By OBAKENG MAJE

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality have over 522 406 population and housed 0.9% of South Africa’s total population. The executive mayor, Tebogo Babuile who convened a strategic meeting with the municipal employees in Vryburg on Monday said, it is imperative for all employees to understand their roles.  

“It is the responsibility of officials to implement, impart their professional skills and expertise into their work. It is also important that both politicians and administration work together as one at all times in order to serve the public with dignity and respect.

“I encouraged the employees to carry out this exercise as it will check if there are staff challenges when it comes to execution of municipal programmes and projects. One of the key things is to enhance the quality of service to the residents of this region,” he said.

Babuile said he believe that, at no stage should the political head should explain the reason for poor service delivery. He said it is commendable that the session was warmly welcomed by all employees.

“Remember, municipality contribute directly to economic growth by providing a range of essential services to households, commercial enterprises, industries and institutions such as schools and hospitals.

“So, it is important for us to ensure that we increase our contribution to economic growth by improving the reliability, quality and efficiency of these services. It also means getting the skills mix right by having an appropriate balance between managers, technical personnel and others, with vacancies kept to a minimum,” said Babuile.

He said municipal employees and skills they bring to workplace are critical input in the delivery of all services a municipality delivers. The beleaguered municipality invested R150 millions of taxpayers’ money to now defunct VBS Mutual Bank back in 2018.

taungdailynews@gmail.com    

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Two people have died following an accident at the Mareetsane junction on the N18 road between Setlagole and Mahikeng this afternoon. North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said the flow of traffic is currently affected and the road users are requested to proceed with caution.

“We would like to send our heartfelt condolences message to the families of the deceased. I plead with road users to obey the rules of the road and to only proceed when it is safe to do so,” Lehari said.

The investigations into the fatal accident are underway.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Kenetswe Mosenogi said Mosenogi said the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is confident that the visit by the United States Consul General, Vincent Spera and his delegation will ultimately facilitate improved collaboration and delivery of services to the people of the province.  

Mosenogi said their discussion touched on trade and investment opportunities available in the province, which include mining and mineral processing value chain, ICT Broadband, Agriculture and Agro-Processing and renewable energy.

“We have agreed that the NWPG and the US Consul General will as part of exploring areas for possible trade and investment, engage the affected stakeholders and arrange a visit to the Bojanala Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

“We would also like to thank the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg for their continued support and shared interest in contributing towards the province’s economic prosperity and strengthening its health system for the benefit of the people of the province,” she said.

Spera heads the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg, a branch of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission to South Africa, is responsible for exploring areas for collaboration and investment in the North West, Free State and Gauteng Provinces.

In his meetings with the Mosenogi, and department of Health, Spera stated that two of the top priorities of the Consulate Johannesburg, and the U.S. Mission more broadly, are sharing prosperity through economic development and improving health outcomes.

“With the already existing partnership, particularly on issues of health which include government’s response to HIV, TB and COVID-19 amongst others, we need to determine whether we are sharing the same priorities.

“The extent to which the partnership is making the desired impact, and where there are challenges, how can we collectively resolve them for the benefit of the North West community,” he said.

He added that he had the pleasure of meeting with local and provincial leaders as well as business and labour representatives. Spera also said he welcome the depth of the conversations he held during his visit including the desire of the leadership to continue working with them.

“These direct connections have helped our team better understand the issues and priorities in the province from a variety of perspectives. I look forward to future engagements to continue to build the relationship between the United States and South Africa,” said Spera.

He also met with the executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo and his executive, as well as Kgosi Neo Mokgweetsi who represented Kgosi Jeff Montshioa. They discussed areas of possible collaboration with the local municipality, particularly the socio-economic issues.

The delegation also embarked on a walk-about to Lonely-Park clinic and the North West University (Mafikeng campus). On 3 February 2022, the Consul General and his delegation visit the USAID and PACT supported Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) in Koster where he was joined by the MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 34-YEAR-OLD police officer is expected to appear at the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on Monday for corruption. North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said according to reports, a vehicle belonging to a stock-theft related case was impounded and booked in as evidence in January 2022.

Funani said subsequently to the suspect’s court appearance, his case was withdrawn for further investigations.

“The suspect was released from detention and he allegedly received a call from the police officer who promised to release his vehicle provided he pays a certain amount of money. The man consequently reported the matter to the police who commenced with investigations. 

“The man allegedly arranged a meeting with the police officer on 4 February 2022 to hand him the money he requested. They ultimately met at the man’s house, where the police officer was arrested by members of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) after collecting the money, which was found in his possession,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the ACIU members for their excellent work in netting the police officer. Kwena further said corrupt employees  have no place to hide in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and that those who are involved in criminal activities, will be brought to book to face the full might of the law.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi lambasted some community members at Utlwanang Township in Christiana for allegedly participating in ‘illegal’ protests. Some community members blocked N12 road that links Bloemhof and Kimberley with burning tyres and debris demanding allocation of stands.

“As the municipality, we would like to condemn the blocking of N12 road and looting of shops that occurred at Utlwanang/ Geluksoord, which was purportedly in connection with the allocation of residential stands.

“We condemn the incidents with the strongest contempt it deserves. As the municipality, we have resolved on 31 January 2022 that deserving residents be allocated the stands accordingly,” Motlhabi said.

He further said the municipal officials were assigned to manage the allocation process, however, some elements with sinister motives (political and otherwise) incited residents to refuse to be allocated the stands, but to rather self-allocate which was chaotic.

Motlhabi added they have attended the scene to address the residents for an amicable resolve to the impasse, however, upon their departure the residents then resorted to looting the businesses mostly operated by foreign nationals and renegaded altogether from the allocation of stands.

“The municipality remains committed to its resolution to allocate stands to the deserving residents in a systematic and verifiable manner. So, we plead for calm and cooperation to afford the allocation to be executed seamlessly.

“Residents are further advised to desist from embarking on illegal / criminal activities which might ignite confrontation with the law enforcement agencies,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “Police have apprehended three men in connection with public violence in Christiana. According to information received, members of the community at Utlwanang Location in Christiana embarked on a protest action and barricaded the N12 road.  

“It is alleged the march was started when the protesters did not get the response that they demanded from the mayor and the councillors. They allegedly started burning tyres and blocking roads.”  

Funani said allegations further state that more members of the community joined in the protest and they went to tuck shops in Utlwanang Location, where they looted and damaged some of the tuck shops. She said police were called and three suspects between the ages of 18 and 28 were arrested and charged with public violence.

“The accused briefly appeared at the Christiana Magistrate’’ Court on 3 February 2022,” she said. 

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident of public violence and requested members of the community not to resort to violence when they are dissatisfied. Moreover, Kwena also warned the community and said that stolen properties looted from the tuck-shops will be traced and the suspects will be arrested. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

It has been a six months rollercoaster for security guards at the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), which is a government entity in the North West. According to Mapula Mooketsi (49) who is a security guard at the Bucs Security Company, which is contracted to protect the NWDC buildings in Mahikeng in North West, they have down tools because they have not received their salaries for six months. 

“This situation has affected our livelihoods. I have a child who has to walk a long distance to school because I do not have transport money. Sometimes she will stay at home and that affects her teaching and learning.

“How are we expected to make ends meet without getting salaries? Now, we have to rely on friends and relatives for survival as we could not even afford to buy food, stationery and school uniform,” she said.

Another unsatisfied employee,   Xolisa Nano shared the same sentiments. Nano said their situation is dire and it has brought nothing but misery in their lives.

“My first born who attended Taletso TVET College doing her second year, is currently sitting at home because I could not pay for her registration fee. My second born is doing Grade 3 at Montshia and I have not bought her a new uniform and stationery.

“The worst part, I am renting here in Mahikeng and I only get financial assistance from one of my baby daddies who are also self-employed. How does the government entity say it does not have money to pay a security company? I’m sure they are not aware that this has affected so many lives,” said Nano.

However, the Bucs Security Company owner, Aobakwe Ntehelang has put the blame squarely on the NWDC. He said this non-payment has resulted in the company facing dire financial constraints.

“The company is not in a position to pay its employees their monthly salaries. Remember, I have a month-to-month contract with the NWDC and it has been challenging for me. My company is too small to experience this, but yes, it is true that it has been six months without being paid by the NWDC.

“The NWDC claims that it does not have money and it will pay within 90 days. It has also sent me a letter of termination of contract. So, this is my last month with them. However, I am planning to take the matter to court for arbitration to force them to pay me before 90 days.” he said.

Meanwhile, a social activist, Thato Molosankwe calls on the government to absorb all security guards working at various departments. Molosankwe alleged that many security companies contracted to the provincial government exploit their workers.

“There is an issue across the province where security guards are not paid on time. This has affected their livelihoods. Many security guards have families that they need to take care of, however, they continue to be exploited by these security companies.

“We urge the provincial government to in-source them and pay them directly. We tried engaging the NWDC on numerous occasions to address this matter, but the meetings were futile,” he said.

NWDC spokesperson, Annemarie Marx said: “The NWDC do not have any comment on the matters raised.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Residents of Maphoitsile village near Taung in North West said lack of accessible clean and drinkable water affects their well-being. According to one of the residents, Luckyboy Tidikwe, it has been over five years since they experienced water challenges in their area.

“The truth be told, we have over five years since we started to experience water challenges in our area. The water that comes out of our taps is dirty and not good for human consumption. As a community, we have tried by all means to have consultative engagements with all stakeholders involved such as Sedibeng Water and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

“However, nothing has changed at all. We have only five working taps across our village because other taps were closed by the Sedibeng Water. This has a bad impact on our livelihoods as we are forced to walk miles before we could have access to clean and drinkable water,” he said.

Tidikwe further said they welcomed the disestablishment of Sedibeng Water. This was announced by the minister of water and sanitation, Senzo Mchunu last week in a statement.   

Another resident, Thapelo Saku said another challenge was that Sedibeng Water replaced communal copper taps with plastic ones. He said this causes wastage of water as these taps get broken easily.

“One will see water running down the streets and that is waste. When we report the matter to Sedibeng Water, they will take time before they could come and fix them. Also, the quality of water we are provided with is bad” he said.

The executive mayor at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Tebogo Babuile said as the municipality, they are aware of the situation at Maphoitsile.

“We are aware of the situation at Maphoitsile village and other neighbouring areas. Indeed, we have seen pictures of the water coming out of the taps in those areas. But as a carrying municipality, we are working hard to ensure that our people get clean and drinkable water.

“The intention is to ensure that not even a single hour passes without our people getting clean and drinkable water. It is true that we are having challenges with Sedibeng Water and we are just hearing stories that it has been disestablished and Magalies Water will now take over,” Babuile said.

He further said if Sedibeng Water is not coming to play, they will look elsewhere for services. According to Babuile, Sedibeng Water has been given more powers and that needs to stop.

Meanwhile, Mchunu who visited the North West this week said: “Water supply should be at the peak of the province’ service delivery and that all communities should be supplied with clean water.

“There will be a review of water boards broadly and the disestablishment of the Sedibeng Water Board, which has been servicing a bigger part of the North West. At the moment, Magalies Water has been identified as the water board that will in future supply water to the province,” Mchunu said.

He added that water knows no boundaries hence the local, provincial and the national government must work hand in glove in supplying water to all communities. Mchunu said on many occasions, municipalities complain about ageing infrastructure which is mainly caused by lack of capacity or lack of funding.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By LESEDI SETLHODI-PAUL

Aviation is one of the industries that are difficult to break into. A glimpse of Leshole’s character on SABC educational soapie, Skeem Saam, showed most viewers the challenges of being a licensed pilot.

Taung DailyNews caught up with the multi-award winner in Aviation, Boitumelo Katisi (29) who hails from Dinokana, Zeerust, but later relocated to Pimville, Soweto. Katisi is a qualified Commercial Pilot and she is currently studying towards her Instructor’s rating.

“As a commercial pilot, one can work for the South African Airways (SAA) or anywhere in the world given the fact that you meet the requirements. This will need two more years after obtaining your Private Pilot License, which is a one year course and is likely to be equivalent to two years of university fees.

“The hours we put in training speak volumes. My passion for flying was ignited when I was in high school. I was dejected when I did not get a response for my request to shadow a professional in the medical or engineering field for a day,” she said.

However, Katisi said she was fortunate enough because her  aunt was working at SAA. She said the administration side was not fascinating for her and she was happy when her aunt acquainted her with someone from the air site.

“I was happy because I had an opportunity to engage with pilots. Yes, the aircrafts and pilots in uniform will have you to reconsider. However, from that day, I knew that aeronautics was what I wanted to pursue.

“Given that, at some point I had thoughts of considering being a medical doctor or an engineer. But I did not because I had all requirements and remember, aviation schools are private institutions and getting a bursary is a mammoth task,” said Katisi.

She said being an aviator can be quite a reach for the deprived and not to mention that it is also one of the male-dominated industries. Katisi further said coming from a deprived background compared to others who were exposed to this before was also a challenge.

“Truly, the hurdles do not end with the money one spent for the course. The colour of your skin and gender also become an issue. I was grateful because my mother was so supportive throughout this journey.

“I was struggling financially, even though my academic records were too good. If anyone is keen on aeronautics, I’ll advise them to attend exhibitions so that they can be exposed to that before venturing into it,” said Katisi.

She added that aviation schools are too expensive and use ‘pay-as-you-go’ procedures. Katisi said an hour flight can cost R2000.

“This affected progress as my funds hastily depleted. Sometimes I will be forced to wait for a few months to get necessary fees before I get those lessons. I am ardent about aviation and willing to impart my knowledge and skills onto others who are interested in aeronautics.

“We are running a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) called Aviation Development in Africa with Joseph Lebitsa. The aim is to bring aviation awareness to children who are from disadvantageous backgrounds. We also have a guideline booklet (Basic Introduction to Aviation Careers), which addresses questions that one may have pertaining to aviation,” she said.

Katisi said there are so many career opportunities in aviation as one can become a meteorologist, flight engineer, an aviation lawyer or even a flight attendant among others.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

TWELVE learners from disadvantaged backgrounds at Seabo High School in Kokomeng village near Taung said they were thrilled to receive a new pair of school shoes. This comes after a philanthropist, Keseokile “The Beast” Phakedi from Tlapeng 1 in Taung donated shoes to them.

One of the learners said she comes from a poor background and no one is working at home. She said receiving a new pair of shoes will enhance her to work hard and gain confidence among other learners.

“I am grateful because no one is working at home. So, receiving a pair of shoes will boost my confidence in class. You know some learners tease us for wearing worn-out shoes and that indirectly affects my school work because of lack of concentration.

“We need people like Mr Phakedi in our society who have the interests of our learners at heart. I’ll pray to God that he must give him strength and protection to continue with his initiative,” she said.     

Phakedi, who celebrated his birthday in style, said education continues to be a universal right to every child across the globe. He said, however, many children especially in deep rural areas continue to experience many challenges that hinder their full participation at school.

“It is heart-breaking to see some learners going to school with worn-out school uniforms, while others attend barefoot. I believe that learners need to be empowered through education, but that cannot be achievable if there are some obstacles along the way that will hinder the process,” he said.

Phakedi further said, in most cases, learners from rural areas are deeply affected by socio-economic challenges because of their backgrounds.

“I grew up from a poor background, so I know how that affects a pupil’s confidence. So, it has been five years since I embarked on this initiative. I have previously donated sanitary pads to female learners at various schools such as Walter Letsie High School, Keretetse Middle School and others.

“Even though I am doing this from my own pocket, soon I will register the Non-Profit Organisation (NGO), Kesokile Phakedi Foundation. The aim is to find a way to give back, not only to an underserved and important cause, but to a cause that resonated with the society,” said Phakedi.

He said the foundation will serve as a vehicle for change. Phakedi also encourages others to either come on board or do the same in their respective areas.

“To me, education has always felt personal. Remember, it always looks impossible until it is done as the late Dr Nelson Mandela said. So, we need to forge forward and promote education. In fact, we need to make it fashionable and create a prodigious society,” he said.

Meanwhile, Seabo High School’s Departmental Head, Kaelo Tlholagae said: “We are so grateful to have individuals like Mr Phakedi who have the interest of the pupils at heart. Many learners experience hardships and getting donations like this is heart-warming.

“Most of them come from poor backgrounds and they need to be empowered. We worked together with Mr Phakedi and his wife to identify 12 learners who deserve the donations. So, as the school we are thrilled.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

George Moresetlhare (68) from Cokonyane village near Taung said he had lost hope in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM). Galeboe who stays in a mud four roomed house had since applied for a RDP house back in 2012 without any success.

Even though Section 26 of the Constitution stipulates that ‘everyone has the right to adequate housing, this is not any case regarding Galeboe’s matter. He said the disparity he continues to receive from the municipality resulted in frustration and dismay.

“I applied for a RDP house back in 2012, but the municipality continues to be incompetent. The officials there cannot explain what happened to my application. Instead, they continue to send me from pillar to post.

“I am living in dire conditions especially when it is rainy. The walls are collapsing and I had to use wires to hold them together. I really need shelter and anyone who can assist, please come forward,” he said.

The dejected Galeboe said he is a pensioner and even though he has children, they are also unemployed.

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Daddy Gaoraelwe said he is aware of Galeboe’s challenges. Gaoraelwe confirmed that indeed Galeboe had applied for a RDP and he had personally checked it.  

“I have personally logged into the housing subsidy portal and indeed, the system shows that the application is validated, but on hold. However, the system cannot show when the application was received.

“In addition, there are a number of reasons why the application could be validated, but on hold. Some reasons might be that the applicant qualifies, but the attachments of beneficiaries are not in order,” he said.

Gaoraelwe further said another reason might be that the applicant may have applied for a RDP house elsewhere. However, he highlighted that the municipality will launch further investigations on the matter.

“When the application appears on the HHSS online, the applicant must be on the municipal database because the first step of application is the municipality’s Housing Demand Database of RDPs.

“But, appearing on the municipality database does not warrant a RDP provision because the municipality only deals with creating a database of needs. The municipality created the RDP House Demand Database (HDD) and submitted it to the North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) department,” said Gaoraelwe.

He added that the provision of the RDP houses is a competency of GOGHSTA. Gaoraelwe said will also engage with the department and check the status quo of Galeboe’s application.

“It is so unfortunate that we are having a very disconcerting backlog on the provision of RDP houses. However, if the need arises, we will have no choice but to prioritise the applicant.

“As the caring municipality, we have what we call the municipality’s temporary shack list for those who are waiting for a RDP or disaster house. I will go and evaluate the house and if it is in a disastrous condition, we will convert his application into a RDP house disaster application,” said Gaoraelwe.

He added that the municipality is waiting for accreditation and that will enable it to have powers in providing RDP houses without any challenges. Gaoraelwe said even though the process takes time, he is adamant that the municipality will be accredited.

taungdailynews@gmail.com