By OBAKENG MAJE

It has been almost three months since the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe crashed his mayoral vehicle, BMW X3 in an accident. Now, the luxury SUV worth R700 000 continues to gather dust at the municipality storage. 

According to allegations, the municipality wanted to use R200 000 from taxpayers’ money to fix the vehicle. This comes after Gaoraelwe allegedly failed to submit an Accident Report (AR) to the insurance within the prescribed 48 hours.  

Gaoraelwe, who was on leave at the time, was involved in an accident 10km outside Schweizer Reneke along N12 road towards Klerksdorp. 

Even though Gaoraelwe alleged that he was with his ex-wife, Sindisiwe Nkonyana and their two children at the time of accident, the Accident Report (AR) suggests that only one passenger was registered. 

The municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said the vehicle is kept in the storage because an assessor has yet to conduct an investigation on it. 

“The claim has been reported to the insurance and Gaoraelwe was offered a courtesy car as evidence of submission. All documents were submitted timeously and an assessor is yet to submit his report to the insurance,” Oliphant said. 

He further said, the insurance has appointed an assessor and his report will inform the municipality of the exact cost of repairs.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor at the municipality, Sam Nape said at the time that they had tabled a motion of no confidence against Gaoraelwe. Nape said Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold office and he allegedly submitted contrary affidavits on the matter.

“We have submitted a notice of motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order against Gaoraelwe to the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai. I moved on behalf of the DA on a motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order.

“On 3 October 2022, Gaoraelwe took possession of the mayoral vehicle, travelled outside of the municipal boundaries with one passenger, and was involved in a motor vehicle accident outside the town of Schweizer Reneke,” he said.

Nape added that a police investigation is underway against Gaoraelwe for negligent driving, which might suspiciously have been caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. He said in the process, the mayoral vehicle suffered extensive damages.

“In terms of Section 2 of Local Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, a councillor must perform the functions of the office in good faith, honestly, and in a transparent manner.

“This must be done at all times in the best interest of the municipality and in such a way that the credibility and integrity of the municipality are not compromised. So, Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold the office because he breached his oath,” said Nape.

However, Gaoraelwe said: “I submitted only one statement, which I can account for. If there’s any other statement whose contents do not reflect the original statement, then this question should be directed to the relevant authorities.

“If there is any frivolous, spineless and baseless motion of no confidence against me, the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai will convene a council sitting. As things stand, the municipal council has a huge responsibility in matters of service delivery.”

He further said the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998. Chapter 3, Section 29 is very clear about meetings of the council. Gaoraelwe said that, the speaker decides when and where the council meets subject to Section 18 (2) council sittings, not driven by motions or emotions.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A second-year student doing environmental studies at the University of Technology in Poland, Jakub Dzuirkiewicz said, travelling through the African continent assists him to gain more knowledge on conservation education.

Dzuirkiewicz, who is cycling from Alexandria in Egypt to Cape Town in South Africa, arrived in Mahikeng, North West on Tuesday through the Botswana border. He passed through Taung today and said, he expected to arrive in Cape Town within nine days.

Dzuirkiewicz left Egypt on 9 October 2022.

“Africa is a large and vast continent, where different cultures co-exist. This is one of the reasons that made me embark on this initiative. The continent is also culturally diverse and it has been an amazing journey.

“I have met amazing people through-out my journey even though I had minor challenges, where I came across hostile situations, especially in North African countries. The aim of this initiative is to learn and gather as much knowledge as I could about Africa and its people,” he said.

Dzuirkiewicz further said, the sunsets and sunrises in Africa are known to be some of the most beautiful in the world including its diverse landscapes, which consist of jungles, deserts, tropical beaches and open savannahs. He added that he would spend a few weeks in Cape Town by visiting a few townships such as Gugulethu and others before flying back to Poland.

“I might also visit Robben Island, if there is time to see where former South African president, the late Dr Nelson Mandela and other apartheid struggle icons were incarcerated,” Dzuirkiewicz said.

The local social activist, Thato Molosankwe who once embarked on the same initiative of rounding Africa, but aborted his mission in Zambia due to unforeseen circumstances shared the same sentiments.

“When I received a call from the employees at Total Garage in Mahikeng telling me about Dzuirkiewicz, I was excited. I was very emotional when meeting him due to his state. You know when you are on the road, your funds are limited and you are unable to book into proper accommodation.

“So, as somebody who has first-hand experience on what he is doing, I tried to call some of the government leaders to give financial support. Unfortunately, they could not come through due to other commitments,” Molosankwe said.

However, Molosankwe said, he managed to organised accommodation for Dzuirkiewicz and ensure that he received a great send-off.

Meanwhile, the Moshawane Cycling Club in Mahikeng also came through to give the necessary support to Dzuirkiewicz. The Moshawane Cycling Club head coach, Phumzile Bekwape said: “This is inspiring to see someone from as far as Poland embarking on this initiative. Dzuirkiewicz really encourages us to work harder in ensuring that we develop a well-mannered society.

“We have established the cycling club back in 2019 during COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to ensure that we address various socio-economic challenges, especially facing our young people. We have teenage pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, a high rate of unemployment among the youths, alcohol and drug abuse which continue to ravage our country.”

Bekwape said, they have 48 young people who are part of the program.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Most small business owners and entrepreneurs who were selling various products at the adored Dj Nation Annual Bash on 28 December 2022 at Taung Cover-ground said they wish the event could be organised every six months. One of those informal traders, Mabuse Mailwane who was selling food said, he had a fruitful return.

“Generally, most Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are faced with a different set of struggles compared to their larger counterparts. This has created a sense of isolation as we work towards driving our business forward. However, having events of this magnitude assists us a lot.

“The North West province is faced with a high rate of unemployment. Also, that has a negative impact in growing our businesses due to affordability. However, I am grateful because I managed to sell all the food and this money will assist me a lot as you know, we are faced with January, which is the toughest month of the year,” Mailwane said.

Another informal trader who was selling food at the event, Keitumetse Pedi from Ditompong village near Mokgareng shared the same sentiments. Pedi said such events like the Dj Nation Annual Bash promote interaction and are a boost to the local economy.

“Local events contribute positively to small businesses. Now, I am so grateful because I will manage to buy school uniforms and stationery for my children this year.

“Truly speaking, these kind of events have proven to be more beneficial for small businesses as they help us to cultivate a strong brand image, generate publicity, and foster meaningful relationships with our customers. So, we just wish we could have this kind of events atleast every after six months,” she said.

Meanwhile, the event organiser, Monnapula “Dj Nation” Mokgwabone said: “I am happy that the event was a success and all accommodation was fully-booked. We had over 80 food stalls at the event and I was also told that there was no fuel at some of the garages around.

“This shows that the event is loved by people. I even received calls from service providers as far as Gauteng and Eastern Cape. So, you can just imagine the magnitude this event has across the country.”

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A suspect (27) is expected to appear at the Itsoseng Magistrate’s Court on 3 January 2023 for robbery. It is alleged that the suspect was arrested after he and two others robbed a Mini Market owner of an undisclosed amount of money and cellular phones.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the incident took place at Zone 1 in Itsoseng Township near Lichtenburg.

“After the robbery, the suspects allegedly fled in a vehicle that was later traced by police, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Subsequently, the police seized a firearm, the vehicle and robbed cash. Investigations are continuing and more arrests are imminent,” Myburgh said.

Meanwhile, the District Police Commissioner in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Major General Mmatlhapi Mmolawa lauded the police for their swift response and apprehension of the suspect. Mmolawa said, the police will continue to work hard to ensure a safe environment during festive season and beyond.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 125 new babies were born on New Year’s Day in various healthcare facilities across the North West. The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said, his department intends to strengthen its mother and child services towards the total eradication of maternal and infant mortality.

According to Sambatha, the first report in the early hours of the New Year’s Day revealed that the new-born babies were a total of 36, but almost quadrupled by the end of the day.

“We visited the Klerksdorp Hospital where we interacted with mothers and welcomed some of the new-born babies. We also donated a total of 50 gifts to the mothers and their babies at the same hospital.

“Welcoming new-born babies, signals a blessing and that is why I wish to send congratulations messages to all mothers, our nurses and doctors who delivered them. I am more pleased that we did not record any incidents of maternal and infant mortality. All the mothers and their babies are in good health,” he said.

Sambatha encouraged all pregnant women to report early for antenatal clinics, which prepare women for safe pregnancy and delivery on the day of giving birth. He further alerted the mothers to utilise the Home Affairs facilities inside the hospitals to register their babies for birth certificates.

“All four districts contributed to the 127 total with Bojanala leading. A total number of 45 children were born in Bojanala (28 males and 17 females) followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda with 31 new-born babies (14 males and 17 females).

“The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati welcomed 27 new-born babies (19 males and 8 females) and Ngaka Modiri Molema with 24 (15 males and 9 females). The total in terms of gender ended at 66 Males and 61 females,” said Sambatha.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari urges road users to be more cautious while using various roads across the province. This comes after over 60 people died in various car accidents in North West.

Yesterday, three people died in a head-on collision in Pudimoe Township, near Taung on Christmas Day.    

“Eleven more lives were lost on the North West roads over the Christmas weekend. This brings the total number of lives lost during the festive season to over 60 thus far. On 25 December 2022, three people, two men, and one woman died instantly in a head-on collision in Pudimoe, near Taung on N18.

“In another fatality in Makhubung village outside Mahikeng, a pedestrian (28) was hit by a car on N18 at around 2am. In another accident, a woman (61), who was reportedly waiting for a taxi, was hit by a car that allegedly lost control at 10am in Dinokana village near Zeerust on N4,” Lehari said.

He further said, another pedestrian who was with her, was taken to the Zeerust Hospital with serious injuries. Lehari added, culpable homicide cases are being investigated in all crashes.

“Cumulatively, the figure is 20% less than the same period last year as 67 lives were lost by Christmas Day. All arterial routes in the province including regional roads have recorded higher numbers than normal traffic volume with N4 and N12 having more of them.

“So, we appeal to all road users to be compliant with all regulations. The law enforcement officers have been ordered to strictly apply the law, especially on moving violations as almost all fatal crashes are as a result of deviant driver behaviour,” he said.

A worried Lehari said, there is a growing trend of pedestrians who die from road accidents, and most are reported not to be sober during those accidents. He said in most cases, this happens during the night.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A boy (12) has died at the initiation school in Vryburg. It is alleged that, the boy was taken to the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital after experiencing complications. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said, the police in Vryburg were called to the hospital.

“Upon arrival, the police were informed that a boy was brought in from the initiation school, which is 10km outside of Vryburg along the N14 road. The victim died after being admitted to the hospital,” Botma said.

Meanwhile, the deputy minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Obed Bapela told Newzroom Afrika that, they are concerned about death tolls at initiation schools across the country. Bapela said, the police will crack down and investigate those who are responsible.

“We have assembled the National Initiation School Oversight Committee (NISOC) and we also have Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) across all nine provinces.

“The initiation is being practiced across all provinces, now, with this committee established, we will be able to engage with communities including parents and families. It is paramount for parents to take charge and ensure that they know where their children are going,” he said.

Bapela further said, this will assist in eliminating illegal initiation schools. He added, the police also have the law on their side and they are now able to charge those individuals, who run illegal initiation schools.

“In the past, the police were able to arrest them, but could not charge them. Now, the new legislation allows police to charge them. Unfortunately, we already have over 11 deaths and Eastern Cape is the most affected.

“In winter this year, we also experienced some deaths, but I am hopeful that next year, we will be able to prevent many deaths as possible. It is important for those who go to initiation schools to undergo a pre-medical check before being admitted at the initiation school,” said Bapela.

He also encouraged parents to ensure that, the initiation schools that they take their children to are legitimate. According to Bapela, it is difficult to monitor illegal initiation schools because most of them are hidden in the deep forests away from authorities.

“It is fundamental for parents to ensure that they know those who will be responsible for conducting procedural issues at the initiation schools. They should check if those individuals are knowledgeable about tradition and culture. They should also check if the school is legal and those initiates, who have underlying conditions will be allowed to take their medication.

“These initiation schools are conducted within communities, so it is not difficult for parents to identify them. We urge everyone to come on board and ensure that compliance is the order of the day.

He added: “We need to deal harshly with those who commercialize the initiation schools. Most definitely, we will investigate the initiation schools, where children died to check what was the cause of deaths and those who are responsible will have to account.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Most political parties in the North West call for the removal of the newly-elected ANC ward councillor in Ditsobotla, Sibusiso Thamaga. This comes after the widespread allegations that, Thamaga was amongst three men who were arrested for stock theft on 23 December 2022.

Three men aged between 27 and 37 were arrested by police for possession of suspected stolen goods. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the arrest was executed by members of Sannieshof Stock-theft and Endangered Species (STES) unit.

Mokgwabone said, the suspects were arrested after the police searched two private dwellings in Bakerville, outside Lichtenburg.

“They found two sheep carcasses and the latter were positively identified through tattoos. They were confirmed to be part of 24 sheep allegedly stolen between 17 and 18 December 2022 on a farm in the area of Bakerville.

“The two suspects were arrested together with another man whose cellphone was found in the kraal, where the sheep were stolen. Investigation into the matter is underway and all three suspects are expected to appear before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 28 December 2022,” he said.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and thanked members for their efforts.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) spokesperson in North West, Fanon Moema said, they welcome the arrest of Thamaga. Moema said, Thamaga’s arrest corroborates their contention that, ANC is responsible for creating a fertile ground for corruption in all spheres of government.

“Today, ANC ward councillor, who was elected merely 11 days ago in the by-elections is already stealing from the community as opposed to improving the socio-economic conditions.

“The reluctance of the voters in some of the wards to deal decisively with the ANC, has done more harm than good to their livelihoods. We commend the intervention of the law enforcement agencies and the whistle-blowers in this matter. We will apply ourselves fully and attentively to the developments of this case to ensure that the accused do not enjoy any impunity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) in North West calls for the resignation of Thamaga. F4SD provincial secretary, Lenyatso Legabe said: “As F4SD, we are not surprised that the newly-elected ANC deployee turns out to be a thief. This is so on-brand, typical ANC and Thamaga is not an exception.

“This is the type of people the ANC offers as public representatives. Thieves and other characters of questionable reputations. We call on Thamaga to resign from the position so that residents can get an opportunity to elect someone else and hopefully this time around, the corrupt ANC will not win the seat.”

Legabe said, he expects the ANC to try and protect Thamaga, instead of making him account. He said, they know that the ANC has low accountability standards that are hardly enforced.

“Their recent national conference is proof that the party of Mandela has now evolved into a full-on criminal enterprise that chose leaders among candidates that have all sorts of allegations around them,” said Legabe.

*ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping failed to respond to our WhatsApp messages before publishing this article.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The much-anticipated DJ Nation Annual Bash event returns with a bang after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The DJ Nation Annual Bash organiser, Monnapula “Dj Nation” Mokgwabone, who had an interview with a 24-hour news channel, Newzroom Afrika said, he has roped in some of the A-list artists on the line-up.

Mokgwabone said, this year’s DJ Nation Annual Bash event’s edition which will take place at Taung Cover-ground on 28 December, will be bigger than it was in past years. He also encourages patrons to purchase their tickets to avoid disappointment. 

“We started this event back in 2007 with only 200 people in a small village. But as things stand now, the event has grown in leaps and bounds. We had over 18 000 revellers in our last event back in 2019 and that alone shows that this event is loved by many. 

“We have applied various types of marketing including word of mouth. Some of the people in the village, apart from those who stay in the cities, only see these big-name artists on tv or social media. So, I think it is a good thing for them to see these household artists live,” he said.    

Mokgwabone further said some of the A-list artists who are on the line-up are Cassper Nyovest, Makhadzi, Master KG and the list is endless. He added that, on previous occasions, the event was graced by international artists as far as Japan, USA and UK.

“There are quite a lot of challenges and some companies have shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, obviously, it is difficult to have to deal with new service providers as most of them charge hefty amounts because they complain that Taung is too far.

“However, in terms of marketing, we have used various methods to remind our people that, indeed the DJ Nation Annual Bash event is back. There are also some of logistics that we had to deal with including ticket pricing,” said Mokgwabone.

According to Mokgwabone, he considered the high rate of unemployment when doing ticket pricing. Mokgwabone said, one thing that he did, was to ensure that tickets are affordable.

“We should not find ourselves in a situation, where tickets are too expensive and people could not afford them back home. Our country is struggling economically and where we come from, is not like here in Gauteng, where you’ll find either City of Tshwane or Johannesburg support events.

“The event brings a huge spin-off to the district and the province at large. We also have people from neighbouring countries like Botswana and Namibia attending the event. So, the minute they enter into the province, they either spend on fuel, food, or accommodation,” said Mokgwabone.

He said, mostly, Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) and informal traders benefit from the event either indirectly or directly including those who are looking for love. 

Mokgwabone said many people are keen to have the DJ Nation Annual Bash event in their areas, especially in the cities, but he never thought about it because Taung is the home of the Dj Nation Annual Bash event.

“What I have done previously, was to have activations across the country like Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Kuruman. However, this year, there were some challenges in planning and other things. However, next year, we will start planning early with my team to ensure that we have activations across the country again.

“Many people across the country are keen to host us. It is too costly to organise an event of this magnitude and it is ideal to have sponsors around. Fortunately, I have been saving over the years and we are quite covered from all angles,” he said.

Mokgwabone said, all systems go for the event as he had a consultative meeting with various stakeholders and in terms of security, everything is running accordingly.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

THREE suspects were arrested for possession of unlicenced firearms and suspected stolen property. Hamilton Radebe (46), Michael Kgwete (42), and Thabiso William Kgame (34) made a brief appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and their case was postponed until 29 December 2022.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday after the police in Jouberton received a tip-off. Botma said the suspects were travelling in a white Volkswagen Polo driving from Wolmaransstad toward the direction of Klerksdorp.

“The suspects allegedly robbed a cellphone shop at gunpoint in Wolmaransstad on Tuesday, so their vehicle was spotted near Jouberton and stopped. Three men as well as the vehicle were searched.

“The police found two unlicensed firearms and recovered 57 stolen cellphones. All three suspects were immediately arrested. They were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on 29 December 2022 for a formal bail application. The investigation into the matter continues,” she said.

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