Picture: The acting chairperson for North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development and Health Mmoloki Cwaile

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee for Social Development and Health said, there are structural challenges that need to be addressed at the embattled Bophelong Provincial Hospital in Mahikeng, North West. The committee visited the hospital on Monday after the video of newly-born babies being placed in cardboard boxes was circulated across social media platforms.

The incident took place on Saturday. The acting chairperson of the North West Portfolio Committee on Social Development and Health, Mmoloki Cwaile said, they were equally shocked to see newly-born babies being placed in cardboard boxes due to a shortage of cribs and incubators.

“Of course, we were equally shocked to learn that, the newly-born babies were placed in cardboard boxes, while others were sharing incubators and cribs. We have sought to have a critical meeting with all role players including management, nurses and unions. They have presented to us what are the challenges and is for that reason that we have encouraged the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha to interaction with his team at a level of management and labour organised unions.

“Importantly, we will have a clear view of what has transpired after our site inspection. Where we are, we have taken note of the multiplicity of problems that relate to the structures, human resources, personnel, and capacity of professional nurses. On the day of the incident, there were almost 57 neonates in the unit that is capacitated to accommodate only 25,” Cwaile said.

He further said, this has been a trend for some time and there were no available cribs and incubators. Cwaile added that, they have also realised that, there were challenges in relation to infrastructure.

“Even if you are getting more of what you need, but you will know that neonates are newly-born atleast up to six days. So, it is not our view that it will be possible to deliver the babies quickly and refer them to another facility without necessary observations.

“What we have realised is that there is a challenge of infrastructure, shortage of professional nurses and midwives, especially those who are well-trained on neonates. So, we believe that the outcome of the investigations should not be punitive, but to deal with all challenges inclusively,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said: “I am satisfied with the progress registered. Firstly, with the team that is conducting the investigation into the incident. Secondly, I believe that my meeting with union leaders yesterday paved the way for implementing key interventions that will improve operations at the hospital.

“The meeting acknowledged challenges that contributed to the situation as systemic and structural. For example, the issue of limited space in the hospital which I have already highlighted in the budget speech.  I stated that, the hospital will be expanded with additional 100 beds and this was also acknowledged as a contributing factor and suggestions on other solutions were provided.”

Sambatha said, as part of further increasing space in the facility, the hospital management has already started engaging the provincial infrastructure to procure a park home, which will provide enough space for the neonatal unit. He said such a move should not mean a delay of additional 100 beds.

“The hospital had already advanced with the procurement of additional cribs and baby incubators. It was also acknowledged as a sign that the hospital had anticipated the need to address the challenge of space for newborn babies. The meeting emphasised the need to find solutions and stop pointing fingers at individuals.

“In that spirit, both the union leaders and I agreed that the suspension of the employees directly involved was not meant as a punitive measure, but a precautionary suspension. Not even I can conclude that the suspended employees are guilty without due process,” said Sambatha.

He said he has been consistent in saying that, the suspension was precautionary. Sambatha said a precautionary suspension is often given when the employer thinks the employees may interfere with an investigation because of them being directly implicated, but no one can say they are guilty when the investigation is still ongoing.

A consolidated hospital improvement plan is expected to be presented when the meeting is re-convene on Wednesday at the hospital.

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Picture: The former Northern Cape MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, John Block/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The former Northern Cape MEC for Public Works, Road and Transport, John Block has been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit at the Correctional Services facility in Kimberley for fraud and corruption. The imprisoned Block is implicated in a corruption, fraud and money laundering case along with the former Head of Department of the Northern Cape Roads and Public Works, Roads and Transport, Patience Mercia Nokhwezi Mokhali.

It is alleged that the duo awarded a tender to build a mental hospital to Babereki Consulting Engineers (PTY) LTD, even though it did not meet the necessary requirements. The Director of a liquidated company, Babereki Consulting Engineers (PTY) LTD, Tshegolekae Motaung was also arrested for fraud and money laundering.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Nomthandazo Mnisi said, Block will briefly appear at Upington Magistrate’s Court today. Mnisi further said, in 2003, the Northern Cape Department of Health together with the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, allegedly embarked on a project to construct a new mental health hospital in Kimberley. She added that, the original contract was to an amount of R290 million.

“It is further alleged that, some of the constructed buildings faced possible demolition after R420 million was paid to a liquidated contractor on a project that was originally budgeted for R290 million. It was discovered that the company that was appointed did not have the capacity to render the service and the contract was terminated, whilst money was already paid.

“Work on the project has since been halted, leaving the facility incomplete and unusable, and at a considerable cost to the Department of Health. Officials did not follow the normal procurement procedures when appointing the consultant,” said Mnisi.

She said the project was marred with maladministration and there was no value for money.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate, Major General Stephen Mabuela welcomed the arrest.

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The award recipients at the NWU Media and Organisational Citizenship Behavioural Awards.

Living the North-West University (NWU) way means being value-driven and proud. During a prestige event on 25 May, the university rewarded dedicated staff and students for promoting and enhancing its culture and strategy.

The NWU’s first Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Recognition Awards ceremony took place at the Roots function venue in Potchefstroom. Eighteen key influencers received recognition for their valued contributions as brand ambassadors, both internally and externally. Each of the recipients received a trophy, accompanied by a cash prize.

Staff and full-time students across the university’s three campuses had nominated their peers who had been quoted in the traditional and digital/social media, as well as those who had consistently promoted and demonstrated the NWU’s values during 2022. A panel of seven members consisting of staff and students adjudicated the nominations.

The university acknowledged nominees in eight categories.

The award recipients were:

Social Media Personality (for exceptional contributions towards the NWU’s public reputation on social media platforms) – Prof Nico Smit (staff) and Kagiso Somngesi (student).

Traditional Media Personality (for exceptional contributions in traditional media, including newspapers, television and radio) – Prof Raymond Parsons (staff) and Ian Thomson (student).

Exceptional Media Coverage (for an upsurge in media exposure during a limited time of seven to 14 days) – Prof Raymond Parsons (staff).

Social Responsibility and Awareness Advocate (for contributions relating to social rights responsibility and awareness, including gender-based violence, social engagement, disability rights, substance abuse, mental health and awareness, and social welfare projects) – shared by staff members Michelle Bownes and Mario Chaque. Obriel Takunda Maposa was the student recipient.

Diversity and Transformation Advocate (for exceptional contributions relating to transformation, and diversity concepts and initiatives relating to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural perspectives and multilingualism, among other things) – shared by staff members Dr Keaobaka Seshoka and Prof Sanette Brits. Thuso Molefi was the student recipient.

NWU Silver Wings Award (a discretionary recognition award to staff and students who have embodied the spirit and character of the university, its culture and identity). Staff and students voted for the recipients of this category.

Mahikeng Campus:

Student: Kgopotso Hope Sekgobela

Staff member: Prof Martin Chanza

Potchefstroom Campus:

Student: Sibongiseni Buthelezi

Staff member: Kelebogile Oompie

Vanderbijlpark Campus:

Student: Sicelo Sibeko

Staff member: Michelle Groenewald

NWU Ambassador of the Year (considered as the overall award, given in addition to one of the recipients of an NWU Media and OCB Recognition Award, excluding the Silver Wings Award) – Prof Sanette Brits (staff) and Kagiso Somngesi (student).

Vice-Chancellor’s Award (awarded by the vice-chancellor to a member of management who, through their work and involvement in the university, has made an exceptional contribution towards achieving the NWU’s strategy and values). From the names put forward, the panel made a decision to award this to Nkosinathi Tom.

Yusuf Abramjee, social cohesion and anti-crime advocate and media personality was the guest speaker during the event. He said universities play a vital role in shaping not only the minds of their students but also the character of their communities.

“They (universities) serve as microcosms of society, reflecting the diversity that defines our nation. Building a shared institutional culture with this diverse context is both a challenge and an opportunity – a challenge because it requires understanding and embracing our differences, and an opportunity because it allows us to create a truly inclusive and enriching environment for all.”

According to Yusuf there has never been a time in history when so many voices are being heard. “The most important thing is that they are listened to. But, while the right to freedom of expression is enshrined in our Constitution and is an inherent freedom in most countries around the world, it also comes with great responsibility. To express ourselves freely and responsibly, we must embrace diversity.”

He singled out leadership as a key driver for success. “As a vital part of shaping a shared vision, culture and identity, personal leadership development is fundamental to the NWU achieving its goals.”

Explaining five leadership principles (modelling the way; inspiring a shared vision; challenging the process; enabling others to act; and encouraging the heart), he said he hoped it will inspire everyone to unlock their inner leader and together to shape a formidable NWU community that is a force for positive change in South Africa.

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Picture: Orlando Pirates FC player, Monnapule Saleng/Supplied 

By KABELO SELEBOGO

Orlando Pirates virtuoso, Monnapule Saleng scooped two awards during the DSTV Premier Soccer League (Awards) on Sunday evening. The Bloemhof-born player walked away with MTN8 Last Man Standing and DSTV PSL’s Players’ Players of the Season.

Saleng, who was also nominated for the Footballer of the Season and Midfielder of the Season awards, assisted his side to win the Nedbank Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday after beating Sekhukhune FC in the final. He had made an impressive contribution throughout the season.

One of the memorial moments is when he scored two goals against Mamelodi Sundowns FC in the MTN8 semi-final, where the Buccaneers won by three nil. His performance escalated when he scored a crucial winning goal against Amazulu in the MTN8 final, ending by 1-0.

The MTN8 Last Man Standing or Player of the Tournament award was presented to him for his entire effort in the competition. The 25-year-old midfielder finished the season with 11 goals in the league and 8 assists with 22 appearances. Early this year, he walked away with the main accolade at the North West Sports Awards after winning Sports Star of the Year hosted by the North West Department of Arts Culture Sports and Recreation (ACSR) in partnership with North West Sports Confederation.

Saleng scored 15 goals in all competitions and his contribution played a big role as Pirates completed the season as the runner-up to qualify for CAF Champions League.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi congratulated Saleng for his accomplishment.

“We take pride in our very own and Saleng displayed determination and hard work. He is an inspiration not only to footballers but to the sports fraternity as a whole and he respects his work and takes a God-given talent seriously,” she said.

In his appreciation speech, Saleng acknowledged the support from Bucs teammates, the technical team, players, family, and football fanatics.

“I would like to thank The Almighty God for the strength and talent, teammates for the support, senior players who contributed to my performance and players from other teams who voted for me, and also myself for being dedicated to the game,” said Saleng.

Full list of other winners:

1.         Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Footballer of the season

2.         Rhulani Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Coach of the season

3.         Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City and Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns  – Top goal scorers of the season (12 goals each)

4.         Yusuf Maart (Kaizer Chiefs) – Goal of the season

5.         Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns) –Young Player of the Season

6.         Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Midfielder of the season

7.         Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Defender of the Season

8.         Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Goalkeeper of the season

9.         Masixole Bambiso – Referee of the Season

10.       Kamohelo Ramutsindela – Assistant Referee

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Picture: The horrible accident/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER

The North West police said they are investigating reckless driving underway after a government official bumped a pedestrian in Vryburg on Sunday. The accident allegedly took place next to the graveyard.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We are aware of the accident and it was reported and attended to accordingly. According to information at our disposal, the driver of the state motor vehicle stopped after being alerted that he bumped a pedestrian. Investigations into the matter are underway.”

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa/Google

By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

Recent outbreaks of cholera in Hammanskraal in Gauteng and in the Free State have shown the vital importance of safe and effective water and waste water management.

The deaths of 24 people in Gauteng and the Free State are deeply tragic. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Hundreds more people have been hospitalised following the outbreak.

Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation and international relief organisations warned that after years of steady decline, cholera has made ‘a devastating comeback’, putting over a billion people in 43 countries at risk.

According to the WHO, 24 countries have had reported cases since the beginning of the year, including in parts of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Authorities are to be commended for their efforts to speedily assist all those affected, including setting up a field hospital in Kanana in Hammanskraal, providing additional water tanking services to residents and going into communities to raise awareness about proper hygiene.

An investigation is underway into the source of the outbreak. Technical teams from the City of Tshwane, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the provincial and national departments of Health are carrying out water quality tests at distribution points and at water treatment works in the area.

They are also tracking and tracing infections. To date, the original source of the cholera infection has not been located. However, this waterborne disease is highly transmissible in conditions where there is inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Unreliable and poor-quality drinking water has been a problem in Hammanskraal for many years. The Rooiwal waste water treatment works, which is upstream of Hammanskraal, has not been well-maintained and has insufficient capacity to deal with the volume of waste water entering the works. 

Over the years, in its role as the regulator of the water sector, the Department of Water and Sanitation has issued many directives to the City of Tshwane to address pollution from the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment works. Regrettably, these directives were not acted upon. Consequently, the Department initiated legal action to force the City to use its grant from national government to refurbish and upgrade the waste water treatment works.

While there must be full accountability for the failings that have resulted in the outbreak in Hammanskraal, at this time we must focus on the problem at hand. We must stop the spread of cholera and take remedial measures to safeguard human health.

Generally, water quality in South Africa is of a high standard, which, according to our Water Research Commission, “compares well with the best in the world”. It is important to note that the dual water systems supplied by Magalies and Rand Water to the Tshwane area meet national standards.

After it was abandoned nearly a decade ago, government reinstituted the Blue and Green Drop programmes to help improve national water quality and to assist municipalities with compliance. This formed part of Operation Vulindlela, a collaboration between the Presidency, National Treasury and government departments to fast-track economic reforms.

The most recent Green Drop Report shows there has been a steady decline in the quality of water and sanitation services in municipalities. Poor governance, ineffective management, increasing debt and underspending on public infrastructure like wastewater treatment plans have all contributed to poor water quality.

Under these circumstances, the fact that many councils underspend critical infrastructure grants is unacceptable.

Across the country, the Department of Water and Sanitation is working with municipal managers and technical teams to ensure local councils use their water infrastructure grants effectively. Support is being provided, among others, to water infrastructure projects like the Nooitgedacht water transfer treatment scheme in Nelson Mandela Bay, the Greater Mbizana Regional Bulk Water Scheme in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, and a number of projects in Maluti-a-Phofung in the Free State and Emfuleni and Midvaal Local Municipalities.

National government and Umgeni Water are helping eThekwini metro to improve the management of its waste water treatment systems. Similarly, the Drakenstein municipality in the Western Cape and the Lekwa municipality in Mpumalanga are being helped to address waste water treatment system challenges.

As announced in the State of the Nation Address in February, government is proceeding with a number of significant projects to improve our national bulk water resource infrastructure. Last week, I was in Lesotho to mark the start of construction of the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which will supply water to Gauteng and its surrounding areas.

As we wait for the results of the investigation into the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, it is critical that local government authorities continue to work closely with national government to address and overcome the immediate challenges with water quality in Hammanskraal.

It is encouraging that the City of Tshwane and the Department of Water and Sanitation are working together to ensure the various water supply systems meet drinking quality standards.

Quality water and sanitation is fundamental to the dignity of every South African.

I have therefore asked the Minister of Water and Sanitation to make recommendations to strengthen the governance, management and regulatory framework for municipal water and sanitation services. This includes ensuring that national minimum norms and standards are comprehensive, adequately monitored and adhered to by all water service providers.

Disease outbreaks such as the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal are made far worse in situations of poor governance, weak management and poor maintenance of infrastructure. We have responsibility – and are determined – to remedy those shortcomings in a sustainable way and as a matter of urgency.

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Picture: The nurses and doctors down tools at the embattled Bophelong Provincial Hospital

By OBAKENG MAJE

The smooth running operation at Bophelo Provincial Hospital in Mahikeng, North West was affected today. This comes after nurses and doctors embarked on a peaceful march. The march was in solidarity with two officials, who were allegedly been placed on precautionary suspension by the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha. 

Sambatha said, the nurse in charge of the unit and nursing manager will be placed on precautionary suspension pending investigation. The suspension emanated from a video that went viral on various social media platforms, where newborn babies were seen placed in card boxes at the hospital. 

Sambatha said the incident took place at the neo-natal unit on Saturday.

“Firstly, we must congratulate the nurses and doctors who are responsible for ensuring the safe deliveries of all 56 new-born babies. The issue that I’m confining myself to is only four newborn babies, who were put in card boxes. So, the preliminary report comes out tomorrow and that report must say to us, what had failed and if there is any person that the blame must be placed on.

“For now, I am clear and not interested to go to any doctor or nurse who delivered these babies. However, the hospital CEO and everyone who is in managerial positions, may not expect an escape from their responsibilities. Let’s wait for that preliminary report to come out,” he said.

Sambatha further said, the suspension of two officials was precautionary, not because they were charged.  He added that they will have a follow-up meeting on Wednesday to address other issues.

National Education, Health, Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) regional chairperson in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Zanele Lawu said, their consultative meeting with Sambatha was fruitful. Lawu said they had agreed upon a process to get to the bottom of what has happened with regard to the situation at hand.

“Also, we are happy that the perception of the hospital management is going to change with regard to the initial suspension of our members. We said that there should be a process that deals holistically with the issues that we have raised. We are now going on a walkabout to identify those issues that Sambatha might not be aware of.

“We know there are challenges at the hospital and we believe that the hospital management and workers should work together to address them. The aim is to ensure that the hospital function optimally and ensure that there is service delivery. Look, as NEHAWU, we are not of a view that historical, systemic, and structural issues should be punitive,” he said.  

Lawu said the challenges at the hospital are historical. He said it cannot be right that, every time when there is an issue, the management resorted to penalising those who were delivering service.

Meanwhile, DENOSA regional chairperson in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Tshepo Monoketsi shared the same sentiment.

Monoketsi said: “We deliberated upon issues and we had an agreement including the set of approaches. Sambatha also agreed that they might have overlooked some structural and systematic issues in terms of how the hospital should be operating.

“There is a plan and intention to make sure that those issues are addressed in no time. Some issues might not be resolved tomorrow, but there will be a follow-up meeting to ensure that we deal with them. I’m not going to enter the terrain on who should be suspended, but as long all necessary procedures were followed. As a union, we will go and defend our members.”

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Picture: The babies placed in card boxes at Mahikeng Provincial Hospital/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Economic Freedom Fighters(EFF) in North West described the situation at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital, where newborn babies were placed in card boxes, instead of incubators as inhumane. This comes after a widespread video circulated on various social media platforms, where newborn babies were placed in card boxes.

The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema said, they strongly condemn the stripping of dignity of black children by the incapacitated and corrupt ANC-led government. Moema, who described the ANC-led government as careless and useless said, it is evidently hell-bent on violating fundamental human rights to access quality healthcare.

“It is a cause for concern that people living with disabilities, elderly persons, women, youth and newly-born babies are on the verge of being murdered on their sick beds as a result of gross negligence and lack of political will to procure resources needed for effective and efficient running of the hospital.

“The current situation at Bophelong Provincial Hospital is prima face evidence that, the pseudo communist MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, lacks the appetite to provide adequate and quality access to healthcare. What is more amiss in the recent budget speech, he illustrated his obsession with slogans and made no attempts to come up with cogent measures to alleviate the state of public health in the province,” he said.

He further said, the EFF will promptly lodge a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in light of the above-mentioned unconstitutional and dehumanising act of misconduct. Moema added that, equally, they call for appropriate action to be taped against the hospital management

for endangering the lives of vulnerable and helpless newborn babies.

“Lastly, the EFF reminds the downtrodden communities of North West, whose plight has been ignored by the ANC to throw their weight behind the EFF as the only solution towards the betterment of their living conditions,” said Moema.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said two officials at the hospital will be placed on precautionary suspension pending investigation. Sambatha said, the investigations will be concluded before Tuesday next week.

“I received the photo late last night and immediately request management to investigate. Indeed, the preliminary investigation, confirmed that the photo is from MPH. The incident occurred on Saturday around 11am. on the said day, 56 babies were delivered in the ward, with 16 incubators and 31 cribs available.

“That means, 47 babies had been placed in accordance with proper prescribed procedures and 9 babies had no proper incubator or crib. It’s reported that, four babies were placed in card boxes and others put as two in each crib. The report for the whole incident ended with the Nursing Manager, who didn’t report the incident to the acting CEO,” he said.

Sambatha said, after he saw pictures being circulated, he immediately instructed the hospital management to find extra incubators and cribs for MPH within the available ones in the province. He said 18 additional incubators and cribs have been received and are already at the hospital.

“The hospital management and the CEO were only informed yesterday about this incident on Saturday. Based on all this information above, the investigation was conducted and is set to be concluded no later than Tuesday next week. On the day, the nurse in charge of that unit will be placed on precautionary suspension.

“The Nursing Manager will also be precautionary suspended. I also constituted a task team with members who understand nursing practice to investigate the whole nursing division at the hospital and the whole operation accounting to the Nursing Manager,” said Sambatha.

He said the department issued a public apology to the 9 babies and more to the four

placed in card boxes and whose photos were circulated in public. Sambatha said the hospital management activated a redress process with the affected families.

“Relevant labour relations processes will determine the process of what will happen from precautionary suspension. All other processes will be supervised by me,” he said.

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Picture: The Buddies, The Bad poster    

By OBAKENG MAJE

Only a few hours left before The Buddies, The Bad crew ascend to the stage to showcase their God-given talents at Mmabana Taung. The fictional play was written by a local writer and enthusiast of art, Kagiso Kai. According to Kai, the play speaks about oppression and the negative experiences community members are subjected to by the local traditional leaders.

Kai further said, there is a traditional system that prevails between traditional leaders and communities at large, especially in deep rural areas.

“In this play, one of the community members spoke about the negative experience he was subjected to by a traditional leader. However, in turn, he was fined a few cows for speaking his mind. Now, two characters depicting young people stood up against the unjust sanctioned by most traditional leaders.

“The aim was to reflect on the relationship most traditional leaders have with their community members and try to change the narrative. Through this play, we also want to empower our people by bringing hope,” he said.

Kai added that, the play brings the ‘message of hope’ and inspiration to many people by encouraging them to tell their own stories to the world without being negative about it.

“The play confronts the traditional system of tribal authorities and the oppression that is meted out to the communities, especially those who respect the culture. This is fiction and the reason why I came up with it, I’ve realized that, in most cases, writers will focus more on political stories.

“So, this is a breath of fresh air to bring something totally different to the fore. All in all, we have 24 individuals as part of the production team, including actors and extras. Due to financial constraints, some individuals had to double up their work to ensure that we deliver an exceptional project,” said Kai.

He said even though this is his first stage play as a writer, more projects are in the pipeline. Kai said they are planning to tour the region, province, and the country at large.

“We still trying to source funds so that we can put our dream into reality. We want to tell our own story in our own language to the world. This production team is doing exceptionally well. We also encourage the community members to support this initiative by buying tickets.

“We need a little bit of financial support and we hope the North West Arts, Culture Sport and Recreation will come on board. However, we should not wait for the government to give us support, but do it ourselves. As a country, we are faced with socio-economic challenges, especially in rural areas. However, we have individuals who can put compelling, meaningful, and resonant stories in quest of changing the tale.  

“So, I call on all young people out there to channel their energies correctly. The play will run for three days and the entrance will only cost R80 for adults, while children will pay R40. The play will start at 6pm on 26 and 27 and at 3pm on 28 May 2023. We call on our community members to come out in numbers and watch Taung natural talents on display,” said Kai.

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Setlamo se se rebolang metsi sa Magalies Water, se kaile fa go tlile go nna le kgoreletsego ya metsi kwa Pudimoe le mafelo a mabapi mo letsatsing la di 30 Motsheganong 2023. Sebueledi sa Magalies Water, David Magae are, seno se tla tlholwa ke letsema le le boloditsweng la go phephafatsa madutelo a metsi kwa lifelong leo.  

Go ya ka Magae, madutelo a metsi kwa Pudimoe a tla phephafadiwa go simolola ka ura ya bosupa mo mosong, go fitlha ka ura ya borataro mo maitseboweng.

“Seno se tla re thusa gore metsi a neelwang baagi e nne a phepha, mme re ikuela go baagi kgotsa ba dirisi ba metsi go ka dirisa metsi ka kelo-tlhoko. Seo se tla dira gore metsi a se tswe ka bonya fa re feditse ka tiro ya rona ya go phephafatso ya madutelo ao.      

“Mafelo a a tlileng go angwa ke phephafatso eno ya madutelo ke Pudimoe, Matlhako 1 le 2, Ncweng, Myra, Mogopela A le B, Khibitswane, Khibitswane Extension, Cokonyane, Taung Central, Nhole, Ranstad, Taung Station, Itireleng, Rooiwal le Matolong,” Magae wa tlhalosa.

Mo matsatsing a le mmalwa a fetileng, baagi ba motse-setoropo wa Pudimoe, bane ba kaya fa ba tshelela mo letshogong morago ga kanamo ya bolwetsi jwa cholera. Seno, se tlile morago ga kgatiso ya video e tletsetletseng mo mafaratlhatlheng a boitapoloso, e mo go yone go bonweng metsi a tsamaya diboko.

Mongwe wa baagi, Joyce Pule one a kaya fa e le lobaka ba itemogela kgwetlho ya metsi a seng phepha. Pule are, one a gatisa video e bontshang metsi a tsamaya diboko, ebile a fetotse le mmala ale matala.

Ha a ne a buisana le Motsweding FM, Pule o tlhalositse jaana.

“Ga kena bopaki jo bo feletseng jwa gore go ka tswa go diragetse eng ka metsi. Fela, ke metsi are a fitlhelang mo dipompong tsa rona. Metsi a, a nkga sebodu, a na le mmala o mo tala, ebile a tsamaya diboko. Selo se, se simolotse ka kgwedi ya Tlhakole, mme re ile ra ipolelela gore ke selo fela sa feta.

“Kgatiso ya video e o e bonang eo, ke metsi a matala a tswang mo ntlung yame mo pompong e ko kamoreng ya go apeela. Ene ele ka di 30 Moranang fa kene ke bulela pompo. Go kgonega gore ka nako nngwe, metsi a be a le teng go fitlha mantsiboa. Fela, fa re tsoga mo mosong go ka bo go sena metsi,” Pule wa tlhalosa.

O kaile gape ka nako e metsi a bowang ka yone, a tla ale matala. Pule are kgatiso ya video, o e gatisitse ka di 12 Motsheganong.

“Batho botlhe ba ne ba ngongorega ka seemo sa metsi ha ba bulela dipompo. Fela, seo ga se tshimologe ka di 12 Motsheganong, gonne ha e sale diboko tse ditswa go simolola ka kgwedi ya Moranang. Tota fela, ha e sale bothata jwa metsi bo tshimolola ka nako ya fa go ne go sitlhamololelwa setlamo se se rebolang metsi sa Sedibeng Water go ya kwa Magalies Water.

“Ka nako ya Sedibeng Water, ga ese ebe re tsamaye re itemogele bothata jo. Ee, metsi ane ke a tsamaye, mme ere fa a bowa, a boe ale phepha. Re ne re nagana gore gongwe selo se, se diragala ka ntlheng ya gore gongwe go phephafatswa dipepi,” Pule wa tlhalosa.

Are, se se utlwisang botlhoko ke gore, gona le baagi bangwe ba ba sa direng, mme ba tlile go dira jaanag fa ba sena madi a go reka metsi a go nwa.

Kgabagare, molekgotlha wa kgorwana eo, Onkarabile Tong o kaile le fa ba itemogela mathata a metsi a a seng phepha kwa Pudimoe, kgatiso ya video ese ya ga jaana. Tong are, kgatiso eo ya video e e tsamyang diboko, e ile ya tlhagelela mo ngwageng o o fetileng, mme bothata joo bo ne jwa rarabololwa.

“Ga gona bo nnete mo kgatisong ya video eo. Kgatiso ya video e e tletse-tletseng mo mafaratlhatlheng, ke ya ngwaga o o fitileng. Go tlile ga nna le yone kgang eo ya metsi a tsamayang diboko mo ngwageng o o fitileng, mme ke a gopola gore rene ra kopa tsereganyo go tswa kwa masepaleng wa sedika. Seo, se ile sa diragala gonne ka nako eo, re ile ra nna le di kopano le baagi morago ga boipelaetso joo.

“Jaanong, bonnete ke gore, ga se video ya ga jaana. Selebego sa metsi mo mosong ke se se siameng, jaanong ga nkitla ke ganetsana le baagi ba ba reng, metsi a nkga sebodu, gonne mongwe le mongwe o bua se se mo diragaletseng,” Tong wa tlhalosa.

Tong are, seemo sa boleng jwa metsi se tokafetse thata fa o bapantsha le di beke tse di fitileng. Are, fela fa a bua puo-phaa, seemo sa metsi go tswa kwa setlamong sa Magalies Water ga se se se jesang diwelang.

“Ke seemo se se bosula, gonne nako enngwe metsi a ke a nne le mmala. Seo, se re lemotsha fa metsi ao a sa tlhatswiwe sentle. Bontsi jwa nako, metsi a bone ga mantle, mme re ke re buisane le ba masepala wa sedika go tlisa tharabololong, gonne ele bone ba ba dirisanang le ba setlamo sa Magalies Water go re rebolela metsi jaaka rele masepala wa selegae,” Tong wa tlhalosa.

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