By OBAKENG MAJE

Many revellers said they cannot wait for the much-anticipated Taung Annual Gospel Festival (TAGF) that will take place at PH Mooketsi High School in Taung on 1 April 2023.

Most revellers said they have taken advantage of the early bird tickets special, where one can get a General ticket for R150 instead of R250. 

The special will end on 15 January 2023. TAGF organiser, Tshidi Moreane said, taken at face value, the event is growing in leaps and bounds.

“When we take a quick glance at our ticket packages, we have the General Early Birds tickets at R150 and the special end on 15 January 2023.  So, I would like to encourage our people to go to the nearest Compu-tickets, Shoprite or Checkers to purchase their tickets to avoid disappointment.

“So, our General tickets will be available at R250 after 15 January 2023. Our VIP ticket cost R450, while our VVIP ticket is available at R1000,” Moreane said.

He further said, the gates will open at 2pm until late. Moreane added that he has pulled all stops to ensure that the event becomes a success.

“It is all systems go for us and this edition will be mouth-watering. Our main objective of this event is to deal with spiritual revival. As a Christian, I believe that spiritual revival in human life is essential, so this is exactly what this event aims for.

“We also have moral degeneration within our society that needs to be addressed. But, through this event, we can deal with that, if we all pull in the same direction,” he said.

Moreane further said, TAGF also seeks to give a platform to local gospel artists to showcase their God given talents. He added that he has roped in gospel heavyweight artists in the line-up such as Dumi Mkokstad, Dr Winnie Mashaba, Busy Radebe, Keke Sechaba, Teboho Moloi, Manana Ramongae and the list is endless.

“I think this is more than an event, but a revival meeting. The event aims to inspire or re-awaken the spiritual vigor within ourselves. Historically, revival events like this have only been held for Christian communities and churches, but this one is open for non-believers too.

“The main purpose is to revitalise the spiritual life of our people and boost the economy. We will be bringing our people under one roof to rejoice and seek a renewed spiritual exuberance. So, through this event people will sense the power of God,” said Moreane.

Meanwhile, Moreane said the stalls are available for informal traders, who would like to sell their product at the event. He encourages those who are interested to call him on 079 4924576 for necessary arrangements.

“The event also aims to boost the economy as most Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) owners will benefit from it,” he concluded.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West has described its Provincial Organising Secretary, Pasture Maremo (61), who perished in a horrible car accident last week as an incorrigible, principled and visionary leader.  

Maremo, who died in a tragic accident involving a truck last week near Brits, will be buried on Saturday.

The SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “Maremo was a beacon of hope for communities he served. He was an unflinching revolutionary cadre as well as organic ethical leader.

“Maremo was one leader who never lost his moral compass nor betrayed the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) for personal gain nor at the expense of factional interests.”

In conveying condolences to the bereaved Maremo family, Sebegoe thanked them for sharing him with all of them. He further said, Maremo was a revolutionary giant who served humanity as well as the communities in the best way that he could with selflessness, humility, integrity and passion.

He added that, the untimely death of Maremo who was a revolutionary cadre, civic activist, trade unionist and principled community leader must raise a unique monument.

“The kind that the foremost Pan African revolutionary intellectual from Guinea-Bissau, Amilcar Cabral, termed constructive emulation. Cabral meant competition, “but for well-being, not for our stomach, for us to serve our Party, our people.”

“The province and revolutionary alliance undoubtedly need new cadres with this constructive emulation, who will seek to outdo one another in the service of our people,” said Sebegoe.

He said, they need to outdo one another in compassion, love and support for one another, as epitomised by Maremo who was always willing to learn and accepted to be led.

“Though he spoke his mind, he was a disciplined cadre who never harboured ambitions to overthrow others from leadership positions. He understood what collective leadership is.

“I urge young people to always live-in hope and emulate Maremo’s unshakeable conviction as a colossal that detested lies and corruption with passion,” he said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Learners from disadvantaged communities are urged to be resilient in their pursuit for education. This was said by the North West Premier, Bushy Maape, who visited various schools as part of the Back To School campaign.

Maape visited Ikhutse Combined School, which is situated at a farm outside Potchefstroom. He also visited Resolofetse Secondary School in Ikageng Township, as well as Ferdinand Secondary School and Vyfhoek Primary School in Potchefstroom.

“This initiative is aimed at assessing the readiness of schools in this academic year. Remember, education has the ability to change the socio-economic conditions of learners in poor and marginalised communities.

“It is only through education that you can change your life and that of those around you even if you are in a farm school. While the government is intervening through various means to ensure you are taught in a conducive environment, you are also obligated to work hard,” said Maape.

He further appealed to learners to build a strong character, which will enable them to overcome a number of social ills afflicting the youth. Maape added that, character will always help the learners to overcome a number of challenges confronting them

“It will give you the ability to say no to drug and alcohol abuse. Therefore, it remains your responsibility to build a strong character. You can achieve this by listening to your teachers and parents,” he said.

Maape maintained that, since the advent of democracy, the government has initiated and passed various pieces of legislation aimed at addressing inequalities in the education sector.

Meanwhile, South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) chairperson in North West, Paul Sebegoe who visited various schools in Rustenburg said, there was a delay on delivery of stationery at some schools. Debegoe 0urged the North West Department of Education to act with speed to resolve the supplier challenge, which has impacted negatively on the state of readiness for the reopening of schools.

“There were admission challenges experienced at two schools we visited on Wednesday around Rustenburg. However, we are satisfied with measures put in place by the department to attend to queries as well as resolve disputes and ensure that all learners seeking admission are placed.   

“Both schools will understandably always be under pressure due to their reputable performance and high standards hence twinning with other neighbouring schools should be explored to share best practice, pristine facilities, innovation and the passion that defines the institutions,” he said.

Sebegoe said the external pressure groups targeting the two schools in order to gain admission, should approach the district hub for resolutions of their cases instead of opting for intimidation and other unlawful tactics.  

He underscored that, leadership is critical for schools to perform hence the principal of Kloof View Primary, Serokolo Mphahlele was the winner of the 2021 National Teachers Award and the school team scooped the 2022 National Chess Championship.

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baagi ba motse wa Sekhing ga mmogo le metsana e e mabapi, ba re ba na le dibeke di ka nna tharo dikantoro tsa segosi sa Batlhaping Baga-Mothibi di tswetswe. Go kaiwa fa go tswalwa ga dikantoro tseno, go bakilwe ke tlhatlharuwane e ileng ya tsoga magareng ga baagi ba motse wa Sekhing le Seoding.

Go ya ka dipego, baagi ba Sekhing, ba latofatsa baagi ba Seoding ka go aga mo lefatsheng la bone. Jaanong seno, sene sa tlhotlheletsa baagi ba Sekhing go ka tswala dikantoro tsa morafe.

Jaanong mongwe wa baeteledipele ba baagi, Mpho Gift Motaung are, go tswlwa ga dikantoro tseno, go amile matshelo a bone gonne ga ba kgone le go fitlhelela ditirelo.

“Jaaka re le baagi, re ne re kopa thuso mabapi le go tswlwa ga dikantoro tsa morafe mo motseng wa Sekhing. Dikantoro tse, di dirisiwa ke metsana e ka nna 14, mme ga re kgone le go fitlhelela ditlankana tsa go netefatsa bonno jwa motho (Proof of Resident).

“Jaanong re ikuela go puso ya rona go ka nere tharabololo. Le fa re re re leba kwa dikantorong tse dingwe tse di mabapi jaaka kwa motseng wa Itireleng, re fitlhela go sena dipampiri tseo,” Motaung wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Kgosi Batlhaping Baga-Mothibi, Ponatshego Mothibi o kaile fa le ene a sa itse gore ke eng se se tlhotlheleditseng baagi go tswalwa dikantoro tseno.

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Modiri wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung yo o latofatswang ka go pega bapalami ba ba itsagaleng jaaka ‘ditlhogwana’ kwa motseng wa Molelema ka Mosopulogo, Onkabetse Daniel Mokakale, are o dirile seo, gonne basimanyana ba babedi ba ne ba gaeletswe.

Go begwa fa Mokakale, yo o ne a kgweetsa sejanaga sa masepala, one a pega bapalami ba ba ne ba emetse tekesi mo sejanageng sa masepala. Go ya ka paki e e boneng tiragalo e, Pogisho Afrika, are Mokakale o ne a fitlhela bapalami bao ba ba neng ba emetse tekesi go ya Hartswater, mme a ba pega.

Afrika are, ene ya re go bona seo, o ne a kopa Mokakale go se dire jalo. Are, fela Mokakale o ne a mo itsise fa a sa tshabe sepe.

“Mokgweetsi wa sejanaga sa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, o fitlhetse bangwe ba baagi ba emetse sepalangwa sa botlhe, mme a pega bangwe ba baagi bao ba ba ne ba leba kwa toropong ya Hartwater. 

“Re ne ra mo kopa gore a folose batho bao, gonne go se mo molaong go pega bapalami mo sejanageng sa masepala. Fela, one a fetola ka gore, ene ga tshabe sepe ebile ga gona ope o o tla mo bolelelang,” Afrika wa tlhalosa.

Jaanong Mokakale are le fa a tlhaloganya gore ga go mo molaong go dirisa sejanaga sa puso jaaka sa botlhe, are basimanyana bao ba mo  kaetse fa ba na le sebaka sa ura ba emetse tekesi, mme e sa goroge. Are, ene ya re mo go ba pegeng, Afrika one a mo tsaya ditshwantsho.

“Ene ele ka Mosupologo ka ura ya bobedi motshegare fa kene ke fitlhela rre Pogisho Afrika yo o dirang jaaka mathaothane mo ditekesing tsa Molelema. Mme ke mo fitlhetse a dirile basimanyana ba babedi batshwara-kananyo le go ba pateletsa gore ba emele ditekesi.

“Fela, basimanyana bao, ba ne ba tlhalosa fa ba na le ura ba eme, mme Afrika a ba bolelela gore go na le tekesi e e tlang. Ba kaile fa ba leba kwa toropong ya Kimberley, mme ba ile ba kopa thuso mo go nna ka go bona ke tshwere serori sa puso,” Mokakale wa tlhalosa.

Mokakale are, o ile a ba kopa gore ba palame, gonne ba kaile fa ba leba kwa Hartswater gore ba fitlhelele sepalangwa se se yang Kimberley. Mokakale are gone ga nna fela jalo, mme a ba laela fa a tla ba folosa kwa Hartswater.

“Ke gone foo, ha rre Afrika a ne a ntsaya ditshwantsho ga mmogo le serori sa masepala. Kene ka mo kaele gore a ka nna a ntsaya ditshwantsho, mme a di romele ko setheo sa bone sa ditekesi, masepala ga mmogo le ko porofeseng. Ke ile gape ka mo laela gore a ba bolelele gore, ke nnete ke pegi batho ba.

“Bo mathaothane ba rona ba tlhoka thupiso (workshop). Gongwe ha setheo sa rona sa ditekesi (Taung Taxi Association), se ka leka gore bonyenyane morago ga kgwedi di le tharo, se ba katisa gore ba dirisane jang le bapalami ga mmogo le bakgweetsi ba ba bangwe,” Mokakale wa tlhalosa.

Are, bo mathaothane ba, ga ba foo go ka thusa batho, mme go itsenyetsa madi mo kgetsing. Mokakale are koloi ya masepala ke ya morafe, mme ga kake a tlogela batho ba sokola.

“Ke a itse gore molao le molawana o teng o tlhalosang gore koloi e, ga e pege mme kene ke patelesega go thusa basimanyana bao. Jaaka ke bua le wena jaana, kene ke ile ko Molelema ka go tlisa tsireganyo kwa matlung a senyegile.

“Ha ele gore kgetsi e teng, rre Afrika a ka e tseela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo, gonne kene ke thusa morafe ka koloi ya puso,” Mokakale wa tlhalosa.

Sebueledi sa setheo sa ditekesi mo Taung (Taung Taxi Association), Tshidiso Letlhaku are: “Dikoloi tse di pegang batho, mme ese dipalangwa tsa botlhe di ama kgwebo tsa bo raditekesi. Jaanong, gwa makatsa gore gotwe sejanaga sa puso se ne se pega batho.”

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa masepala, Ricky Oliphant, o kaile fa go se mo molaong gore dijanaga tsa masepala di dirisiwe jaaka dipalangwa tsa botlhe. Oliphant are, koloi nngwe le nngwe ya masepala ena le setlankana se se supang metsamao yotlhe ya koloi (log book), mme batla tsweletsa ka dipatlisiso kgatlhanong le mokgweetsi oo, fa go na le bopaki. 

“Go ya ka molao wa masepala, molatofadiwa mo tirong e, a ka tseelwa dikgato le go tlhagelela fa pele ga komiti-kgalemo ya masepala fa go na le bopaki kgatlhanong le ene,” Oliphant wa tlhalosa.

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Baagi ba motse wa Molelema gaufi le Taung, ba re bane ba sala ba gamaregile morago ga go bonga mokgweetsi mongwe wa masepala a dirisa sejanaga sa masepala jaaka sepalangwa sa botlhe kgotsa go pega ditlhogwana ka puo e e tlwaelegileng.

Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka Mosupulogo mo mosong. Mongwe wa baagi ba ba boning ka matlho, Pogiso Afrika are, ba ne bae me fa mabenkeleng fa ba bona koloi ya masepala o mogolwane wa Taung e ema le go pega bapalami ba ba ne ba emetse takesi go leba kwa toropong ya Hartswater.

“Mokgweetsi wa sejanaga sa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, o fitlhetse bangwe ba baagi ba emetse sepalangwa sa botlhe, mme a pega bangwe ba baagi bao ba ba ne ba leba kwa toropong ya Hartwater.  

“Re ne ra mo kopa gore a folose batho bao, gonne go se mo molaong go pega bapalami mo sejanageng sa masepala. Fela, one a fetola ka gore, ene ga tshabe sepe ebile ga gona ope o o tla mo bolelelang.”

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa masepala, Ricky Oliphant o kaile fa go se mo molaong gore dijanaga tsa masepala di dirisiwe jaaka dipalangwa tsa botlhe. Oliphant are, koloi nngwe le nngwe ya masepala ena le setlankana se se supang metsamao yotlhe ya koloi (log book), mme batla tsweletsa ka dipatlisiso kgatlhanong le Mokgweetsi oo, fa go na le bopaki.  

“Go ya ka molao wa masepala, molatofadiwa mo tirong e, a ka tseelwa dikgato le go tlhagelela fa pele ga komiti-kgalemo ya masepala fa go na le bopaki kgatlhanong le ene,” Oliphat wa tlhalosa.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Five men appeared before Christiana Magistrate’s Court for being in possession of suspected stolen property. This comes after Nkosibonile Hlwayelo (30), Lawrence Senekane Lebajwa (41), Joshuoa Morolong (37), Teboho Sefole (28) and Mohale Tlolotlolo (34) were arrested with copper cable to the value of R5 000 000 on Sunday.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The accused were allegedly driving a VW minibus and travelling from Bloemhof towards the direction of Christiana on the N12 road when their vehicle got a puncture. 

“Transnet security guards, who were passing by the same route, became suspicious of the vehicle and they allegedly called the police for assistance. Upon arrival of the police at the scene, the accused’s vehicle was searched.”

Tselanyane said the police found copper cable, brass and tools like a bolt cutter and iron saw. He further said, all five accused were immediately arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property.

“Four the accused, Lebajwa, Morolong, Sefole and Tlolotlolo are Lesotho Nationals and had no proper documentation with them. They will also face an additional charge of contravening the Immigration Act no 13 of 2002, Section 49(1). 

“They were all remanded in custody until their next court appearance on 19 January 2023. Investigation into the matter continues,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A well-known lawyer, Tebogo Letloleng (42) was sentenced to 20 months in jail or pay R20 000 fine by Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. This comes after Letloleng pleaded guilty in a stock-theft case against him.

The embattled Letloleng was arrested on 2 December 2022 for stealing two cows worth R20 600. According to information, the incident took place at Manthe village, near Taung in 2021.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the police found suspected stolen cows in Letloleng’s possession. Letloleng alleged that he found those cows in his kraal and the mistake he made was to brand-mark them.

However, the prosecutor condemned Letloleng’s action and said he does not show any remorse. He said, if Letloleng was genuine, he could have returned those cows to their rightful owners.

Now, Letloleng will be sentenced on Tuesday at Taung Magistrate’s Court. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) called for a direct imprisonment for Letloleng, but his lawyer urged the court to hand him a suspended sentence.

Letloleng’s defence argued that, he has five children that he is taking care of and his incarceration might also jeopardise his career as a lawyer. The court also heard that the controversial Letloleng had a damage to property case against him that took place back in 2004.

Unfortunately, Letloleng was detained again as he has other pending criminal cases in Gauteng Province.

One of the owners of the stolen cows, Moses Phakedi (65) said, rural farmers are not only facing challenges of severe drought, but stock theft as well. Phakedi further said, the nature of this scourge extremely manifests itself in rural areas because it is not fully tackled by authorities.

Another owner, Edward Sereo (40) shared the same sentiments. Sereo said, livestock owners continue to bear the brunt and that affects their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, the www.scielo.org.za said: “Rural communities regard livestock as living wealth and they are often their only source of income and sustenance. Thus, when their livestock are stolen many households and subsistence farmers lose their livelihoods.

“But these farmers are not the only ones who suffer on account of stock theft. It also has a serious impact on commercial farmers, and thus the red meat industry as a whole. Stock theft is an escalating, unnerving and destructive reality, facing or affecting all sectors of the farming community.”

The website added that: “The research reveals that an inadequate approach in dealing with stock theft in rural areas is prevalent. And in line with the importance of livestock, these species remain an absolute credit to South African rural livestock farmers’ families at large.

“However, the extent and dark figures of this crime undermine the capacity of the police, livestock farmers, and community members. The researchers are of the opinion that rural livestock farmers in South Africa have expressed concern over the rampant cases of stock theft. Undoubtedly, the escalating stock theft syndicate activities pose a threat to the community.”

It says, the livestock farmers’ concerned claim that those who have been arrested in connection with stock theft have not received appropriate punishment and the incidences of stock thefts are rising at an alarming rate, affecting their livelihoods.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West police are investigating an attempted murder case after a shooting at Q-Base Pub in Vryburg on 8 January 2023, where ANC regional spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Seatlathebe Lepomane was shot.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said, Lepomane was sitting in a minibus taxi with his other three friends when the incident happened.

“It is alleged that Lepomane and his three friends were seated in a combi near the club in Vryburg CBD when an unknown vehicle passed by. It alleged that, the vehicle made a U-turn and opened fire.  

“Lepomane and his friends allegedly heard gunshots and he realised that he was struck by a bullet in his left shoulder. He was rushed to the local hospital for medical attention and he is in a stable condition. No arrests have been made yet and investigations are underway,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ANC regional secretary, Walter Mabogola said they condemned the incident. Mabogola further said, they will not speculate on whether Lepomane’s shooting was motivated by political factionalism within the ANC.

“We would like to wish Lepomane a speedy recovery and hope that the police arrest the perpetrator/s. We do not want to speculate on what has tricked the shooting and hope the law enforcement agencies arrest the perpetrator/s soon,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Patients at Mothanthanyaneng clinic near Taung were left stranded as they could not relieve themselves at the healthcare facility due to lack of water. These patients said, they were forced to seek help from nearby houses to use ablution facilities.

According to one of the patients, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, it’s been more than a week since there is no water at the facility.  

“I came to the clinic and wanted to use the ablution facilities, however, there was no water even to drink. We had to go to the nearest houses to request water or to use their toilets to relieve ourselves.

“I think urgent action is needed to improve services at this healthcare facility. We cannot live like this and it seems the clinic management is also not doing anything about it. Imagine, how older people copy about the whole situation?”

He said, in most cases, people spend almost the whole day at the clinic and this poses health risks.

Another patient said: “Adequate water, sanitation and hygiene are essential components of providing basic health services. However, that is non-existence at this clinic. We call on the North West Department of Health to intervene because the situation is hazardous.

“When you go to the toilets, you’ll find feaces exposed. It is so unfortunate to see lack of access to rudimentary levels of services. We expect a high level of services to be factored in at healthcare centres, but that is not the case at Mothanthanyane clinic. The situation is deteriorating significantly at this clinic and immediate actions are needed.”

She further said, the implications for health are severe and spread of infections in the very same place, in which patients are seeking care. According to the patient, the implications for dignity are also profound.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “I am struggling to get full details on what has transpired from our district manager Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. However, I will revert back to you with in-depth details.”

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