By OBAKENG MAJE

A local philanthropist, Kagiso Kai who is a brainchild behind Taung Community TV, said television has proved to be a profound means of communication and potentially capable of leaving a tremendous effect on society.

Kai said the aim behind this initiative is to ensure that content of the iconic Taung is well-documented and future generations learn more about it.

“Taung has a lot of content that many people from afar are tapping into and making money out of it. Again, one has realised that, we rely too much on leaders who are not magicians to bring miracles to the challenges that our people face.

“I normally say to people that we are the solutions to the problems we are facing, not political parties. Now it is time for the people of Taung to go to the next level and establish a TV station to cater for creatives and producers in the filming and television industry,” he said.

Kai further said the platform will give independent producers, presenters and all other aspirant practitioners to come up with their own productions and TV shows that will be aired at the channel. He encourages people of Taung to use the station to tell their ordinary stories through reality shows, films, documentaries and educational programs.

“The aim is to assemble an arsenal of great individuals in Taung to shake up the industry with their innovative thinking and leadership. We want to tap into funding opportunities within our country and abroad to create a sustainable livelihood for those who are in the industry.

“Many people think that filming and television is something that can only happen in the big cities, but we need to change that narrative. The Taung Community TV is owned by the people of Taung,” said Kai.

He said this initiative will also create job opportunities, especially for the youth. According to Kai, many people are supporting this idea, including the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM).

“Also those who are already in the industry have shown a keen interest, and that is really encouraging. We embarked on a bench-marking trip to Cape Town TV and we have an idea on how to go about it. I would like to send my special thanks to Mr Thapelo Moncho for organizing the trip including the unwavering support we received from the municipality.  

He said there are various shows that are in place already such as If you can’t talk about it, post it. Kai said the show will tackle topics that some people are not able to talk about due to lack of support or understanding.

“We also have programs like Nthute Segarona, which focuses on our culture. We have realised that our parents are dying without imparting that knowledge to the young generation. We would be having news programs too and focus on Mathematics, Economics, Accounting and other subjects that we feel there is a need to tackle.

“Taung Community TV will air documentaries, films and reality shows like O Gata Kae. This is a show that aims to keep track of the progress made by many people or the government. 

“There is another show called Youth in Tradition and we encourage our people to send their show proposals too. We will air those shows via over the top and YouTube platforms. For us to go on air, it will depend on ICASA to approve our license,” he said.

However, Kai said there are various platforms they will utilize for so long waiting for ICASA. He said they only started in January 2022 and ICASA wants NPO to be operational for more than two years.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO  

The residents of Vryburg and neighbouring areas embarked on a peaceful march against various socio-economic challenges impacting negatively within their communities. One of the burning issues was drug abuse and crime.

The secretary of Naledi Community Against Crime Organisation, Itumeleng Mahanyele (37), said there are an assortment of challenges that have marred the communities such drugs and substance abuse, crime and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“As Naledi Community Against Crime organisation, we have invited various departments such as the South African Police Services, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Basic Education, Department of Social Development and Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Department of Health, Department of Justice and Correctional Services for intervention.

“The purpose of the invite was to be part of the solution of the social ills devouring our community. As the community, we intend to come up with sustainable solutions to these challenges. We have since consulted with the community at large to ensure that the process in solving our problems is all inclusive,” Mahanyele said.

He further said, it has come to their attention that a way to sustainable solutions is delayed because of the sale and usage of illegal substances that lead to the atrocious acts of rape, murder, loss of morals among the youth and the general increase of GBV in households and within the community.

Mahanyele added that the distribution of drugs in schools and within the community, theft and house-breakings have become a cause for greater concern.

“The cases are dragged over a long period and eventually disappear from the roll. There is also a concern over bribery of officials, early release of individuals imprisoned and undocumented citizens. There is a high need for police vehicles and personnel.

“Those investigating police officers who are conniving with drug dealers and tavern owners need to be harshly dealt with. We also call on the police to clap mushrooming shebeens and illegal alcohol outlets in our area,” he said.

Mahanyele said there is a high demand of satellite police stations in various areas like Colridge township, Ext 25, 28 and Dithakwaneng. He said social workers as well as offices and vehicles are needed to cater for individuals’ needs.

“There is a lack of disability centres, rehabilitation centres as well as orphanages. The non-implementation of the national drug master plan by the district and local government also needs to be taken into consideration.

“The shortage of security guards both in primary and high schools create a loophole for learners to enter school premises with drugs and weapons. Also, shortage of arts, culture, sports and recreation educators in schools is a challenge too. There is no integration of mural activities in schools,” said Mahanyele.

Meanwhile, the MEC for North West Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari who accepted the memorandum on behalf of government said: “I will ensure that the North West Premier, Bushy Maape receives the memorandum and all your grievances are attended to. We also have our police here and I hope they will address all crime-related issues raised today.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) deployees in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Malusi Gigaba and Obed will embark on a consultative engagement meeting with the ‘rebellious’ ANC caucus from the beleaguered Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality on Friday at ANC headquarters, Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Friday.  

This comes after some defiant ANC members voted with the oppositions to oust the municipal speaker and mayor through motion of no confidence last week. The motion was sponsored by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).  

Now, it’s been a week since the smooth running operation of the municipality was affected after community members embarked on violent protests demanding the removal of the municipal manager, Olaotswe Bojosinyana.  

One of the community members, Omphemetse Phillips, accused Bojosinyana of corruption and sowing divisions within the municipal council.  

Bapela said they have received the report that a certain group of ANC councillors colluded with oppositions to remove the speaker and mayor.

“We have been telling them that they must not do so, because there is a mandate. Who becomes a mayor is not a provincial or a caucus decision, but a national decision.  

“So, those councillors were told not to defy the ANC NEC decision. In the province, the speakers were agreed upon by the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC), so one cannot just wake up and remove the municipal speaker,” he said.

Bapela further said, if there is anyone who feels aggrieved by the decision and wants certain speaker removed, should furnish them with reasons on why and they will conduct their own investigation.

“The decision will be taken based on our assessment and the legitimacy of the issues raised. However, the organisational processes should be followed instead of them defying the process.

“Remember, defiance is a serious offence within the organisation, but we will give them a hearing. We are assigned to assist the IPC to mitigate in seven municipalities in the province,” said Bapela.

He added that the NEC will give instructions that the status quo should go back to its original mandate. Bapela said this kind of behaviour will affect the ANC in the near future if not dealt with decisively.

The embattled Bojosinyana told Motsweding FM that he views allegations levelled against him as malicious and defamatory. He said he had opened various criminal cases against some community members who allegedly participated in violent protests, where three municipal vehicles were torched in the process.    

“There are members of the public who came to the municipality as the situation was volatile. However, I would not get into the merits of the cases because they are still pending.

“But I can confirm that, names of all those who were involved are included in our statements. We also hear those allegations across various platforms, but what is important is, if someone accuses you of any wrongdoings, there should be a supporting document to substantiate those allegations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tshireletso Marabutse has interdicted her removal as a mayor at the North West High Court where she cites that the processes of her removal was flawed. The court ruled in her favour pending a final decision on 23 June 2022.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The high rate of unemployment continues to have a negative impact on people especially those in deep rural areas. Katlego Setlhapelo (38) from Pudimoe Township near Taung said, since he was retrenched back in 2015, life has been difficult.

Setlhapelo said he had to come up with a back-up plan to earn a living because he stays only with her mother who is a pensioner.

“I am now washing sneakers for people to earn an income. So, I started with this initiative after being retrenched from my previous job in Rustenburg. I saw this idea while in Rustenburg and I implemented it here at home.

“Before this, I tried my level best to look for a job, but my attempts were futile. So, I charge R40 per sneaker and I have been receiving unwavering support from my community since then,” he said.

Setlhapelo said even though some customers take long before they could come and fetch their sneakers, atleast he can put food on the table at the end of the day. He also urged anyone who could assist him with a proper structure with shelter to come forward because during the rainy season, he cannot perform his duties due to bad weather conditions.

“If I have a proper structure where I can work from, I think I could also create more job opportunities for other people. It is hard because our leaders do not take us seriously, especially the youth. When it is during voting time, they will come to us, but if there are job opportunities, they call their cronies,” he said.

Another young person, Palesa Pule (25) from Dinokana village in Zeerust, who is a Political Science and International Relations graduate from the North West University (NWU) shared the same sentiments.

“I’ve always dreamt of a corporate job, so I followed my dream and went in to enrol for a course that I believed could open doors for me to serve the people of my country. However, all that vanished in front of my eyes.

“I completed my degree in 2018, and I have been unemployed since then. I sought and actively applied for any vacancy possible without even being picky about the job because all I wanted was to work,” Pule said.

However, due to the high level of unemployment, Pule said she figured out that, one should by any means, put bread on the table.

“I ventured into entrepreneurship with very little knowledge, but with so much determination. I started by registering a decor and catering company called Dimpho Home Incentives PTY (LTD), which now has five permanent employees.

“I have now forgotten about the struggle of job hunting. The level of job scarcity in our country is without a doubt embedded in the preferences and requirements that come with the job specifications,” said Pule.

The chairperson of the Re Aga Taung Civic Organisation, Modisaotsile Lebitse (40) called on policymakers and leaders to address treble challenges such as unemployment, inequality, and poverty, as they are interdependent socio-economic phenomena.

“High rate of unemployment is a thorn in the flesh, especially in Taung. Our area is rich in mineral resources like diamonds, tourism, and agriculture. However, we continue to live beyond the poverty line.

“We are going to sign a petition to ensure that mining investors come on board and ensure that job opportunities are created. Remember, the high rate of unemployment contributes to socio-economic challenges such as crime, high rate of pregnancies among young people, drug, and alcohol abuse.”

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The emotional pictures of a man from Pompong Section in Dryharts village near Taung, who was left destitute after his house was demolished by torrential rains left people distressed.

Piet Masibi (65), who stayed with his father, Andries Masibi (86) said his one roomed house was ruined by torrential rains on Sunday morning.   

“I do not have anywhere to go after my house was destroyed by torrential rains. I don’t even know where I will sleep tonight, so I urge anyone who could assist with anything to come forward. I have lost all my belongings because of the torrential rains and I’m also in need of a shelter.

“I have communicated with our ward councillor and he said he will only be able to assist on Tuesday. However, my situation is too bad to wait for Tuesday as I need a temporary shelter. So, I will highly appreciate it if there is any good Samaritan out there who could assist,” he said.

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said: “We will liaise with our ward councillor to go and assess the situation of the affected family and we will take it from there. However, the municipality will definitely assist with a temporary solution for now and all administrative issues will be dealt with on Tuesday.”

Meanwhile, South Africa was hit hard by a massive and lethal downpour earlier this week, where Kwazulu-Natal province is the most affected. The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Machwene Semenya said she has observed with concern the destruction of property in KwaZulu-Natal.

Semenya also urged the Department of Human Settlements to work with other government departments on all levels to find alternative accommodation for residents affected by the floods.

“We have received worrying reports that RDP houses and other dwellings have been destroyed by the storm, which has left many families destitute. We welcome the announcement made by the national government that KwaZulu-Natal has been declared a disaster area, which will assist in unlocking necessary resources to develop shelter for the people.

“We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones during this tragedy. Despite the obvious budgetary shortfalls that the department is facing, we urge the department to rally its stakeholders and agencies in efforts to rebuild infrastructure in KZN,” Semenya said.

She further said the committee urged departmental agencies, such as the Housing Development Agency and the National Housing Finance Corporation to enhance their systems to ensure that rebuilding efforts are not hampered.

Semenya added that the committee will hold a meeting with the department to assess the overall impact of the storm, the department’s interventions and plans to rebuild the affected houses.

“But the immediate concern is that the affected communities must be provided with interim shelter to alleviate the impact of the storm. In the long term, the committee will be preoccupied with how the department will speed up implementation of its projects to ensure that communities are provided with quality human settlements,” she concluded.

Anyone who would like to assist the Masibi family can contact Piet Masibi on 0788464161 or Kabelo Moshwetsi on 0762021209.  

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By CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

Dear Fellow South African, 

Twenty-five years ago, our new democratic Constitution came into effect. In adopting this Constitution, we affirmed our commitment to a society based on democratic values, social justice and human rights. 

We were also making a complete break with our past. This was a past of race-based social engineering that manifested itself through influx control, job reservation, group areas and the dreaded dompas. When our forebears drafted the Freedom Charter in 1955, whose principles have been incorporated in our constitution, and declared that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, they were seeking a society free from ethnic chauvinism, tribalism, racism and sexism. 

It is therefore deeply disturbing how the recent incidents of anti-foreigner sentiment in parts of the country echo our apartheid past. 

We have seen people being stopped on the street by private citizens and being forced to produce identification to verify their immigration status. We have seen some political leaders making unscientific statements about immigrants to exploit people’s grievances for political gain. 

We have seen marches being led on people’s homes and their dwellings raided for evidence of criminal activity. We have seen people being attacked, hurt and even killed because of how they looked or because they have a particular accent.

This was how the apartheid oppressors operated.

They said some people could only live in certain areas, operate certain businesses or take certain jobs. Under apartheid, black people were deemed suspects by default and stopped by police when found in so-called white areas. Black people were forced to produce a dompas and if they could not do so, they were jailed.

We cannot allow such injustices to happen again.

The events in the Gauteng township of Diepsloot last week were a tragedy. In the course of a single weekend, seven people were killed, sparking protests. This loss of life is deplorable, as is the killing of a fellow African from Zimbabwe allegedly at the hands of vigilantes. 

Crime is a serious problem in this country. It affects all communities and people are justifiably tired of living in fear of criminals. 

Contrary to what is claimed by some anti-immigration groupings and individuals, the perpetrators of crime are both black and white, male and female, foreigner and citizen. 

Crime, not migrants, is the common enemy we must work together to defeat. 

We cannot defeat crime through incitement, violence, intimidation and vigilantism aimed at foreign nationals, and specifically nationals from other African countries. 

We acknowledge many communities are frustrated by the apparent inability of the police to deal with criminals. Among the measures we are taking to capacitate the police is the recruitment of an additional 12,000 additional police officers.

We are also re-establishing community policing forums (CPFs) across the country. These forums bring communities and police representatives together to improve local safety and hold police accountable. Communities need to work with the police by actively participating in CPFs and reporting suspected acts of criminality. 

Even as we intensify our fight against crime, there is no justification for people taking the law into their own hands. 

At the same time, we recognise that illegal migration poses a risk to South Africa’s security, stability and economic progress. Illegal migration affects service delivery and places additional burdens on essential services such as health care and education. 

Like any sovereign nation, we have the right to implement policies and measures that guarantee the integrity of our borders, protect the rights of South Africans and provide that all who reside in our borders have a legal right to be here. 

Controlling migration is the responsibility of government.

No private citizen may assume the role of immigration or law enforcement authorities by demanding that foreign nationals produce identification. Under Section 41 of the Immigration Act, only a police member or immigration officer can ask someone to identify themselves as a citizen, permanent resident or foreign national. If these officers believe, on reasonable grounds, that the person is in the country unlawfully, they may be detained while an investigation into their status is conducted. When doing so, law enforcement authorities must respect that person’s rights and dignity. They may not do so in a manner that is degrading or humiliating.

Enforcement of migration legislation is a priority for government. We are working to ensure that syndicates perpetrating immigration fraud in collusion with corrupt officials are brought to book. This year alone, several people implicated in passport fraud have been arrested.

No private citizen or group has the right to enter businesses and demand its owners produce proof that their businesses are registered or legal. This is the competence of municipal, provincial or national authorities, including inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour and the South African Revenue Service.

Like all other businesses, foreign-owned businesses must obey the relevant laws, including health and safety regulations, have all the required permits and licences, and pay the necessary taxes.

We are a democracy founded on the rule of law. Acts of lawlessness directed at foreign nationals, whether they are documented or undocumented, cannot be tolerated. 

Attacking those we suspect of wrongdoing merely because they are a foreign national is not an act of patriotism. It is immoral, racist and criminal. In the end, it will lead to xenophobia, whose consequences we have lived through in previous years. We do not want to go back there because in the main the people of South Africa are not xenophobic.

I want to appeal to all South Africans, but particularly to younger South Africans who thankfully never experienced the true brutality and dehumanisation of apartheid. Let us not become like the ones who oppressed us, no matter how legitimate the grievance. 

Let us work together to resolve our country’s challenges without resorting to violence or vigilantism. Let us resist those who want to exploit the problems of crime and unemployment for political gain. 

Today, our anger may be directed at nationals from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria or Pakistan. Tomorrow, our anger may be directed at each other. 

Let us heed the words of Martin Niemöller’s famous poem about the Nazis in Germany:

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out –

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out –

because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out –

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.”

Let us focus on defeating crime, no matter who commits it.

With best regards,

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Poor infrastructure in various schools across the North West province continues to be a disturbing factor. This comes after learners at Seile Primary School in Lokaleng village near Taung, were forced to use the nearest bushes to relieve themselves because the ablution toilets are locked.

According to parents of learners who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, this has been taking place for more than a month.    

“There is no proper hygiene practiced by the school even though we are in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The ablution facilities are locked, and this forces learners to go and relieve themselves in the nearest bushes.

“We urge the school to ensure that there are proper toilets. Learners’ privacy is compromised as others are forced to and squat in a bushy area within the school, which is littered with faeces,” said a parent.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “The departmental officials visited the school and their findings were that the toilets were indeed locked due to the unavailability of water.

“So, infrastructure officials will be visiting the school to establish what might be the challenge with the borehole. Seile Primary is a big school and able to maintain from the 10% budget that is allocated to them annually by the department.”

Malindi further said the new principal will intervene during these school holidays to ensure that water is restored in the school toilets. 

Recently, the department appeared before the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to respond to poor infrastructure experienced at 60 schools in the province. According to the commission’s Office Manager in the North West, Osmond Mngomezulu, they have probed the matter after receiving complaints. 

Mngomezulu said even though they initially received complaints about six schools, their scope was widened when they identified more schools during their assessment and monitoring.

“Complaints raised allegations concerning deteriorating buildings, cracked walls, cracked floor, broken window, falling ceilings, exposed electricity wires, shortage of classrooms, overcrowding in classrooms, asbestos roofing and structures, lack of access to sufficient water and basic sanitation.

“Learners in those schools with damaged roofing do not attend classes when it rains. Some schools such as Setshwarapelo Primary School in Mokgareng village, Taung were closed due to infrastructure challenges resulting in learners being transferred to another school pending the delivery of mobile classrooms,” he said.

He said they have discovered that some schools have overcrowding and that negatively impacts teaching and learning. Mngomezulu said teachers are unable to perform their duties diligently and respond to the individual needs of learners due to overcrowding.

“We also visited Promosa Secondary School in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom and the pass rate was very low. However, I am not sure if that was caused by the infrastructure challenges. 

“We had consultative engagements with the National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) and Naptosa, which is a teachers’ labour union, where it presented additional schools including those in Madibeng that still use pit latrines,” said Mngomezulu.

Malindi who was cagey said the department appeared before the commission to present its side of the story and respond to the complaints raised by it. He said the department outlined how it is going to address issues raised in short and long-term periods.”

In 2019, R150 million allocations meant for infrastructure grants, were returned to the national treasury after not being unused by the department.  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West police are investigating a livestock-theft case after five cows were allegedly stolen in a grazing camp in Piet Plessis near Ganyesa. According to the North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen, the incident took place on Tuesday, where a case of stock-theft was opened.

“A case of stock-theft was reported to the Piet Plessis police, where five charolais cattle were stolen from a grazing camp. On Thursday, one of the farmers in the Piet Plessis area provided the police with information regarding a stock theft.

“The police in Piet Plessis acted immediately following the information up and with the assistance of the farmer, they managed to track down the suspected vehicle. Upon arrival at the scene, the suspects fled and abandoned the vehicle,” van Rooyen said.

She further said the police allegedly found five cows inside the white minibus taxi. Van Rooyen added that upon investigation, it was found that the cows which were found, had been reported stolen on 29 March 2022.

“The investigation continues and anyone with information that can assist the investigation can contact Warrant Officer Obakeng Kegakilwe on 082 057 1992,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng commended the Piet Plessis police for their swift response as well as the farmer who assisted with information. He stated that, it is only when the community members and police join forces that they can win the fight against crime.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 30-YEAR-OLD man is set to appear at Upington Magistrate’s Court 1 April 2022 for fraud. The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Northern Cape, Capt Tebogo Thebe said the suspect’s arrest emanates after information received from First National Bank (FNB) that one of its clients from Kwa Zulu Natal, complained that an amount of R20 000 was withdrawn from his account without his permission.

“Upington Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit took over the investigation and established that the suspect allegedly booked himself in at Upington casino hotel, where he spent approximately R80 000 on accommodation, food and drinks using details of three different bank accounts.

“The search and seizure were conducted at the hotel room of the suspect and two cell phones, bank statements and proof of payments slips were seized. The team believes that the said documents will aid the investigation going forward,” Thebe said.

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