The police in Taung are investigating an inquest case after a sangoma trainee (32) drowned in a dam at Leshobo village near Taung on 4 May 2022. North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said, it is alleged that the deceased, Boitshepo Sapelo and other trainees were busy with their rituals under the leadership of his “Gobela” when the atrocity took place.
“It is alleged that they were dipping themselves in the water and all of a sudden, Sapelo who is originally from Vryburg, disappeared in the water. According to information provided, a search for him commenced and his lifeless body re-surfaced after a few minutes. The police were immediately summoned to the scene and a case of inquest was registered,” van Rooyen said.
She further said investigation into the matter continues.
Picture: The deceased, Thabiso Mothibedi (35)/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A family of Thabiso Mothibedi (35) from Manthe village in Taung, who was killed said, they want justice to prevail. Four suspects who were arrested in connection with his death briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 9 May 2022.
Thabiso’s sister, Boingotlo Mothibedi (37) said, it is difficult to see her brother’s life being cut short by alleged drug lords. She said Thabiso was a peaceful person, who loved to engage positively with people.
“What has happened to Thabiso is inhumane and we call on the justice system to deal harshly with the perpetrators. It is not only Thabiso’s life that has been lost because of drugs, but so many lives of young people are being destroyed. They have used my brother and killed him afterwards, so we call for no bail for them,” she said.
One of the community leaders, Ali Sakiele shared the same sentiments. Sakiele said they came out in numbers to attend court proceedings because they want to send out a stern warning to all drug lords in their area.
“We are sick and tired of those who sell drugs to our young people. So, we have attended this murder case because the suspects have allegedly killed a young boy because of drugs. As the community of Manthe, we have taken a decision that we do not want to see anyone selling drugs anymore in our area.
“We urge the magistrate to deny the alleged perpetrators bail. We came to court to show support and to address our grievances in a coordinated manner. Drugs destroy many lives and livelihoods including dividing families, so as the community, we say #EnoughIsEnough.”
A prominent businessman, Bakang “Mahomed” Katong (31), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34) and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) who were arrested and charged with Thabiso’s murder abandoned their bail application.
It is alleged that Thabiso stole R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house two days before his ‘untimely’ death. Thabiso was buried on Saturday.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the suspects fetched and transported him to Manthe village. Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted.
“After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by a group of men and requested nurses to check if he was still alive. However, Mothibedi was certified dead upon arrival.”
NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the suspects abandoned their bail application and the case was postponed until 7 June 2022.
Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022. Another community member, Mothusi Motimeng said: “I blame Baga-Maidi Tribal Authority including incompetent police for all these shenanigans happening in our area.
“Everybody can see what is happening and as community members, we have been complaining about these drug lords, who sell nyaope to our youths. Now, these nyaope addicts broke into our houses, stole properties and sold them, so that they can get money to feed their cravings.”
Motimeng further accused the alleged drug lords of using the deceased for their own benefits and killed him afterwards. He said as a community, they say #EnoughIsEnough because many communities are suffering from the effects of drug addiction and its wide-ranging impact.
Still on the murder case, Katong may be acquitted from the case after his accomplice, Lenyai allegedly cleared him of any wrongdoings. According to a highly-placed source within the police force, Lenyai allegedly wrote on his official statement that Katong, who has other pending cases, never participated in the crime and he was also not at the crime scene during the commission of the crime.
FIVE awaiting trial detainees escaped from the Zeerust Police Station on Sunday at around 10:30am, says the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone. Mokgwabone said the escapees, Joshua Sibanda (39), Amogelang Motsiane (36), Tshepiso Kwenampe (22), Bengu Hlanganane (31) and Enoch Lebeloane (46) allegedly overpowered a police officer at Zeerust Police Station holding cells, then took cells key and ultimately escaped.
“At the time of escape, the detainees were among others, facing charges of house robbery, rape, attempted murder, business robbery and aggravated robbery. None of the escapees has been re-arrested and members of the community are urged not to attempt to re-arrest them, but rather call the nearest police station as the escapees are presumed to be dangerous.
“Alternatively, the Investigating Officer, Captain Basimane Molefe can be contacted on 076 510 8285. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MySAPS App or by calling Crime Stop number: 08600 10111,” Mokgwabone said.
The award-winning gospel artist, Teboho Moloi came out in the open to defend himself for a ‘no show’ at the most anticipated Taung Annual Gospel Festival held at PH Mooketsi High School in Taung on 1 May 2022.
Moloi was one of the heavyweights who were scheduled to perform at the event duped the ‘National Convention of Worshippers’ organised by a local businessman, Tshidiso Moreane.
However, some of revellers vented their dissatisfaction on various social media platforms after Moloi’s ‘non-appearance.’ They also complained about the sub-standard set-up at the event.
One of the revellers who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said, the gospel concert that was supposed to bring people from various religious beliefs together, turned into chaos.
“The event was supposed to commence at 10am, but only started nine hours later with poor sound quality. The VIP set-up was also a mess and I just wonder what had happened. Actually, we should be refunded because even some artists who were booked to perform, where nowhere to be seen. I regret going there, but no more……” he said.
Another reveller said, there was ‘no value for money’ at the event as everything was sub-standard. However, she encouraged the organiser/s to reschedule the event for Easter holidays instead of 1 May.
It is alleged that, the service provider who was supposed to provide the organiser/s with the sound snubbed them at the 11th hour after misunderstandings.
Moloi said in a statement: “It has been brought to my team’s attention that there are posts circulating about me not pitching for an event in Taung and I would like to set the record straight.
“I had been scheduled to perform at 16:40 before heading to another show in Rustenburg and we were informed that, the sound and stage were not ready in time for my performance. Attempts to get hold of the promoters failed and I fully understand the frustrations they were going through, but unfortunately, I had to leave for next show.”
Moloi sincerely apologised to all his supporters in Taung and said they are already in talks with the promoter planning the next show, where he would make it up to them by delivering a beautiful and quality show.
Meanwhile, the event organiser, Tshidiso Moreane in a statement, admitted that they dismally failed and apologised.
“We would like to apologise for poor quality service and we recognise that we failed to deliver up to our people’s expectations. We understand how frustrated and upset you were, but unfortunately, the event was delayed due to circumstances beyond our control.
“Everything was arranged and paid on time. According to our agreement, the service provider was supposed to deliver the sound, stage, and generator on Friday, but they failed us on the 11th hour,” he said.
Moreane said as the organisers, they understand the impact that this crisis has had on the event and assured his supporters that this will not happen again. He said they shall improve and ensure that they never commit these mistakes again.
“We want to thank you for the love and support. It is very much appreciated. We hope you will continue to support the TAGF event. Modimo alo boloke, alo etsetse ka mosa le mohau!
“We would also like to thank Mr Joshua for helping us with the stage, sound and generator at the latest possible moment. Modimo ago etse hantle ntate wa rona,” he said.
Picture: NWU acting vice chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis/Facebook
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West University’s acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis received international awards for her outstanding research from the Emerald partners with the Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association (HETL).
Du Plessis, who awarded her second doctorate in 2020, received recognition from two international academic institutions and associations for the quality of her study. After completing her Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Bath in England, Emerald Publishing Limited – a scholarly publisher of academic journals and books in the fields of management, business, education, library studies, healthcare and engineering – awarded her the Emerald Award for Outstanding Doctoral Research in 2020.
Emerald Publishing Limited considers candidates who completed their studies in the past three years for this award.
Du Plessis said: “The exploration focuses on institutionalised practices that triggered radical change at South African public universities, the influence of legitimacy demands on universities’ ability to deal with radical change, the identification and reconsideration of rational myths during radical change.
“Because of the complexity of the higher-education environment and the involvement of multiple resources and relationships with internal and external stakeholders, a single theory cannot cover all the aspects affected by the radical change.”
She further said the informed analysis of the sense-making of legitimacy during radical institutional change, provides insight for future leaders on steering change in a complex environment coupled with the multifaceted dynamics of highly institutionalised organisations.
Du Plessis added that education is globally perceived as a key enabler in providing a better future for the youth and reducing inequality.
“Sustainable development goal four of the United Nations (UN), calls for inclusive, equitable and quality education for all. The topic I covered, which is leadership during a crisis, is important yet largely overlooked in higher-education studies.
“It is such an honour receiving these awards. One often doubts their own abilities, but this topic was something close to my heart and was such an enriching experience. I would like to thank my study leader, Prof Hong Bui for tremendous support and contributions towards this,” she said.
Du Plessis said the value of this DBA is multifaceted and she has new appreciation for the important role as study leaders and promoters must fulfil in providing guidance and constructive academic advice. She said furthermore, the networks established because of this study are invaluable.
According to Emerald Publishing Limited, their goal is to help find solutions to the disparities across the world by supporting researchers working in this area.
“We are proud to support the global research community through an award programme that recognises exceptional doctoral research that addresses the sustainable development goals of the UN.
“These goals are an urgent call for action by all countries to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, peace and justice.”
On 28 April 2022, Du Plessis was also awarded the Richard and Shirley Mawditt Prize for outstanding performance on the DBA. The Director of the Higher Education Management Programmes of the University of Bath, Prof Dan Davies said: “It is my pleasure to let you know that – in addition to your Doctorate in Business Administration qualification – you have been awarded this prize, which was conferred by a panel of the DBA academic team and approved by our Board of Studies.”
Picture: The alleged drug kingpin and a prominent businessman, Bakang “Mahomed” Katong/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against alleged drug kingpin and a prominent businessman, Bakang “Mahomed” Katong (31) and his accomplice, Thabang Lenyai (23) was postponed by Taung Magistrate’s Court to 9 May 2022 for formal bail application.
Katong and Lenyai were arrested for allegedly assaulting and choking Thabiso Mothibedi (40) to death on 29 April 2022.
The atrocity took place at Manthe village near Taung. It is alleged that Mothibedi stole R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the suspects fetched and transported him to Manthe village, where upon his arrival, he was chained to a generator and allegedly being assaulted.
“After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by a group of men and requested nurses to check if he was still alive. However, Mothibedi was certified dead upon arrival.”
Tselanyane further said, Katong and Lenyai were arrested and charged with murder. He added that more arrests were imminent and additional charges cannot be ruled out.
NPA regional spokesperson, “The murder case against the suspects was postponed to 9 May 2022 for formal bail application and investigation continues.”
Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on Monday. One of the community members, Mothusi Motimeng said: “I blame Baga-Maidi Tribal Authority including incompetent police for all these shenanigans happening in our area.
“Everybody can see what is happening and as community members, we have been complaining about these drug lords, who sell nyaope to our youths. Now, these nyaope addicts broke into our houses, stole properties and sold them, so that they can get money to feed their cravings.”
Motimeng further accused the alleged drug lords of using the deceased for their own benefits and killed him afterwards. He said as a community, they say #EnoughIsEnough because many communities are suffering from the effects of drug addiction and its wide-ranging impact.
Still on the murder case, Katong may be acquitted from the case after his accomplice, Lenyai allegedly cleared him of any wrongdoings. According to a highly-placed source within the police force, Lenyai allegedly wrote on his official statement that Katong, who has other pending cases, never participated in the crime and he was also not at the crime scene during the commission of the crime.
According to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/said: “This review synthesizes available epidemiological data on current drug use and substance abuse treatment admissions in South Africa since 1994 and how changes in the political, economic and social structures within South Africa both before and after apartheid make the country more vulnerable to drug use.
“Based on national surveys, current use of cannabis ranged among adolescents from 2% to 9% and among adults 2%, cocaine/crack (0.3%), mandrax/sedatives (0.3%), club drugs/amphetamine-type stimulants (0.2%), opiates (0.1%) and hallucinogens (0.1%).”
TWO suspects aged 23 and 31 from Manthe village near Taung are as set to appear before the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for murder. This comes after they allegedly assaulted and choked Thabiso Mothibedi (40) to death after accusing him of stealing R20 000.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane, the suspects who are tavern owners, fetched Mothibedi from Lenganeng village and ferried him to Manthe, where upon arrival, they allegedly chained him to the generator and assaulted him.
“After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic where he was certified dead upon arrival. The police were allegedly called and arrested the suspects for murder.
“More arrests are imminent and additional charges cannot be ruled out. The suspects are expected to appear before the Taung Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and investigation into the matter continues,” Tselanyane said.
Picture: Water-locked RDP houses in Deelpan village/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Situation continues to be unbearable for the residents, who were left destitute by a massive and lethal downpour in Deelpan village near Atamelang. More than 1200 households were affected and had to leave their water-locked houses to find shelter elsewhere.
Now, the North West Department of Health has urged residents to pre-boil the water before consumption as a preventative measure. The departmental spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said this comes after the results of the water samples that were taken in for testing, showed that only one point is safe for human consumption and the other two were not.
“The community was therefore advised to pre-boil the water before consumption. Child immunization, measles 1st dose, Vitamin A and deworming were also administered. We have also been on the ground each day of the week to ensure delivery of health services to the community.
“Since the area became flooded, it was difficult for ambulances and public transport to access the community. The department has moved with speed to implement the intervention measures to ensure provision of health services through placement of mobile clinics at the tribal office premises,” he said.
Lekgethwane further said the integrated service delivery including COVID-19 screening, testing and vaccination, vital signs, TB screening, assessment of clients, provision of treatment, doctor consultation, distribution of male and female condoms, mobilization and issuing of cloth masks have been conducted. Some patients have been traced and re-initiated on Anti-Retroviral Treatment and hypertension treatments.
“The awareness campaigns will continue to be conducted through community radio stations and health education pamphlets on safety measures. Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) will also conduct assessment to the clients who complain of sores which might be related to water consumption.
“Going forward, the department intends to ensure placement of rescue vehicles for 24 hours at the tribal office to address emergencies and EMS activations when need arises. The department will also participate in the 24-hour disaster management call center located at the tribal office. Mobile services will continue until the situation is back to normal,” said Lekgethwane.
One of the residents, Isaac Mabepa (64) who is a taxi owner said his business was heavily affected by the situation.
“I am crestfallen by the torrential rains as you could see. I have five minibus taxis, but three of them are stuck in the yard as there is no way out. My house is also full of water and we have nowhere to sleep. We put crates in the water to create beds so that we can sleep.
“All rooms are full of water and I have also lost livestock such as pigs, chicken, cows and goats. We urge the government to assist us and bring remedial action as our livelihoods have been affected,” he said.
Another resident, Maria Mopedi (33) alleged that quarries that are induced with floods were dug up by contractors who came to their area to build RDP houses. Mopedi said the government needs to ensure that all contractors who dig up holes do not leave them unattended as that impacts negatively during the rainy season.
“We stay next to a quarry that was dug up by contractors who were building RDP houses here. It cannot be correct that these contractors leave these quarries unattended as they are risky to human lives. These quarries become flood-induced because the water has nowhere to go during heavy rains and spill into our yards,” she said.
The executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe said they have removed people from flood induced areas to mitigate risk and reduce vulnerability. Molefe said the engineers had dug up furrows to ensure that water flows out of residential areas in quest to enhance livelihood security.
“We have brought engineers to the area because we have realised that the situation is not going to subside unless we come up with a scientific approach. The aim is to alleviate the situation because water is not moving.
“There are dead animals and pit latrines are full, therefore, faeces are flowing into the houses that are water-locked. People cannot be accessed by ambulances or any other means because of the devastating situation,” he said.
The North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) spokesperson, Tsholofelo Mathibedi said they are working together with all stakeholders involved to respond to the situation. Mathibedi said, as a government, disaster management relief funds will be unlocked for remedial actions.
Comrade Thabo Masebe, this week as we pay our last respects and bid you farewell to your final resting place, four events of major historic significance are stacked in my mind as if they only happened yesterday.
The first memory is when we met for the very first time on the 27th of October 1990 at Orlando Stadium during the heroic relaunch rally of the ANC Youth League. The rally also celebrated the 73rd birthday anniversary of President O.R. Tambo and conferred to him the status of honorary life presidency of the youth league as an eloquent expression of the high regard and adoration the militant youth of our country had for him. As President Tambo had not yet returned back from exile to receive the honorary award and celebrate his birthday with us, Tata Walter Sisulu was present to deliver a memorable keynote speech.
The second is when we met around February 1991 in Garankuwa, north-west of Pretoria during the funeral of comrade Bachana Mokoena. On that solemn occasion, thousands of young people and students across the length and breath of our country had come to bury one of the doyens of struggle who was mysteriously killed in a car accident. At the time, comrade Bachana Mokoena was the treasurer-general of the ANC Youth League as it was preparing for its relaunch after 30 years in exile. I vividly remember the event because it is where I saw and shook the hands of my heroes Chris Hani and Winnie Mandela. I will never forget the majesty of that moment. To this day, I have kept their pictures as memories I shall treasure for the rest of my life.
The third memory is in 1991 in Kwa-Ndebele during the 17th National Congress of the ANC Youth League (the first after the unbanning of political organisations). On that occasion, I sat, watched and marvelled how you, as the first Chairperson of the ANC Youth League in the Northern Transvaal (now Limpopo province), opened and welcomed all the delegates to the conference. That happened in the presence of a galaxy of senior ANC personalities who had graced the occasion. They included President O.R Tambo, Thomas Nkobi, Joe Modise, Joe Nhlanhla, Elias Motsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni.
The fourth memory that remains fresh in my mind is what happened during the 19th National Congress of the ANC Youth League which was held at the Durban Exhibition Centre in 1996. After you presented the financial report as Treasurer General and the results of the Top 5 announced, together with Bheki Nkosi, Nono Maloyi, Saliva Molapisi, Tshepo Belebese and Khotso Khumalo among others, we gathered under the tree to assess what could have gone wrong.
Comrade Thabo, as a result of these memories and many others, it becomes understandable that the news of your departure this week has sparked a wave of grief to the movement as a whole especially to all who were with you in the trenches. Your departure leaves our hearts in heavy mourning, bows us with sorrow and draws our faces in disbelief. It touches us so deeply that it makes hard to put one’s feelings into words because we know that our movement and our country has lost one of its dependable cadres.
Throughout your struggle as a youth activist, you never doubted the victory of the sacred cause to which you had dedicated all your life. In your province -Northern Transvaal, under the tutelage of Peter Nchabeleng (the lion of the North), Ntate Pharephare Mothupi, Thabo Makunyane and Samson Ndou, together with the likes of Peter Mokaba, Ephraim Mogale, Jerry Ndou, Frans Mohlala, Cassel Mathale, Joe Mathebula and Castro Pilusa, you drank from the fountains of wisdom to deepen and sharpen your political acumen.
When the trumpet summoned the young lions in the 1980s to come forward to intensify the struggle for freedom, you were top among the first who positively responded to President Tambo’s call to render apartheid unworkable and the country ungovernable. You executed this mission with utmost precision and became part of a dynamo of militancy and activism which galvanized and rejuvenated the youth of our land until freedom was won in 1994.
Steeped in the discipline and value system of the ANC, you were a very humble cadre who never shirked from duty, and the tasks which were set before you were not above your strengths and their pangs and toils were not beyond your endurance. Unlike most of us, you leave with your name and integrity intact.
I list you among the top departed communication and media gurus in the ANC like Tom Sebina, Ronnie Mamoepa, Dumisani Makhaye, Jackson Mthembu and Parks Mankahlana. You were an immensely gifted cadre with a rare sense of fairness and unfailing courtesy to others, attributes, which undoubtedly earned you immense respect not only among your comrades but also among other people with whom you interacted.
But as you depart from our midst, your movement, the ANC is facing serious difficulties. It suffers from existential crisis due to warning signs of “sins of incumbency” which were identified by the Mafikeng conference in 1997. As a result, the ANC is running a risk of losing elections in 2024 if it continues with the path of factionalism and disunity.
As we speak today, the ANC is increasingly losing credibility and trust of the people because of poor service delivery record, corruption and state capture, and poor management of public resources. The ANC seems to have lost touch with key constituencies and the calibre of many of its leaders is not like you, comrade Thabo. They lack basic leadership, organising and communication skills, and they are unable to mobilise and motivate activists, civil society, supporters and voters. Lately, as you know, it has become easier to be a leader of the ANC and there is a lack of revolutionary morality, good ethics, discipline and the understanding of the core values of the ANC.
Comrade Thabo, you were endowed with great wisdom which impelled you on a direct road that carried you to lofty heights. With your rich articulations especially as a spokesperson, you depicted an African soul, its strive and yearnings, its sufferings and sorrow and its majesty. Your inborn scholarship revealed your creative works, a keenness of intellect, a gift of vivid expression and the arbour of a great African soul, fused with a power of your youth radicalism which freed our country from colonialism and apartheid.
We, your peers and comrades-in-arms, know that the only thing you wanted for your patriots was a right to a worthy life, to dignity without pretence and to freedom without restrictions. You felt deep in your heart that one day the enemy would be defeated and that the road to reconstruction and development would be unstoppable. On that score, you were vindicated.
As we bid farewell and to pay our last respects to you, we surely know that through your words and actions, you had dedicated your entire life exclusively to making public service work better for our people. Through your principled approach to communication and media liaison, you showed us what it meant to be a public servant who serves with integrity, leads with courage and acts with love in his heart.
As the chairperson of the SACP, Yusuf Dadoo said during the funeral of his general secretary, Ntate Moses Kotane in 1978, it is true that in the life of every nation, there arise leaders who leave an eternal stamp on their people; leaders who are both products and makers of history and when they pass they remind us of our historic past and leave a vision of a great future and the tools with which to build it. Comrade Thabo, you are such a leader.
For our part, we will be forever be inspired by your examples as a revolutionary and a great political figure. As we pay tribute to you, we shall not relent nor waver but work tirelessly to eradicate unemployment, corruption and poverty in our country. Through the process of organisational renewal, we also commit to extricate the ANC from the quagmire of ignominy and shame it is entrapped in, by rebuilding, renewing and uniting our movement.
We are going to remember you: your decency, sincerity, humility and your kind soul will stay with us forever. So, through our tears, we will see blessings of knowing and working with you – a great and noble man, and the best cadre a revolutionary movement could have. And in our grief, we will smile knowing that the angels are happy to receive you.
In all fairness, I hope a memorial should be speedily erected in your honour so that the father can point to his son, the mother to her daughter and the host to his guest and say with pride: “Herein lies immortal Thabo Masebe, a cadre with great revolutionary humility.”
As Joshua Nkomo, a Zimbabwean freedom fighter remarked during the funeral of cadre Lookout Masuku: “You cannot take away the status of a hero. You don’t give a man a status of a hero. All you can do is recognize it. It is his”.
Sooner, when history books will be written, they will say that comrade Thabo Masebe was a great communicator – a leader of unmatched skills, a cadre of formidable accomplishments, and a gentleman who executed the duties of his office with dignity and honour. And when future generation do research, they will one day unveil more of what you have done for your country. At that moment, you will smile in affirmation from your resting place and say: “My footprints are deeply entrenched and are visible.”
At this hour of grief, once more, we pledge our oneness with your family and pledge to carry forward your dream to create a better world and a better Africa for humankind.
Amandla!
NB: China Dodovu (former ANC Youth League Provincial Secretary in the North West and ex-officio member of the National Executive Committee. Currently, a Member of Parliament).
Picture: Some of LGBTQI+ members attending the launch at Taung Depot Hall in Taung/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) has established a forum for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+). The GTLM mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said the Bill of Rights is enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 includes a guarantee of equality and a prohibition of unfair discrimination on several grounds, including gender and sexual orientation.
“We have taken an initiative to recognise and further establish social forums that will enable planning, communication and coordinates on different social partners. Therefore, we have realised a dire need to establish a forum representing (LGBTQI+).
“We consequently need to place this vulnerable group on the forefront of the social charter as per constitutional mandate, which narrates that together we must build a non-sexist and non-racial society. Remember, Taung is predominantly rural and comprises 106 villages,” he said.
Gaoraelwe further said the societal stigma towards LGBTQI+ community emanates from non-conforming to patriarchal gender, low-level of education, cultural and religious beliefs, lack of understanding, intolerance, sexuality norms and roles that are prescribed by society are a driving force behind the discrimination. He added that, there are people who are unwelcoming of other sexual orientations because they deem homosexuality as a social evil.
“So, we deem it fit to give necessary recognition to this vulnerable group, educate the broader society, workshop and edify other sectors of the society to tolerate and co-exist with them. We intend to work with all other stakeholders such as South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Justice, Department of Social Development, Department of Basic Education, Department of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).
“The municipality is embarking on a robust drive to respond to LGBTQI+ needs and specific vulnerability and strengthen the capacity. To address and arrest gender and sexual orientation-based violence against LGBTQI+ persons.
“Our objective is to create and maintain supportive environment, in which group members and their respective contributions are valued. We also want to rally behind a comprehensive approach to promote human rights of LGBTQI+ community, combat heterosexism and homophobia,” said Gaoraelwe.
The chairperson of LGBTQI+ forum, Tshepiso Pholisane who is a transgender said: “We experiencing discrimination at schools and workplaces. Our LGBTQ+ members are victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and we cannot be allowed at certain churches. We are being criticized and sometimes cannot access healthcare services due to our sexuality,” Pholisane said.
She said she is grateful to receive a positive response from various stakeholders. Pholisane said, as the LGBTQI+ community, they hope things will change for the better.
“We need to continue to educate the public about the LGBTQ+ community. Most definitely, we will host such an event annually. We are happy that we have established the forum and we want to send our token of appreciation to the mayor and the municipality at large,” she said.
A local socialite, Moikanyi Kadisa who is affectionately known as the Public Figure said: “I feel that many people are trying to fit in within the society’s conventional way of being classified as male or female. However, if one comes out, they are subjected to all sorts of abuse and insults.
“I also believe that it is easier for an individual to criticize something that they are not familiar with. So, I applaud the office of the mayor for creating this platform, where the community as well as the LGBTQI+ members can engage and create awareness.”
Kadisa said he also had his fair share of criticism even though there is an increased number of acceptance. He said he is grateful that there is a higher visibility in the media too.
The Guardian 