Picture: A Clear View fence stolen at Vryburg cemetery/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
No rest for the dead at Vryburg cemetery. This comes after the criminals stole a Clear View fence on Saturday night. Now, the Naledi Local Municipality has put forward a reward of R20 000 to anyone who could provide any information that could lead to the arrest of perpetrators.
The municipality representative, Babitsane Thebe said anyone found to be responsible for this act of vandalism of public infrastructure, will be liable for a minimum sentence of 20 years in terms of the relevant laws. Thebe said, the same applies to anyone found in possession of this stolen property.
“The reward of R20 000 is hereby given for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of vandals, who destroyed and stole the Clear View fence at the cemetery. Anyone with information can please contact me on 083 333 4031,” he said.
Almost a year ago, the municipality allegedly spent millions of rands on cemeteries refurbishment projects.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The police are aware of the matter and a criminal case has been opened.
“Yes, a case of theft was opened at Vryburg Police Station and is under investigation. No one has been arrested thus so.”
Picture: The administration block at Boitsanape Technical High School engulfed by fire/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
Boitsanape Technical High School in Mahikeng was engulfed by fire on Saturday. This comes after an administration block burnt down to ashes. The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said it is unfortunate that a long weekend of Youth Month turned out to be like this.
“The cause of the fire is still unknown. It is reported that around 4pm in the afternoon, the principal was alerted by another teacher that the administration block was on fire. Upon his arrival at the school, the fire department was already at the school extinguishing the fire.
“The fire damaged two computers, five huge photocopying machines, textbooks, and office furniture. The fire damages are estimated to be several million. We are disappointed that the incident happened immediately after the Youth Day,” she said.
Motsumi further said her department wishes to express their extreme disappointment that, this unfortunate incident happens immediately after a historic day on June 16. She added that, this is a real drawback for the department, especially now during a critical period of the mid-year examination.
“We really do not expect such a horrible incident like this in our schools. Already, we are working on the list of schools that need our attention during this financial year.
“This one was never in our plans at all and we are confident that, the police will get to the bottom of what caused a fire. Grade 12 are expected to finish their mid-year examination on 21 June 2023,” said Motsumi.
Picture: Two women killed in a veld in Manokwane village, Taung/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in Taung request the community to come forth with information after the bodies of two elderly women were discovered in the early hours of Friday morning on 16 June 2023 in Manokwane village, near Taung.
It is alleged that, Mmapulana Pauline Mmusi and Merriam Kelebogile Mokgalagadi (70), left their homes in the afternoon on 15 June 2023 to fetch firewood in a nearby maize field. When they did not return home before dark, their families, friends and community members embarked on a search, which led to the gruesome discovery of their badly assaulted bodies.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said both Mmusi and Mokgalagadi were found dead not far from each other in the nearby field. Myburgh further said they were both severely assaulted and sustained serious head injuries.
“They were both declared dead on the scene by Emergency Medical & Rescue Services (EMRS). The police are also investigating the possibility that the victims might have been raped. Anyone with information that can assist the police with the investigation is requested to call Warrant Officer Peace Babe on cell: 082 443 8680.
“Alternatively, one can contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App on your smartphone. Information received will be treated as confidential,” she said.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the atrocity and said that, the police will work around the clock to ensure that those who are responsible for this horrendous crime are brought to book.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu calls upon South Africans to respect, protect and uphold the dignity, Integrity, and safety of older persons. Zulu said this in commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day which took place on 15 June 2023.
“We join the citizens of the world to commemorate World Elder Awareness Day under the theme: “Digital Equity for All Ages”, which seeks to prioritise the protection of the lives and the well-being of the country’s older persons. The day is about raising awareness about the need for access and meaningful participation in the digital space for senior citizens.
“Hence this day is focusing on ensuring that older persons are digitally empowered. South Africa has confirmed that it has an ageing population with estimates indicating that the proportion of older persons aged 60 years and older, has grown from 7,6% in 2002 to 9,1% in 2020,” she said.
Zulu further said it was projected that, by 2015, the proportion of older persons in South Africa will have increased to 9.5% of the population and that is 4.24 million older persons. She added that, in July 2020, about 5.43 million people in South Africa were aged 60 and above.
“Its commemoration, therefore provides an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographical processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
“Older persons face various kinds of mistreatment and discrimination. Elder abuse is a global public health, human rights, and criminal justice problem. It goes beyond, socioeconomic classes, regions, languages, and ethnicities, but remains an understudied and under-reported phenomenon,” said Zulu.
Setshwantsho: Baagi ba motse wa Takaneng ba ga metsi kwa Sedibeng
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Tlhokego ya metsi kwa motseng wa Takaneng gaufi le Taung, e tsweletse go nna tlhoba boroko. Baagi ba kaile fa jaanong ba patelesega go ga metsi kwa sedibeng se se gaufi. Seno se tla morago ga gore pompo e kgale e neela baagi ka metsi, e robege.
Mongwe wa baagi, Kagiso Mopedi are, ba na le ngwaga ba ntse ba itemogela tlhokego ya metsi a phepha morago ga gore ditshipi tse di pompang metsi diwele mo madutelong.
“Ke sebaka sa ngwaga jaanong, ebile re tsena mo ngwageng wa bobedi. Re ile ra itsise masepala ka tiragalo e, mme go bontsha fa o itshetse moriti o tsididi.
“Re le baagi, re ile ra patelesega go ka go ga metsi kwa sedibeng se se gaufi, mme ga re itse fa metsi ao a le phepha ebile a siametse go ka nowa ke batho. Re tshwenyegile thata gonne, gona le matlhoko a tsweletseng go ka bolaya batho jaaka Cholera,” Mapedi wa tlhalosa.
Fela majoro mogolo wa masepala wa sedika kwa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Motseokae Maje, o kaile fa ba samagane le kgang eo. Maje are, ba buisane le setlamo se se rebolang metsi sa Magalies Water go ka ya go baakanya madutelo ao.
Maje gape o ganeditse dipego tsa gore baagi ba na le ngwaga ba itemogela mathata a.
“Kgang ya gore ke ngwaga baagi ba sa bone metsi a phepha ga nkitla ke epaka nkgonne. Fela, ke a itse gore gona le mathata a metsi kwa motseng wa Takaneng. Ke fetiseditse pegelo eo kwa setlamong se se rebolang metsi sa Magalies Water.
“Jaanong, nka netefatsa fa ba le mo letsholong la go bona rakonteraka yo o tla yang go ntsha ditshipi tse di wetseng mo madutelong ao, mme a neele baagi metsi,” Maje wa tlhalosa.
Sebueledi sa Magalies Water, David Magae one a tshepisa lekwalo dikgang la Taung DailyNews gore o tla neelana ka dikarabo tsa gore ba tlile go ya go baakanya leng madutelo ao, fela le go fitlha ga jaana ga a ise a boele mo go rona. Magae one a ka ya fa se, se dirwa ke gore boitekanelo jwa gagwe ga bo phepha.
Kgabagare, fa a ne a neelana ka tekanyetso-kabo ya lefapha la gagwe mo malobeng, Tonakgolo ya Bokone Bophirima, Bushy Maape one a kaya fa go swabisa go bona batho ba tsweletse go ka bolaiwa ke bolwetsi jwa Cholera. Go ya ka dipego, ke batho ba feta 29 ba ba setseng ba bolailwe ke bolwetsi jwa Cholera kwa porofenseng ya Gauteng.
“Rona jaaka porofense, re setse re eme sejaro go ka samagana le go runya ga bolwetsi jwa Cholera. Badiri ba rona kwa Provincial Disaster Management Centre, ba tlile go romela badiri kwa mafelong a amilweng ke twatsi eno.
“Mo maitekong a rona a go samagana le tlhokego ya metsi, re setse re tlhamile setlhopa se se batlisisang mafelo a ka tswang a amilwe ke tlhokego ya metsi. Mme mafelo ao ke Ditsobotla, Tswaing, Ramotshere-Moiloa, Naledi, Mamusa, Maquassi Hills le Matlosana,” Maape wa tlhalosa.
Maape are ba tlile go tlhoma letsema le le bidiwang, Bulela Metsi mo mafelong ao.
Setshwantsho: Baithuti ba sekolo potlana sa Sediba-Thuto ba amogela ditlhako tsa sekolo
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
Baithuti ba le 150 go tswa kwa dikolong-potlana dile tharo kwa motseng wa Magogong le Maphoitsile, gaufi le Taung, ba abetswe ditlhako tsa sekolo ke majoro-mogolo wa masepala wa sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Motseokae Maje.
Go ya ka Maje, letsema leno le rotlweditswe ke seemo se bana bale bantsi ba ba tswang kwa malapeng a sa itsholelang ba iphitlhelang ba le mo go one. Are, bana ba le bantsi, ba nna le dikgwetlho, segolo thata jang mo setlheng seno sa mariga.
Maje o kaile fa ngwana ele sejo a tlhakanelwa, mme ba ile ba kopa dikolo go ka neelana ka maina a baithuti bao.
“Fela jaaka kele motho o o tswang kwa seemong se se reketlang, ke ile ka bona gole mosola gore ke neelane ka ditlhako tse go baithuti gonne, ngwana ke sejo wa tlhakanelo. Jaanong, gona le bana ba ba tswang kwa malapeng a reketlang, mme seo se dira gore ba iphitlhele ba sena diaparo ga mmogo le ditlhako tse di maleba thata jang mo setlheng se sa mariga.
“Ra itse gore seemo se sentseng jalo, se kgona go dira gore baithuti ba le ba ntsi ba se fetse sekolong ka ntlheng ya dikgwetlho tse di tshwanang le tse. Jaanong, jaaka rele ba masepala wa sedika, re bone go le botlhokwa gore re neelane ka bonyinyane jo re tla bo kgonang go ka thusa,” Maje wa tlhalosa.
Maje are, seo se tla tlisa go itshepa magareng ga baithuti ba, le go dira gore e nne batho setshabeng. Go ya ka Maje, maemo a masepala a ledi a ba kgontshitse go tlhopa dikolo dile tharo fela.
“Dikolo tse di unngwetsweng mo letsemeng le, ke sekolo-potlana sa Sediba-Thuto, Olebile le sa Maphoitsile. Re ile ra ikuela gore re batlelwe bana bale masome a le tlhano mo sekolong sengwe le sengwe. Jaanong, re neelane ka ditlhako dile 150 mo dikolong tseo tsotlhe.
“Re dirisitse ledi le le beetsweng thoko go tswa kwa masepaleng, mme ele tekanyetso-kabo ya kantoro ya ga majoro mogolo. O tla gopola gore ga se ditlhako fela tse re abelaneng ka tsone go baithuti. Rena le bana bale masome ale tlhano ba ba ikwadisitseng kwa ditheong tse dikgolwane go ralala naga,” Maje watlhalosa.
Kgabagare, Mogokgo wa nama o tshwere kwa sekolo-potlana sa Sediba-Thuto, Obakeng Pico are, ba itumeletse tshegetso e go tswa go masepala wa sedika. Pico okaile gape fa tirisano magareng ga baithuti, batsadi ga mmogo le sekolo ele e e namatshang.
“Re le sekolo, re bona tirisano mmogo e ntle thata go tswa mo batsading. Ebile ga se re itemogele bosula bope fela. Ga ra itemogela kwelo-tlase ya dipalopalo tsa baithuti mo ngwageng o, mme ke itumelela tshegetso eo go tswa kwa batsading.
“Gape, re itumelela neelano ya ditlhako go tswa kwa go majoro-khuduthamaga wa masepala wa rona wa sedika sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Motseokae Maje. Seo, se tlile go rotlwetsa bana gore batle sekolong ka matsatsi otlhe,” Pico wa tlhalosa.
Pico o kaile gape fa seo, se tlile go dira gore go sa tle sekolong ga baithuti go ye wele tlase. Pico are, jaanong bana ga ba kitla ba tla sekolong ka ditlhako tse di makgasa, gonne seo se ama go itshepa ga bone.
The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the passing of the world-renowned traditional conversationalist, Grace Masuku. The retired school principal, who spent her retirement dedicated to restoring the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela’s traditional respect for the environment and improving the living conditions of inhabitants in the approximately 30 surrounding villages, passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness.
Masuku (91) aimed to engender a spirit of self-sufficiency in the area, which in recent times has been hard hit by the closure of platinum mines. She had a profound understanding of indigenous knowledge systems and the environment. Also, Masuku was the brain behind several successful environmental and conservation initiatives.
The North West Premier, Bushy Maape said they are saddened by the passing of a septuagenarian. Maape further said that Masuku was instrumental in initiating Indigenous Knowledge Projects and several environmental and conservation initiatives in her community.
“She devoted her time to mentoring women and youth in fighting poverty and unemployment. Masuku belonged to a generation of heroes and heroines who dedicated their lives to the development of their communities. She was a true definition of a community builder.
“Masuku was selfless and dedicated her entire life to the development of her community. In 2006, the former president, Thabo Mbeki awarded Koko Grace Masuku the Order of Baobab in Silver. The Order is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service in the fields of business and the economy, science, medicine, technological innovation as well as community service,” he said.
He added that a documentary that was directed by Karin Slater titled “From Nkoko with Love” featuring Koko Grace Masuku was aired on SABC 2 in 2006. Maape said the documentary, which was also screened at the now-defunct North West Film Festival in 2007 chronicled Koko Grace Masuku’s life and philosophy.
“In 2008 the North West Parks and Tourism Board published a book titled, “The Legacy and Heritage of Grace Meiki Masuku. These accolades and many others demonstrate that she was a person who was highly involved in the empowerment of her community through various initiatives, particularly in indigenous knowledge. She was a trailblazer who defied the odds in advocating for development in her community.
“So, we take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the community of Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela on the passing of Koko Grace Masuku. Apart from being a traditional conservationist, as she calls herself, she is widely regarded as a powerhouse of knowledge on indigenous plants and a giant in sustainable rural development,” said Maape.
Masuku used her pension to visit numerous villages to provide training and ideas for businesses based on traditional values and knowledge. Her first project, Letswanana, began 21 years ago, and today continues to yield herbs that are used to treat diseases. Her most public project, Podi-Boswa (meaning ‘goat, our inheritance’), has provided more than 1 000 people with sustainable livelihoods by producing leather products from goat hides that had been discarded prior to the Podi-Boswa venture.
It all started when the Department of Trade and Industry’s Community Public-Private Partnerships Programme was looking for a project leader to co-ordinate a leather-producing initiative. Someone suggested Masuku, and she quickly surveyed the area to see whether the project was feasible.
She discovered that every household in the area owned one or more goats. A programme was implemented to train people in the production of leather skins and products. It was not long before they started seeing profits.
Two elderly women aged 80 and 59 were found murdered in the veld, near a maize field in Manokwane village, Taung on Friday. It is alleged that, on Thursday, two women went to the veld to fetch the firewood, but failed to return home in the evening.
The community members embarked on a search and discovered their lifeless bodies that were badly assaulted at around 1:30am in the early hours of the morning on Friday.
There is a suspicion that the deceased persons might have also been raped before they were killed. However, the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said they cannot rule that out, but that can only be determined during the autopsy process.
“The deceased persons were found at around 1:30am by somebody and the police were called. At this stage, the cause of death will only be determined by the post-mortem. We cannot confirm if the deceased persons were raped or not because that could only be determined by post-mortem too,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, on 15 June 2023, South Africa was part of the global community in celebrating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The ww.gov.za website said: “Elder abuse can be defined as a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.
“Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.”
The website continues by saying that, in many parts of the world, elder abuse occurs with little recognition or response. It says, until recently, this serious social problem was hidden from the public view and considered mostly a private matter.
“Even today, elder abuse continues to be a taboo, mostly underestimated and ignored by societies across the world. Evidence is accumulating, however, to indicate that elder abuse is an important public health and societal problem.”
North West Premier, Bushy Maape is recovering well after he underwent surgery. Maape was admitted to Wilmed Park Hospital in Klerksdorp for a minor orthopedic procedure.
Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) wishes to inform the public and residents of the province that the surgery was successful and Maape is recuperating well.
“The doctors are happy with his recovery. The Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and the Office of the Premier have sent their good wishes to Maape, who is due to resume his normal official schedule in the coming week.”
Meanwhile, the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said, the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) succinctly call for calm amongst its supporters and the community at large, as Maape is recovering well.
Diremelo further said they want to affirm that, the ANC led-government will continue in its quest to render quality services to the North West community in line with the party’s manifesto.
“The media will be kept abreast, however, we appeal that Maape and family be given space, while he recuperates during this time. We wish him a speedy recovery and good health,” said Diremelo.
Young people in North West said a lot still needs to be done in honour of the ‘Class of 76’ as they contributed immensely to the struggle for the liberation of South Africa. Obusitse Modisakeng (24) said it is disheartening to see young people still plagued with socio-economic challenges.
“As the youth, especially in rural areas, we are one of the most vulnerable groups in the society. We are still facing many challenges such as poverty, inadequate education, unemployment, and lack of opportunities.
“On the other side, there is a high rate of crime. We also continue to be victims of teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse. I think is high time now to be included in decision-making processes and share our thoughts,” she said.
Another young person, Modiegi Tabane (29) shared the same sentiments. Tabane said, as young people, they should raise their voices and advocate for change.
“South Africa is the most unequal country in the world. There is a lack of transparency and honesty amongst our leaders. One might come up with an idea, but if there is no funding for it, forget. Most opportunities are reserved only for the few, who are close to decision-makers.
“So, nothing has changed since 1976, instead, the situation has worsened. There is an elephant in the room, which is corruption that eats what is left for future generations. It is so demoralizing to see many elites getting away with murder after committing malfeasances with impunity,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, who delivered a Youth Day message said, they strive to produce graduates who are equipped to take advantage of the opportunities in the public and private sectors. Tyobeka further said, the skilled youth is such a valuable asset that guarantees the socio-economic development and growth of the country.
“We need to capitalise on their vibrancy, their verve, and their ingenuity. However, they face a litany of challenges that force them to navigate, as they try to reach their dreams and fulfill their potential.
“The youth are the custodians of our future and it is our responsibility to equip them with the tools to succeed,” he said.
The NWU chancellor, Dr Anna Mokgokong said, South Africa is a country with astounding beauty, where vast rivers flow and mountains reach the skies.
“We live in a country, where our expertise is renowned and we are one of the icons of Africa. We also live in a country, where opportunities are not equal and our youth face challenges that can seem insurmountable and it should not be.
“At the North West University, we subscribe to an ethos of care, whilst we also aim to realise the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which were established to ensure a global society where no person is excluded from their fundamental human rights,” she said.
Mokgokong added that, as a nation, they need the youth to build the future. She said the country needs to allow the young people’s expertise to thrive.
“As the university, we are committed to doing this. The motivation of our youth, their determination, and their unrelenting pursuit of excellence are just some of the bedrocks that make institution and a country to thrive.
“By empowering our youth and giving them the freedom to express their ingenuity, we are aiding to foster responsible citizens. I am proud to be the chancellor of a university that cares, and I am privileged to be part of a community that aspires to define its own tomorrow,” said Mokgokong.
The court interpreter has been sentenced to four years imprisonment by Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court for corruption. In August 2016, Victoria Tepo (47) and her accomplice, who passed away during the course of the trial, solicited a R5000 bribe from a complainant to make the docket disappear.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, an undercover operation was conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation. Mamothame further said, this led to the arrest of the duo soon after accepting the gratification from the complainant.
“After making a series of court appearances, the accused was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to four years imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years. Tepo will therefore serve an effective two years direct imprisonment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, together with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentencing and vowed that the two entities will act with swiftness to arrest and prosecute those who are involved in corrupt activities.
Mbotho also applauded the investigation team and prosecution for the successful conviction.
The Guardian 