Ultra-marathon competition, where he will hopefully defend his title.

The event will take place on June 11 and will be broadcast live on national and international channels. Joining Dijana, will be other 147 contestants from the North West province, who will be supported by the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.

North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi said: “Also in the department’s contingent, is the family of Dijana. We have organised all the logistical needs of the 147 athletes, who do not have sponsorship from the private sector.

“We hope that this will give the province an edge when it comes to occupying the top positions in the race. Even if many do not make it into the Top 10 or Top 20, the glory of participating in such an important global competition is the dream of any long-distance runner.”

Mosenogi further said, the success and participation of the North West runners at such prestigious events should inspire young athletes from the province that is largely rural. She added that, the North West athletes have, over the years, turned the comrades marathon competition into their favourite stomping ground.

“On the official Comrades Marathon website, no less than eight North West runners are listed as runners to watch in the 87.7 km downward race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. In the men category, we have Tete Dijana (Mahikeng), Edward Mothibi (Mahikeng), Dan Matshailwe (Rustenburg), Joseph Manyedi (Taung), Onalenna Khonkhobe (Taung) and Gordon Lesetedi (Taung).

“In the women category, we have Adele Broodryk (Potchefstroom) and Rustenburg’s Galaletsang Mekgoe. North West has contributed to South Africa in recent years. Mothibi won the 2019 Comrades Marathon and he was the runner-up in the same competition in 2022,” she said.

Mosenogi said Khonkhobe made a name for himself as the 2022 Comrades Marathon pace setter and became Dijana’s runner-up in the 2023 Nedbank Runified. She said, Khonkhobe also scooped the second spot in the 2022 N12 Ultra Marathon.

“Stephen Mokoka, also from Mahikeng, previously broke the 50km world record in Gqeberha. He is also a three-time Olympian, three-time national record holder, and an African championship gold medallist,” concluded Mosenogi.

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Picture: The slain Detective Branch Commander at Mooinooi Police Station, Lieutenant Col Lekone Morris Mohajane/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A police officer, who was the Detective Branch Commander at Mooinooi Police Station has been shot and killed at his house in Hammanskraal in what looked like a hijacking incident. The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Sello Kwena, described Lieutenant Colonel Lekone Morris Mohajane (55) as a seasoned police officer with 33 years of loyal service. 

“Mohajane was a selfless and dedicated police officer and his passing came at a crucial time of intensifying the fight against criminality, in which he was playing a crucial role. We visited his family on Monday and conveyed our heartfelt condolence message on behalf of the provincial management.

“We condemn the killing of police officers, which is tantamount to undermining the authority of the state. This heinous crime takes away one of the much-needed resources from the community, thus affecting service delivery,” Kwena said.

He further said that the resources have been mobilised to ensure that those who are behind this evil deed, are brought to book to face the full might of the law.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The residents of Sonop Old Age Home in Madibeng, survived another fire blaze that erupted in the independent living unit on Monday morning at around 10:30am. The North West Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said, their officials, who were on duty worked hard to extinguish the fire.

Siko said 34 residents were safely evacuated to other units.

“Six officials, who were reported to have inhaled smoke, were rushed to a nearby hospital to receive medical treatment. However, they were discharged later in the afternoon. As a department, we are so pleased that no injuries or fatalities were reported during this incident.

“Our social workers will continue to provide psychosocial support in the form of counselling to the elderly, including all our staff members at this facility. Equally important, we want to assure the people of the province that, the elderly and people with disabilities at this facility are safe from any harm,” he said.

Siko further said, they will continue to provide the best residential care to them in line with their norms and standards. He added that, it is not for the first time that the fire gutted a portion of Sonop Old Age Home.

“In October 2021, a fire broke out in one of the rooms of a female beneficiary and destroyed one room as well as some articles in that room. However, there was no loss of life or injuries to anyone in the inferno.

“Nearby residents came in and managed to extinguish the fire. The department is still to assess the extent of the damage and the affected area will be fixed soon. A case of arson has been opened at the local police in Madibeng,” said Siko.

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Setshwantsho: Motshameki wa maloba o o diphatsa, Bakang Katong/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung e solofetse go ka ntsha katlholo mo kgetsing ya petelelo kgatlhanong le motshameka-pele wa maloba o o diphatsa wa setlhopha sa kgwele ya dinao sa selegae sa Mighty Boys FC kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung.

Seno se tla morago ga gore, Bakang “Mahomed” Katong, a bonwe molato mo kgetsing ya petelelo ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya sedika ya Taung dikgwedi dile mmalwa tse di fetileng.  

Katong (32) yo jaanong eleng rakgwebo, mme gape a latofadiwa ka go rekisa seritibatsi sa nyaope, one a betelela lekgarebe lengwe la kwa Buxton ka ngwaga wa 2017.

Go begwa fa Katong, yo one a tswa Johannesburg ka nako eo, a ne a neelwa lekgarebe leo ke mongwe wa tekesi kwa Schweizer Reneke gore a mo gorotshe ka pabalasego kwa lapeng. Fela, go kaiwa fa Katong a ne a tsena-tsena ka lekgarebe leo, mme a feleletsa a iphantse ka thobalano le ene ntle le tumalano.

Go kaiwa fa lekgarebe le, lene la kaya fa le nyeleletswe ke madi a kanang ka R2000 mo tiragalong eo. Kgotlha-tshekele e utlwile fa lekgarebe le, lene la fitlha la lotlegela mmagwe ka se se mo diragaletseng. Kgetsi ene ya bulwa, mme ene ya re Katong go utlwa seo, one a letsetsa lekgarebe le, le go kopana le lone kwa Taung Mall mo letsatsing le le latelang.

Katong one a fitlha a mo kopa go mo neela madi a kanang ka R2000 a go begwang a nyeletse le go mo neela R500 eleng pipamolomo gore a ye go tsholola kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le ene.

Fela lekgarebe le, le ne la gana go tsaya madi ao. Kgotlhatshekelo e utlwile gape fa mmagwe lekgarebe le yo ene ele paki ya mmuso, a ne a tlhokafala fa kgetsi e sentse e tsweletse ka tsheko. Mmueledi wa ga Katong, one a tlhalosetsa lekgotlha fa bopaki jwa motlhekefadiwa bo sa ikanyege, gonne gona le phapang mo tshedimosetsong e a e neetseng sepodisi le e a e boleletseng kgotlha-tshekelo.

Fela magistrate Buti Zulu, ga ka a ganana le kgang eo, mme a tlhalosa fa ese pateletso gore bopaki jo bo neetsweng sepodisi bo ka botsolotswa, fela se se botlhokwa ke se motlhekefadiwa a se boleletseng kgotlha-tshekelo. Gape, se se ileng sa makatsa lekgotlha ke gore, Katong o ile a kaela beng ba mokgatlho wa ditekesi fa a iphantse ka thobalano le motlhefediwa, mme fela o ile a kaya fa seo se diragetse ka tumalano.

Fela Katong, one a kaela mmueledi wa gagwe fa a sa iphanya ka thobalano le motlhekefadiwa. Seo, sene sa baya Katong mo mosing, mme le kgotlha la mo bona jaaka motho o o sa ikanyegeng. Zulu one a tlhalosetsa Katong fa go sena sepe se se supang fa motlhekefadiwa a ka batla go mo bopela kgomo ya mmopa, gonne ba sa itsane.

Zulu, one a bona Katong molato, mme a mo kaela fa ka letsatsi la di 6 Seetebosigo 2023, a tlile go ntsha katlholo.

Lekgotlha lene la kaela Katong fa e se sa ntlha a thulana le molao, gonne ka ngwaga wa 2006 one a tshwarwa mme a bonwa molato mo kgetsing ya go itaya ka maikaelelo a go ntsha dikgobalo tse di masisi. Gape, go begwa fa ka 2013 le 2015, Katong a ene a tshwarelwa go gweba ka diritibatsi, mme a duela kotlhao mo dikgetsing tse dile pedi.

Kgabagare, Katong gape o lebane le kgetse ya polao e e diragetseng teng kwa motseng wa Manthe.

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Picture: Taung Magistrate’s Court

By OBAKENG MAJE

A case against the beleaguered prosecutor at Taung Magistrates’ Court is set to resume today in court. Lebogang George Mashigo (51), who is out on R1000 bail, was arrested for being in possession of an unlawful firearm. It is alleged that, on 8 September 2022, Mashigo entered the Taung Magistrate’s Court building and proceeded to fetch a bag.

Upon departure at the entrance of the court building, he allegedly fired shots and subsequently left.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “It is alleged that earlier during the day, Mashigo had an argument with his supervisor, where he is employed as a district court prosecutor, but the motive for his shooting is still under investigation.

“The police investigations have revealed that Mashigo has no license or permit to possess the firearm as its license expired in 2019. Meanwhile, the NPA has served Mashigo with a notice of a precautionary suspension, pending the completion of internal disciplinary proceedings.”

Mamothame further said, Mashigo was charged with negligently discharging a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. He added that the court ordered Mashigo not to interfere with investigations, as well as state witnesses.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari has expressed disappointment with the behaviour of the prosecutor, who is bestowed with the responsibility to always uphold and defend the law. Makhari has assigned a senior state prosecutor to oversee the case, owing to its serious nature.

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi is accused of appointing her ‘crony’, Advocate Tumisang Moremane, without following the due process. It is alleged that, Motsumi appointed Moremane as Director of Legal Services within the department.

The mole, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “I am of a view that, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is bound to collapse. The North West Department of Education has just appointed a lawyer from UNISA to act as Director for Legal Services.

“Mr Tumisang Moremane is not even an employee in the public service and holds no position. He comes from the University of South Africa (UNISA), where the chairperson of the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) is working. It is surprising how he is able to act as the Director without being employed,” he said.

He further said this is exactly what the North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) is doing by allegedly hand-picking political office appointees to preside over municipalities. The source added that there is another department that is on the verge of doing the same.

“What went wrong? It’s worse because the doers are most senior party leaders. We shall not give up, anyway, this man does not even have a letter to allow him to act, but he is already signing papers and suspending officials. We are being taken for granted,” he said.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi failed to respond to the media inquiry, despite being sent to him almost three weeks ago.  

Meanwhile, according to the www.gov.za website, employment in the public service, vacancies in national and provincial departments are filled by recruiting serving employees or by inviting applications from those who are not employed in the public service. It says, the vacancies in senior positions, i. e. the senior management service, must be advertised nationally for recruitment from within and from outside the public service.

“As a rule, vacancies are advertised in a Public Service Vacancy Circular compiled and issued weekly by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). The Public Service Vacancy Circular informs public servants about vacancies within the public service.

“Persons who are not public service employees, but interested in the positions advertised should first establish from the advertising department if they can apply. The contact details of the advertising departments are provided in the circular.”

The website says some departments such as Defence (link is external) may ask you to take a medical examination before considering your application. It says the applicants should download and complete Form Z83 (Application for Employment).

“You can also get the form from any national or provincial department.

Attach your curriculum vitae (CV). The department may also ask you to attach certified copies of your educational qualifications, identity document and other personal documents.

“Please read the advertisement carefully to see what you should attach.

Submit your completed Z83 form and all the required documents to the address listed in the advertisement. You may, depending on the approach followed by the relevant department, receive an acknowledgment letter.”

It says the recruitment and selection process varies among departments, but the aim is to complete the process in the shortest time possible.

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Picture: The Geelhoutpark Secondary School learner, Dintle Blessing Tladi facing murder and attempted murder case/Facebook    

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder and attempted murder case against Geelhoutpark Secondary School in Rustenburg has been postponed by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court to 12 June 2023 for a formal bail application. Dintle Blessing Tladi (19) was arrested on Friday for murder and attempted murder.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “Tladi allegedly stabbed and killed a Grade 11 learner from Rustenburg High School. It is alleged that on Friday, at around 3:45pm, the police received a complaint about the stabbing incident at the Rustenburg Taxi Rank.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the police found members of the community gathered around the motionless body of Lethabo Sibanda (18), which was covered with a blanket. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was stabbed with a sharp object on his throat.”

Tselanyane further said, according to bystanders, Sibanda allegedly fought with Tladi, who in turn, recruited a group of other learners to attack the victim’s group. He added that, the two groups allegedly gathered at the Taxi Rank leading to a fight and eventually the stabbing of Sibanda.

“Sibanda was later certified dead at the scene and another learner, who was also stabbed was transported to a local hospital by the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). Tladi fled the scene after the incident, but he was later traced and arrested.

“The accused briefly appear at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court facing murder and attempted murder charges. His case was postponed until 12 June 2023 for formal bail application,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the police in Rustenburg for their swift reaction that resulted in the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder.

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