By OBAKENG MAJE

A dark cloud continues to be hovering over the Head of Department (HoD) of North West Social Development, Relebophile Mafokane. This comes after allegations that Mafokane, who is earning R1.5 million per annum does not have relevant qualifications for the position.

According to the Mail & Guardian newspaper, Mafokane’s appointment was allegedly rubber-stamped by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, despite Mafokane possessing no apparent qualification beyond a matric certificate.

According to the Mail & Guardian, they have established through an internal note from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), that Mafokane only had a matric certificate when he began his five-year term in May last year.

Now, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development refused to process an Annual Performance Plan (APP) signed off by Mafokane.

The chairperson of the committee, Gavin Edwards said: “We are disappointed that the outstanding matters relating to the questionable appointment of Mafokane have yet to be addressed.

“We had several interactions with the department trying to resolve the matter. So, we decided to return the department without processing the 2021/22 Annual Performance Plan.

“The decision was taken based on the uneasiness of members of the Portfolio Committee to hear and deliberate on a report signed off by a HOD whose appointment is currently still in question,” Edwards said.

He further said, there is a written communication between the committee, North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa, and North West Premier, Bushy Maape which last received attention in June 2022.

“It has become clear that this matter has been outstanding as far back as June 2022. The matter of the legality of the HOD’s appointment has been raised by the committee during previous committee meetings and more recently in media reports.  

“The lack of progress on the matter poses serious possible financial risks to taxpayers’ funds, therefore, we will not continue to deal with the HOD until the matter is resolved,” said Edwards.

He added that, the committee resolved to hand over this matter to the relevant Portfolio Committee overseeing the Office of the Premier, in ensuring that the legislature carries out its mandate of oversight over the department. Edwards said the committee further invited the Mafokane to provide his version of events before it.  

“We hope that the truth will finally come to the fore and if proven to be correct. All those involved from the accused to those who appointed him and those involved in this matter and failed to do due diligence, will be dealt with appropriately,” said Edwards.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 46-YEAR-OLD man who was arrested for allegedly killing two people in Nhole village, near Taung on Saturday, is a free man. This comes after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Taung Magistrate’s Court struck the case off the roll on Monday. It is alleged that a commotion ensued between Tebogo Morokgweng and the deceased, Letlhogonolo Sima (35), and Joseph Loeto (48) over R20.

The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “According to the docket, the deceased’s girlfriend, who is the only witness was owed R20 by Morokgweng.

“On that day, at around 7pm, the deceased saw the accused and approached him demanding R20 that is owed to his girlfriend by the accused and an argument ensued,” Mamothame said.

He further said, the deceased and the accused engaged in a fight and this happened in the presence of the witness and her son (5). Mamothame added, the witness allegedly reprimanded the deceased to leave the accused alone.

“She allegedly told the deceased that, she will get her R20 after the social grants and took the child to the house. While in the house, she heard the deceased saying, he has been stabbed.

“Then the second deceased, who was in the house went outside and said his brother cannot be stabbed like. The witness went outside the house as well and saw her boyfriend lying next to the gate,” said Mamothame.

He said the witness also saw the second deceased lying on the ground a few metres from the house. He said, however, the deceased’s girlfriend did not witness the stabbing of both deceased persons.

“The police were called to the crime scene and observed the two deceased persons. Next to the first deceased, there was a knife, while there were a bottleneck, a broken knobkerrie, and a knife in the possession of the second deceased.

“According to the arrest statement, the accused had multiple head injuries. Morokgweng went to Taung Police Station to open a case of Assault GBH. So, in the absence of an eyewitness, it is not clear what transpired at the crime scene,” he said.

Mamothame said at this stage, it appears that there is a ground of justification, so the docket was referred back to the police for further investigations.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

More than two hundred households were displaced due to torrential rains and windstorms that ravaged the Rekgaratlhile Township in Stella near Vryburg during the weekend.

The North West Premier, Bushy Maape visited the affected area and sounded the alarm over the dire conditions. Maape said those who were most affected were provided with refuge, blankets, and food parcels.

“As the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), we have brought in assistance to the area. I was also informed that many people managed to rebuild their shacks, while others decided to stay with their families.

“So, the situation has been managed and people received assistance in a form of food parcels, and blankets including a temporary shelter. Now, we are looking at the incomplete RDP houses to see, if we cannot accommodate them there,” he said.   

However, most of those affected have since abandoned the shelter after alleging that, their belongings were stolen.  

One of the residents who were affected, Akanyang Mongale,35 said she stays in a three-roomed shack with her children, but part of it was blown away by a windstorm.  

“My shack was flooded and my furniture including the TV set was damaged. I’m struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The government officials refused to assist me and said I should rebuild my shack on my own because there is no money.  

“The government cannot just provide us with food parcels. We actually need corrugated irons/sheets to rebuild our shack. We also need RDP house. Unfortunately, we sleep on top of those food parcels,” Mongale said.

Another resident, Ishmael Moalusi, 34, shared the same sentiments. Moalusi said, his shack was blown away and he does not know where he will find money to buy new corrugated irons to rebuild it.  

“I do not know where to find money to buy corrugated irons. I am currently homeless and unemployed without any family to stay with. I have two children and they are still young, so I need help,” Moalusi said.

The North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) Head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Jackie Rikhotso said: “The municipalities provided 200 blankets and 62 food parcels as well as cooked meals to those affected. The municipalities are also providing water as well as restoring power supply as some electric supply poles were uprooted, which also poses the risk of electrocution.

“By 30 October 2022 around 3pm, some areas were switched on. It is envisaged that the power supply will be restored in the next few days. Again the municipalities provided security to the community hall, where females and males were separated and to ensure the safety of women and children.”

Rikhotso said, the North West Social Development and SASSA have also profiled 137 families for the SRD vouchers of R1900 and by 3pm, 104 families were confirmed that they will be receiving their vouchers by 1 November 2022.

He further said the department will also provide 102 blankets and 63 food parcels by 31 October 2022.

“The department also provided meals this afternoon and this will continue during the next few days and the situation will be monitored. The elderly and child-headed families will also be identified and profiled.

“Psychosocial support will be provided where needed. The COGHSTA department has verified the damages caused by the windstorms to both shacks and formal structures. We are also verifying affected families against the list of RDP houses for possible occupation as some are rearing completion,” he said.  

According to Rikhotso, the full assessment and verification reports will be presented to the committee on 31 October 2022 with recommendations for the way forward.        

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The Batlhaping High School teacher, who allegedly sexually assaulted a Grade 12 learner (18) was arrested on Monday. Lebogang Mooka was arrested by Taung police after an outcry from a Grade 12 learner, *Naledi Kenosi (not her real name) who alleged that Mooka sexually assaulted her on 15 October 2022.

According to the aggrieved learner, Mooka started to make sexual advances to her back in 2020, but the school management allegedly swept the matter under the carpet even though it was reported.

In 2020, Kenosi, who was doing Grade 10 at the time, was the admin of a Physical Science subject WhatsApp Group where Mooka was also part of as the subject teacher.

“It was on Friday night around 11pm back in 2020, when I received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. So, I asked who the sender of the message is. But the person said, he is the school administrator and asked if I’m still a virgin.

“So, I told the sender that, yes indeed I am still a virgin. However, he insisted that I am lying. He then sent a message making sexual advances towards me,” she said.

Kenosi said, the message she received from Mooka said, kea go galela, (which is loosely translated as, I sexually fantasise you). Kenosi said, she responded to the message by saying, “I wonder what will the principal say about this inappropriate message.” she said.

Naledi said, she was surprised to immediately received a call from Mooka after she responded to the alleged administrator.

“So, he confessed that actually, it was him who sent me the inappropriate WhatsApp message using his other number. Then he begged me not to report him to the school management because he might lose his job.

“However, I told a family friend, who in turn reported the matter to my mother. My parents went to the school and a meeting was arranged between Mr Mooka, school management and me,” Naledi said.

She further alleged that Mooka confessed and apologised for his behaviour in front of the school management and her parents. 

“On 15 October 2022, I got level 1 in Physical Science subject. So during the break, I went to Mr Mooka to ask him why did I get level 1. He said I should come and see him after the break when everyone has settled down.

“Immediately after the break, I went to him and found him in a computer room. There is another hidden room next to it. He stood up and went into that secluded room and I followed him,” she said.

Naledi added that Mooka allegedly grabbed her with her buttocks and dragged her closer to him and demanded a kiss from her.

“I was so terrified and I did not even know what to do. Mooka said he would not let me go until I kissed him. So, promised to kiss him immediately after my final examinations.

“Unfortunately, he needed assurance, but I told him that, the only thing that he could do is to trust me. He let me go and request me not to tell anyone,” said Naledi.

She said, now her life is upside down because of this ordeal. Naledi said she could not even attend either the incubation program or the Physical Science period because she is afraid of Mooka. 

“I cannot even concentrate anymore and I do not think I will pass my matric. I become so emotional when I see him and I feel like my rights were violated yet the school does not care.

“I think he was supposed to be suspended with immediate effect pending investigations. I mean, this is not the first time happening and I do not know want he will do next,” she said.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said, they have despatched the investigating team from their labour unit.

“With regards to the concerning Batlhaping High School, the department has dispatched a team of investigators from the labour unit to go and investigate these allegations. So, we will be able to report properly after the labour unit has dealt with the matter,” Malindi said.

Meanwhile, North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafja Botma confirmed that, a criminal case has been opened against Mooka.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 46-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after he allegedly killed two people in Nhole village, near Taung on Saturday. According to the police, a commotion ensued between the accused, Tebogo Morokgweng, and the deceased, Letlhogonolo Sima (35) and Joseph Loeto (48).

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said, one of the victims allegedly owed Morokgweng money and he demanded it.

“The victim informed him that he was unable to give him the money and an argument ensued between the two. The accused allegedly stabbed the victim and the second victim tried to intervene, but he was also stabbed to death in the process.

“The police were called to attend to a crime scene and on arrival, they found two male persons with stabbing wounds. The Emergency Medical Response Services (EMRS) paramedics were called to the scene. However, Sima and Loeto were declared dead on the scene,” van Rooyen said.

She further said, two murder cases were opened and are under investigation. Van Rooyen added that Morokgweng briefly appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) may soon be accredited and ultimately assigned to manage the full range of housing instruments within its areas of jurisdiction. 

This comes after the North West Human Settlements department had a consultative engagement with councillors last week Tuesday.

According to the North West Human Settlement Director of Planning, Stakeholder Management and Capacity Development, Dr Ben Bole, the department is determined to equip municipalities with information to ensure that they are on the same wavelength.

“The department continues to push for accreditation of municipalities. So, we have ventured into a workshop with councillors from the GTLM on the municipal accreditation programme.

“The programme seeks to ensure that the process of accrediting municipalities is well understood by local councillors. The GTLM municipality is at pre-accreditation assessment,” Bole said.

He further said the GTLM is at accreditation level one, so it is capable of administering beneficiary registers and also administering the Housing Subsidy System. Bole added that the programme was mainly to equip councillors with information and ensure they understand the departmental

programmes as they are close to the communities.

“The department further took the opportunity to induct councillors and other officials in attendance about other departmental programmes. Truly, we cannot do it alone, so we need municipalities and everybody in the human settlements sector to work in a more integrated process.

“We are guided by the District Development Model (DDM). As the department and councillors, we have the responsibility to ensure that, services are rendered within respective communities,” said Bole.

He said it is therefore pivotal to ensure that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities. Bole said what is needed is to be on the same bandwagon because the department has outlined a list of services worth millions of rands.

“The services range from housing delivery, eradication of mud houses and asbestos roofs, title deed restoration programme, services of Rental Housing Tribunal, military veterans’ houses and many others.

“As the department, we have further acknowledged that we have backlogs in the province in delivering services. We also took the opportunity to outline some of the Human Settlements Minister’s priority programmes of eradicating mud houses as they are prone to recent re-occurring disasters and Asbestos roofs among others,” he said.

However, Bole said the process can only be implemented after the adjustment budget has been approved. According to Bole, the Human Settlement department is in the process of building 342 houses in Taung. 

He said councillors were further tasked to provide the department with a detailed report on mud houses and

asbestos roofs.

Meanwhile, the Director for Municipal Accreditation from the Human Settlements’ national office, Miyelane Ntlemo said: “We encourage councillors to make sure that they understand the challenges within their areas, as it is their responsibility to refer such to local municipalities and the departments.

“The municipalities are key to housing delivery and it is only fair if they understand housing needs within their localities. It is the responsibility of the department to ensure that municipalities are accredited and capacitated.”

Ntlemo said this will ensure that the whole process is done to ensure coordination as directed by the DDM. He said, currently, the department is planning to take such sessions to other municipalities to make sure that all councillors understand departmental programmes and their processes.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The District Development Model (DDM) in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality has launched a Disaster Operation Centre in Ganyesa. This comes after the sporadic raging veld fires that had engulfed the area a few weeks ago.

Over 90 312 hectares of farmland have been destroyed. The acting mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Solly Matobo who also serves as the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC): Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture said they will use the centre to identify the affected stakeholders to enable the various government institutions to and private sector to provide assistance and support thereof.

“The centre is located at Barolong Boo-Tlou le Tau Tribal Authority offices and will assist us in speeding up what is required in order to sustain affected farmers by bringing them back to their normal lives.

“Currently, the veld fire has subsided and the Working on Fire and other specialised teams within the region have been and are hard at work to contain and avert possible future damages by creating fire belts around the farms,” Matobo said.

He further said, there is a need for this operation as they will direct all plethora stakeholders to work as a collective under the DDM for better achievement of “one plan, one budget” on integration and collaboration of three spheres of government.

Matobo added, it is important for all departments to be involved and submit their reports to the centre on daily basis for weekly consolidation in order to deal with damages caused by veld fires and holistic support to the affected parties.

“All municipalities and sector departments with regard to silo mentality or operations, operation centre or war room would be here to reach out to all affected stakeholders in the district,” he said.

The Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality acting mayor, Morebodi Mosarwa said: “We declare unwavering support to the centre and its objectives. We further encourage implementation of the post-fire programmes such as vaccination to the animals and other agreed upon commitments.”

Meanwhile, the Barolong Boo Tlou le Tau Tribal Authority chief, Kgosi Thato Letlhogile said: “The launch of this kind is long overdue as this will enable us to work directly with government representatives. This will also assist in speeding-up service delivery issues in our area.

“It took some time to declare the area a disaster, but we would wait even though there is no formal application submitted. However, the process of gathering all the facts for the province to determine that should be afforded.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African Taxi National Council (SANTACO) calls on the North West Community Safety and Transport Management to clamp down on illegal minibus taxis operating across routes in North West.

The SANTACO provincial chairperson, Ebusang Tladi said this during the event, where North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management conducted a Transport Sectoral Parliament under the theme: “Integrating Women in the Transport Industry” in Tshing community Hall near Ventersdorp recently.

Tladi said the illegal operation of minibus taxi creates unnecessary fights within the industry and eventually affect the livelihoods of many taxi owners and commuters.

“There has been no relationship between the taxi council and regulatory bodies within the department. We have not held any meetings as the two parties, where we can outline our programmes as well as check how government can assist us with curbing the escalating challenges of illegal taxis within our routes.

“We need a law enforcement unit within the department that specialises in solving the problem of taxi pirates, who are illegally stealing our customers. We also have a challenge where widowed taxi owners are not allowed to continue operating taxis that belonged to their late husbands,” he said.

Tladi further said, the department does not give the necessary support to these desperate women, who want to continue with the business of their late husbands. He added that the emergence of this industry was both an opportunity for black people to advance economically under very trying circumstances, as well as to provide a service to the people.

“The fragmentation of the industry across taxi association lines also created serious problems. However, the minibus taxi industry remains a critical pillar of the South African public transport sector, operating and competing with the heavily subsidised bus industry for more than five decades without receiving a cent from the government in the form of grants or subsidies,” he said. ​

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the North West Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Kim Medupe said: “The event was aimed at allowing the North West Community Safety and Transport Management to provide feedback on issues raised during the Transport Sectoral Parliament that was held in 2019 in Mogwase. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and regulations, the legislature could not hold the session in 2020 and 2022.

“The event was also aimed at assessing the departmental programmes and policies aimed at supporting women within the taxi industry and public transport. Amongst issues raised by the attendees include lack of proper programmes aimed at incorporating women into the industry and malfunctioning electronic system that issues special permits.”

Medupe said escalating challenges within the taxi industry, show that the department is not providing any assistance. She also said nothing is done on giving support to women’s desks in the industry.

“We do need a plan on how these women who want to continue with the businesses of their late husbands are assisted. The department should also create a calendar, where it meets women desks in the taxi industry and should submit a report on its interim measures on dealing with decentralising the issuing of special permits.

“The department should also do a benchmarking exercise on other provinces on how it is assisting the taxi industry with budget and plans,” said Medupe.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The police in Groot Marico request community assistance in tracing the family or relatives of an unknown woman, who was spotted around the vicinity of Mogopa village on 24 October 2022. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafja Botma said, the woman who seems to be mentally ill, informed the police that, her name is Ngileni Tandeka and she is from Swazine village.

 “The police request anyone who may assist in identifying and reuniting the woman with her family to call Warrant Officer Abotseng Ndebele on 073 594 1074 or Captain Molatlhegi Maimane on 076 510 9675,” she said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A 49-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for triple murder by the North West High Court sitting in Mogwase on Friday. Peter Bila killed three people by dousing their rented room with petrol and setting it alight.

On 15 August 2019, the deceased couple, Mmusi Ratlotleng (41) and Nkagisang Mothopi (38) were sleeping in their rented room when Bila doused it with petrol. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said, in the process, another room where a girl, Angel Chimomo (13) was sleeping, also caught fire.

The atrocity took place in Rustenburg Noord.

“All three deceased were severely burned and succumbed to their injuries while in hospital. The accused was charged with three counts of murder of which he was given life imprisonment for each.

“He was further sentenced to ten years for arson and five years for malicious damage after two vehicles that were parked outside the house caught fire,” Botma said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the life imprisonment handed down to Bila. Kwena commended the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Richard Mokgogwane, and the Prosecutor, Advocate Sello Maema as well as other role players for their teamwork that resulted in the conviction.

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