Picture: Some of residents burning tyres in protest over water scarcity/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The residents in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke said the water challenge in their area affects their livelihoods. This week, residents embarked on a protest and demanded water. One of the residents, Tshepo Mosielle said they have been experiencing a water crisis for the longest time.

“The severe water shortage in our area affects our lives. We do not think our local and district municipalities take us seriously anymore. They always promise to ensure that there is water, however, that remains an empty promise.

“We need water and nothing can be done without water. In most cases, they switch off municipal water supplies so that water tinkering can kick in. We are sick and tired of corruption taking place in our municipalities. When water tinkering was implemented, it was envisioned to be a temporary measure,” he said.

The Mamusa Local Municipality said some of the boreholes were vandalised. The municipal manager, Rantsho Gincane said in a statement that, boreholes that supply water to Extensions 6,7,8,9, and 14 were once again damaged.

“This happened on Monday and worsened on Tuesday. The damage caused to the property is huge and has been reported to Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality. Mamusa Local Municipality has dedicated water tankers to the affected areas, whilst waiting for the district’s intervention.

“Theft and vandalism to community properties sabotage basic service delivery and this is completely unacceptable. We appeal to residents to assist us with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects,” Gincane said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu said: “In continuous efforts to ensure a water-secure South Africa, we will converge leading water experts in the country in a National Ministerial Water Sector Sustainability Symposium on 25 May 2023 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park.

“The selected team of experts identified by the department are expected to take stock of the current state of the water sector and offer expert advice that will form future policy positions of the department. The symposium is not a consultative meeting with all stakeholders, but a focused and directed engagement with limited topics dealt by specialised experts.”

Mchunu further said, these experts will assist his department with proposals on policy directions and reforms to achieve its visions for the sustainability of the water sector. He added that, the National Ministerial Water Sector Sustainability Symposium will mainly focus on key areas such as water resource security, financial sustainability, service delivery sustainability, pricing and tariffs, and regulation of water services.

“Identified water experts will form different commissions on the outlined key areas and make presentations and advise Minister Mchunu on areas to improve on. The participation of key water experts in the field to obtain their recommendations will assist the department to develop proposals for achieving sustainability in the water sector, prior to engaging wider interest groups and stakeholders regarding the proposals.

“This is part of the consultative and collaborative process we have undertaken since I took over the water and sanitation portfolio in addressing the myriad of challenges facing the water sector and finding sustainable solutions,” said Mchunu.

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Picture: The Potchefstroom Police Station/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African Police Service (SAPS) management noted with concern a video circulating on social media platforms, particularly on TikTok wherein a police officer can be seen holding a feather duster to reprimand a man.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “The incident occurred at Potchefstroom Police Station on 2 May 2023 at around 7pm. The man was apparently queuing to be served by the police in the Community Service Centre (CSC), where he suddenly shouted and banged the counter with his fists. 

“He was reprimanded to wait for his turn to be served. A while later, he banged and jumped over the counter. The police officers had to warn him to behave. At that point, one of the police officers was carrying a feather duster as they reprimanded the man who was ultimately contained.”

Myburgh said the management has instituted an investigation into the incident.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The situation was volatile at the North West Social Development offices in Mahikeng on Friday. This comes after the suspended Director of Supply Chain Management, Job Mnguni allegedly tried to force his way into the building. 

According to information, Mnguni arrived at work with over ten heavily armed bodyguards.

Mnguni is one of three suspended officials by the North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa on Thursday over the ‘irregular’ awarding of R133 million security tender.

National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) in Mahikeng, instructed its members to return home due to the scuffle that ensued. NEHAWU regional deputy chairperson in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Godfrey Manduba said their members are not safe at work.

“What transpired today cannot be allowed. Imagine, the Director of Supply Chain Management (SCM) arrived at work with ten heavily armed bodyguards in the public service offices. This is actually a transgression of public service regulations.

“Live ammunition is not permitted in the workplace, but this Director comes to work with such heavily armed men. What about the safety of the workers and the community that utilises the services of these offices? It means their safety is at risk because these men are unknown,” Manduba said.

He further said, the department has security guards on site, but someone brings extra ten security guards with live ammunition to the workplace. Manduba added that their members cannot be part of such.

“So, it is on that basis that we instructed our members to go home because they are not safe. They will stay home until the department guarantees their safety,” he said.

The North West Department of Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said: “We assure that everything will return to normalcy on Monday. We will make sure that there is stability in the department. The employees will be able to execute their duties without any hindrance.”

Meanwhile, Moiloa said in a statement that, she placed these officials under precautionary suspension due to numerous complaints she received regarding irregularities in awarding of a security tender. She said her department has established prima-face information that led to the suspension of the officials.

“These officials have been placed on a 30-day immediate precautionary suspension due to the seriousness of the allegations levelled against them. In dealing with this matter expeditiously and efficiently, the department intends to adhere strictly to the prescribed time frames to bring the investigations to finality.

“These precautionary suspensions should serve as a deterrent to other officials in the department, who may be involved in any corrupt activities. We are serious about zero tolerance for corruption in the department. We want clean governance,” said Moiloa.

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Picture: The former Chief Financial Officer at North West Provincial Legislature, Thabo Lehuco, and NEHAWU leader in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Zanele Lawu  

By OBAKENG MAJE

The former Chief Financial Officer at North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Thabo Lehuco and National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) leader in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Zanele Lawu who also worked at a Finance department, briefly appeared at the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mahikeng on Friday.

According to information, Lehuco and Lawu were arrested for the alleged irregular disposal of vehicles of institutions. It is alleged that, those vehicles were sold to themselves at the lowest prices ranging from R10 0000, but failed to pay a cent even though the vehicles’ ownerships were changed to their names.

Lawu was allegedly arrested on Thursday night, while Lehuco was nabbed on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “The bail for the duo was fixed at R2000 each and the matter was postponed to 20 June 2023. The case will be transferred to the Regional Court.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A fraud and money laundering case against four men has been postponed by the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court to 15 June 2023. Bafo Sinayo Diko (29), Nqophisa Diko (35), Nomakade Diko (39) and Siyabulela Ndengane (48) handed themselves over to the Hawks on 17 May 2023, where they were arrested for fraud and money laundering.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhosto said, the arrests emanate from an investigation into alleged fraud, where Nolutho Diko (58), who is a former Professor at the North West University (NWU), allegedly defrauded the university of R438 302.00.

“It is reported that, between May 2016 and April 2017, Nolutho allegedly submitted financial claims to the university under the name of her company, reportedly on behalf of external consultants and other service providers, whom she alleged to have rendered services to the university.

“Through investigations, it was discovered that those service providers never rendered any services to the university. Diko appeared before Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 26 September 2022, where she was released on a warning,” Rikhotso said.

She further said, three of Nolutho’s children and her brother, who are co-directors of Fabued College Co-operative Limited, appeared before Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 17 May 2023, where they each faced twelve counts of fraud and eleven counts of money laundering.

Rikhotso added that the case against all accused was remanded to 15 June 2023.

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Picture: Alfred Sello “Long” Mogoa/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Alfred Sello “Long” Mogoa (42). The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, Mogoa is an African male with brown eyes, tall in length, and with a slender build.

She said, sometimes Mogoa wears a mustache and or a beard. Myburgh further said Mogoa is wanted on numerous cases of rape reported between ‪2008 and 2009 in Klipgat, Loate, Hebron, Akasia, and Ga-Rankuwa.

“He was arrested for a theft of a motor vehicle in Klipgat in 2013. Mogoa also escaped from lawful custody in Ga-Rankua in December 2019. Anyone with information is requested to contact Captain Hein Rabe from Provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit on cell phone number 0798819923 or Telephone number, 018 ‪299 7160

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the My SAPS App or you can phone Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111,” she said.

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Picture: A local entrepreneur, Tshenolo Seboletswe together with her employees at her establishment/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The owner of a Fast Food eatery, Tshenolo Seboletswe from Zone 3, in Itsoseng Township near Lichtenburg, welcomed the assistance she received from the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism. Seboletswe received catering equipment from the department through Tourism Empowerment Programme.

“I am so grateful because this will significantly boost my business. The assistance came at a crucial time when my business was grappling due to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and frequent power outages.

“I applied for funding to rescue my struggling business and I want to express my gratitude to the department. I believe that this assistance will not only revitalize my establishment, but it will also have a positive impact on growing the local economy,” she said.

The equipment received includes a mobile kitchen with a cart, a double barrel slush puppy machine, an ice cream machine, a popcorn machine, five food warmers, a display fridge, a manual donut maker, a double deep fryer, two sweet and chip shelves serving hatch, cutlery, and oven stove.

Seboletswe runs her business directly from her home and caters to a diverse clientele. She added that school learners, teachers, taxi drivers, and community members at large from Itsoseng, Verdwaal, and Bodibe areas frequent her establishment.

“Furthermore, we provide catering services for funerals, weddings, government functions, the unveiling of tombstones, and various parties. My journey as an entrepreneur, began after I was retrenched from The Star Bus Company in the early 90s.

“I was inspired by my late mother’s passion. She was running a successful local tavern known as Ko Ga Ghost. I started by cooking food for my mother’s clients. The positive feedback I received, motivated me to establish my own food outlet,” said Seboletswe.

She said, she does not only support her family through her business but also created employment opportunities for young people in the area. Seboletswe said, interestingly, the load shedding has inadvertently contributed to the growth of her business.

“I noticed that, during power outages, clients flock to my eatery to get a hot meal. My best-selling dish is bunny chow with chips, which garnered immense popularity. The slush puppy mock-tails I prepare for weekend gigs became a hit among the younger crowd.

“I start with preparations at 4am to cater for taxi drivers, commuters, and school children. With the department’s assistance, I plan to increase production, expand the customer base, and create more employment opportunities,” she said.

Seboletswe believes that the newly acquired equipment will add value to her business and bring her closer to realizing her dream of owning a self-sustainable catering enterprise and food outlet. She extended her heartfelt appreciation to the department and said, she is optimistic about the future.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism spokesperson, Jerry Matebesi said: “The DEDECT’s Empowerment Fund was established as part of its intervention of offering support to small businesses and cooperatives operating within the province with equipment worth R100 000 for start-ups and R200 000 for existing business. 

“The fund excludes those in the liquor and gambling industries, costs associated with tendering, cost of acquiring property (including renovations) constructions, fire, and ammunition, primary agriculture, and transport.”

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Picture: The Mi7 security supervisor Joshua Monageng shares a joyous moment with Victor Thambe during Victor’s graduation/Phenyo Mokgothu

By PHENYO MOKGOTHU

Victor Thambe, a security officer employed by the Mi7 Group, has defied all odds and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education, specialising in the foundation phase, from the North-West University (NWU) on 15 May 2023.

The NWU has contracted the services of Mi7 Group, a renowned security company, to ensure the safety of the institution. Victor initially joined the security company Fidelity, which was contracted by the NWU in 2017. Later, he joined Mi7 when they took over the security responsibilities at the university.

Victor successfully completed Grade 12 in 2013. From 2014 to 2015, he worked as a general worker on the grape farm Eternal Flame in the Northern Cape. He saved up his earnings and used them to pay for his fees at the Security College, where he completed courses in grades C, D, and E.

Starting on September 2015, Victor worked as a security officer at Ram Hand-to-Hand Couriers in Zeerust. During this time, he earned a monthly salary of R2 500, which he used to enhance his qualifications. During this time, he obtained a grade B security certification, his driver’s license, a firearm certificate, and a Cash in Transit certificate.

Victor then moved on and worked as an armed guard for Fidelity Security Company at the Brothers Cash and Carry Supermarket in September 2016. Fidelity later transferred him to work at the NWU as a security officer, where he has been working ever since.

Realising that he could apply to the National Student Financial Scheme and Funza Lushaka bursary programme to finance his studies, he decided to pursue a degree at the NWU. Victor enrolled at the NWU in 2019, and to accommodate his classes during the day, he requested Mi7’s management to assign him to the night shift.

Balancing work and studies was undoubtedly a challenge for Victor, considering that his security shifts extended up to 12 hours a day. However, he persevered, motivated by his desire to prove himself to those who had faith in his abilities.

Additionally, he firmly believed that success was only attainable through hard work, and he wanted to ensure that he completed what he had started.

“It was not easy, but it was worth it. As security officers, we are not allowed to sleep at night, so I told myself that to stay awake I have to keep up with my studies,” says Victor.

Representatives from Mi7 congratulated Victor on his remarkable achievement and said they are immensely proud of him for obtaining his education degree.

Victor’s success serves as a shining example that through passion and hard work, you can realise your dream.

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Setshwantsho: Mongwe wa baithuti, Tshwarelo Mosinkiemang/Facebook  

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Bangwe ba baithuti ba maloba ba sekolo se segolwane sa Thusoetsile kwa motseng wa Sekhing, ba kaile fa mogokgo a ba ganela ka ditifikeiti tsa bone tsa marematlou, gonne ba kolota. Baithuti ba, ba kaile fa go se bonolo mo go bone go ka batlana le tiro, gonne ba sena ditifikeiti tsa marematlou.

Mongwe wa baithuti bano go tswa kwa Majeakgoro, Tshwarelo Mosinkiemang wa tlhalosa.

“Ke ne ke dira dithuto tsa marematlou kwa sekolong se se golwane sa Thusoetsile ka ngwaga wa 2021. Ene ya re ka ngwaga o fetileleng wa 2022, ke ile ka ya kwa sekolong, go kopa setifikeiti saka sa marematlou. Fela, seo ga senke se direge, gonne mogokgo o ile a nlaela fa ke koloto sekolo madi.

“Mogokgo o ile a tlhalosa fa ke kolota sekolo madi a kanang ka R700. O kaile fa R500 ele ya dikampa (school camps) tsa marematlou, mme R200 ele tefo ya sekolo (school fees). O ile a gana le go ntirela dikhopi (copies), mme are ke duele madi ao pele,” Mosinkiemang wa tlhalosa.

Are go fitlha ga jaana, ga a kgone le go batla ditiro, gonne a sena setifikeiti sa marematlou. Mosinkiemang are, o ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o ka mo thusang gore a ke a bone thuso le go bona setifikeite sa gagwe sa marematlou.

Kgabagare, sebuleledi sa Lefapha La Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Elias Malindi are: “Jaaka rele lefapha, ga re itse sepe ka tiragalo eo. Ga go mo molaong gore mogokgo a ganele baithuti ka ditifikeiti tsa bone. Fa gona le madi a kolotiwang sekolo, mogokgo o tshwanetse go buaisina le batsadi ba baithuti bao, mme ba bone gore ba rarabolola bothata jo jang.

“Lefapha le buile mo nakong e e fetileng gore, ditifikeiti, kgotsa direpoto tsa baithuiti ga di a tshwanelwa go tshwarwa fela ka ntlheng ya gore baithuiti ba kolota sekolo. Batsadi ke bone ba ba tshwanetseng go ka rweswa maikarabelo ao. Jaaka lefapha, re tlile go bolotsa dibatlisiso mo morerong o.”

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Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe

By OBAKENG MAJE

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) said it is concerned about the ‘wasteful’ expenses the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) continues to accumulate in its quest to appoint a new municipal manager. In February 2023, the municipality commenced its shortlisting process that took place at Protea Hotel in Klerksdorp.

However, the process was futile and it was rescheduled. According to the information, the shortlisting process was supposed to take place at Taung Depot Hall some time ago, however, that process also hit a snag. 

Now, the municipality has allegedly appointed the Director of Infrastructure, Ofentse Mogapi as the acting municipal manager after Andrew Makuapane, who was acting in that position completed six months.  

The position was left vacant after the former municipal manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi’s contract was terminated unceremoniously. 

Now, an ACDP councillor in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Gaolatlhwe Tshipo said: “As the ACDP, we feel that the whole flawed process amount to wasteful expenditure. Remember, the overall advert cost roughly R300 000. Then, there are still claims for those who will come and form part of the panel for interviews.

“This will be the third time the municipality advertising the position. So, that means, the municipality will spend almost R1 million just on adverts. This also creates anxiety because there is no stability. Remember, the municipal manager is the signatory of some other things as the accounting officer.”

Tshipo further said, the fact that the Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe failed again to bring forward the names that the municipal council could choose from, is bad. He added that this is for the second time Gaoraelwe failed to bring forward those names.

“That means, the ruling party does not care about the interest of the masses and bringing development to their lives. So, we are concerned that there is no direction at the municipality. The municipality could have done something with that almost R1 million regarding service delivery rather than spending it only on advertising the municipal manager post,” he said.

Meanwhile, the municipal spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant failed to respond to our media inquiry, despite being given a week to do so. The response will be incorporated into the article when received.

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