By OBAKENG MAJE

The Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) president, Dr Mbahare Kekana said his party aims to address interdependent socio-economic phenomena such as inequality, poverty, and unemployment during the 2021 Local Government Elections.

Kekana who launched his party’s manifesto in Lichtenburg on Wednesday said many South Africans continue to live in squalor and that needs to change.  

“We are very excited about the outcomes of the Constitutional Court’s decision as we managed to stop the long-term suffering of our people to allow them in their respective communities to vote for change on 1 November 2021.

“This shows that the justice system of South Africa is at times, objective and fair. However, through this victory, F4SD has shown that we are a party that cares about the livelihood of the South African citizens,” he said.

Kekana said their 2021 Manifesto launch themed: ‘Let’s End Poverty and Corruption’. He further said the F4SD was founded back in 2015 as a serious response to the failures of the current South African government with an aim to tackle grassroots issues such as water, immigration laws, Housing and Sanitation, Electoral Reform, Education and poverty.

“The party embodies its founding principles in four pillars such as Grassroots democracy, Economic and social justice, Non-violence and Environmental Sustainability. The F4SD is here to rescue the people of South Africa from poverty, lack of service delivery, high rate of unemployment, corruption, financial incompetency, high rate of crime, lack of focus or support to rural and township economy, environmental waste degradation.

“As when other political parties were quiet and willing to see you suffer longer due to non-service delivery, we are the party that stood up and was ready to stand for what we believed was right for the people on the ground,” said Kekana.

He said their victory against the IEC has proven beyond reasonable doubt that Forum 4 Service Delivery is a party that advocates for social cohesion and uplifts the basic human rights of all South Africans.

“The F4SD 2021 LGE Manifesto is based on the four pillars which will bring hope to the masses and which will usher in change. Change for a better tomorrow, change for a new future. We are ready to serve you as our people through the other four pillars which are housing and sanitation, environmental sustainability, progressive educational system, and economic and social justice.

“In 2016 Local Government Elections, the statistics have proven that our party became the 4^th biggest political party in the North West province having amassed 55 202 votes and winning 29 proportional Representative (PR) Council seats,” he said.

Kekana said his party is also represented in municipalities in Mpumalanga and the Free State wherein they have one seat per province. He added that F4SD will contest seven provinces during the 2021 LGE.

“Since the establishment, F4SD has managed to spread across five provinces in South Africa. The motion of no confidence was filed as successful in the Lekwa-Teemane, Maqussi Hills, the Greater Taung, and Madibeng Local Municipalities respectively. We are a political party that has held Tswaing Local Municipality accountable for health hazards to the community with sewage spillages.

“We have also opened a case of corruption and maladministration against senior officials in the municipality and in 2021, we fought against all odds for our people’s voice to be heard by taking IEC head-on on attempts to postpone the 2021 Local Government Election,” he said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the untimely death of Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Neo Schalk. Schalk, who was affectionately known as China in the political arena, was involved in a head-on collision car accident on N14 outside Vryburg in the early hours of Sunday.  

Both Schalk and the other driver from a separate car were certified dead on the scene. The ANC North West Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) coordinator, Hlomani Chauke described Schalk as the most disciplined and committed member.

“The ANC has lost an outstanding leader, a loyal and disciplined cadre whose commitment to the unity, rebuilding, and renewal of the ANC was sincere and unquestionable. His unwavering commitment to the noble cause of nation-building and community service earned him the respect of the people of Naledi whom he served as a mayor with the greatest of humility, honour, and dignity.

“At his untimely demise, Schalk was an ANC ward 7 candidate in the Naledi sub-region. His death marks a sad end to an illustrious political journey that spanned almost four decades. He cut his political teeth in 1983 as a student leader at Bopaganang High School, where he was instrumental in leading student protests,” he said.

Chauke further said Schalk was also a leading activist of Huhudi Student Organization, Huhudi Youth Organization, and Huhudi Civic Association, which were UDF affiliates. He added that Schalk was also a member of the Regional Executive of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Northern Cape region.

“Schalk was also a preeminent unionist whose organizing skills earned him the admiration of workers. He was consequently appointed as organizer of the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) and served the ANC in many capacities including as a member of the Regional Executive Committee in the Dr. Ruth

Segomotsi Mompati region.

“Following the first Local Government Elections, Cde Neo was elected to the position of councillor and the ANC Chief Whip in the Naledi Local Municipality. He also served as a Speaker of Dr Ruth District Municipality and as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Infrastructure and Maintenance,” said Chauke.

Schalk served in a number of parastatals including in the North West Operating Licensing Board, Botshelo Water Board, and Provincial Geographical Names Board. He also served the government in numerous capacities including as the Deputy Director for the Department of Transport, Roads and Public Safety.

Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Association (SANCO) in the North West described Schalk’s death as an epic loss.

SANCO Provincial Chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “His untimely departure has robbed our communities of a dedicated public representative who was among those who had laid a strong foundation for local government having served the Naledi municipality in various capacities.

“A fitting tribute to this revolutionary cadre and humble servant of our people who was an ardent campaigner and a patriot would be to ensure that the decisive victory that the ANC is targeting during Local Government Elections on 1 November 2021 is realised and that the councils to be installed thereafter are committed to people-centered and community-driven development.”

Sebegoe called for zero tolerance road traffic law enforcement in order to reduce crashes and fatalities on public roads.

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By STAFF REPORTER

North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has urged bidders to be wary of fraudsters. This comes after some bidders were allegedly contacted by fraudsters alleging that they have been sent to collect monies on behalf of chairpersons or directors for bids they have tendered for in order for them to get their appointment letters.

DARD spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said the scam involves the fraudsters calling bidders and requesting money or using departmental letterheads or disguised as department’s representative to send out fake appointment letters to unsuspecting suppliers and service providers.

“All stakeholders that have received fraudulent letters are urged to report the matter to law enforcement agencies without hesitation and to inform the department of such activities. The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will never send e-mail asking service providers to supply equipment and goods/services without an official purchase order number,” Setlhako said.

Meanwhile, the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) said: “We’re a Non-Profit Organisation focused on fraud prevention and leading the fight against fraud and financial crime.

“We help to keep you safe from fraudsters by providing fraud prevention services.

Through collaboration between our citizens, the public, private sectors and like-minded organisations across the globe, SAFPS aims to reduce the impact of financial crime on society and the economy.”

The SAFPS said it is passionate about providing fraud prevention awareness relating to identity theft and impersonation, by publishing relevant and current information via multiple channels including social media.

“Since 2001, we have prevented billions of rand worth of fraud losses within the South African economy for both our members and consumers at large. SAFPS envisions increasing the savings value of our footprint across the SADC region in the next five years,” website said.

To report fraud at SAFPS kindly call (011) 867-2234  

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Premier, Bushy Maape is set to host a consultative session with leaders of religious and Faith-Based Organisations in Klerksdorp on Wednesday. According to Maape spokesperson, Sell Tatai in a statement, Maape will be accompanied by Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and mayors.

“The primary objective of the session is to find a lasting solution to challenges of service delivery bedeviling many municipalities across the province and to pray for strength in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

“These include praying for families who lost their loved ones as well as those suffering from Covid-19 related illnesses. The session is also aimed at establishing working relationships with leaders of faith-based organisations to promote ethical leadership and good governance in the province,” Tatai said.

He further said since Maape’s election as the Premier, he has been crisscrossing the province meeting with different stakeholders to share his vision. Tatai added that later in the afternoon, Maape will also hand over title deeds at Alabama Extension 4.

“Over four hundred families will benefit from this initiative. Over the years, the provincial government has been on a mission to confer title deeds to residents who were previously disadvantaged by unjust laws in relation to property ownership.

“Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is hosting its EXCO Planning Lekgotla to assess the performance of the province in the last six months and prepare for the 2022/23 financial year,” he said.  

Tatai said this also includes accelerating the delivery of services in the next six months of the current financial year. He said the first session will take place at Matlosana Local Municipality Ballroom Hall at 2pm, while the handing over title deeds session will take place at Extension 4 Alabama in Klerksdorp at 4:30pm.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa said they have decided to move the country to the adjusted alert Level 1 following meetings of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).

Ramaphosa who addressed the nation last night said, the hours of the curfew will change from 12 midnight to 4 am, while non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars, and fitness centres will need to close by 11 pm to allow their employees and patrons to travel home before the start of the curfew.

“The maximum number of people permitted to gather indoors will increase from 250 to 750, and the maximum number of people permitted to gather outdoors will increase from 500 to 2,000.

“Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social

distancing, then no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used. This includes religious services, political events, and social gatherings, as well as restaurants,

bars, taverns, and similar places,” said Ramaphosa.

He further said the maximum number of people permitted at a funeral will increase from 50 to 100. Ramaphosa added that as before, night vigils, after-funeral gatherings, and after-tears gatherings are still not allowed.

“The sale of alcohol for both off-site and on-site consumption will be permitted, according to

normal license provisions, however, no alcohol may be sold after 11 pm. The wearing of masks in public places is still mandatory and failure to wear a mask when required remains a criminal offense,” he said.

Ramaphosa said as part of the effort to return the most affected parts of the economy to operation, they are looking at further relaxation of restrictions, particularly with respect to sporting and cultural events. He said if people continue to work together as they have

been doing, more areas of activity will open up.

However, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said: “We repeat our call for Ramaphosa to end the lockdown altogether, to save livelihoods. People are suffering and jobs continue to be lost unnecessarily to senseless restrictions that have long since been ignored by his own party.

“Ramaphosa and his government appear not to grasp the severity of our jobs crisis that has produced the world’s highest recorded unemployment rate of 44%. Only the most callously uncaring leaders would continue to force job-destroying restrictions on law-abiding people while breaking those rules themselves.”

He said they call for an end to the State of Disaster, which is enabling corruption by allowing government departments to bypass stricter financial control measures.

“The SIU report into the Digital Vibes scandal shows exactly why the State of Disaster must be ended immediately, and why the ANC is so reluctant to do so. Corruption with impunity is the only thing holding his party together.

“Which is why Ramaphosa dragged his feet on making the Digital Vibes report public and failed to condemn Zweli Mkhize, praising him instead for “serving our nation well”. It is not enough for those involved in this scandal to lose their jobs. They too must be prosecuted and jailed if found guilty,” Steenhuisen said.

He said there is no justification for continuing the lockdown and the State of Disaster. Steenhuisen said COVID-19 cases are decreasing across all nine provinces and every adult has by now had ample opportunity to get vaccinated, and people are well aware of the precautions they need to take to manage the risks they face.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 44-YEAR-OLD man briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court for murder on Wednesday. Christopher Koketso Melore was arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend, Tshegofatso Mabebe (38) in Rooiwal village, Taung.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Melore was arrested on Monday after the initial investigations identified him as the alleged perpetrator. Myburgh said the police were summoned to a murder scene earlier on Monday after a lifeless body of Mabebe was found in the streets with multiple head injuries at around 7:15 am.

“It is alleged that Melore found the girlfriend with another boyfriend at his house on Sunday night and assaulted her. The preliminary investigation revealed that at the time of the arrest, Melore was on parole after being sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for murdering his then-girlfriend, Babuang Portia Ramose (34) in Pudimoe in December 2009,” she said.

North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said: “We are saddened by the incident. We request couples to resolve their differences peacefully rather than resorting to violence and to seek professional assistance from social workers and other professionals.”

Meanwhile, Melore was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 6 October 2021.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Former bank employee sentenced to eight years for fraud and money laundering by Swartruggens Regional Court on Monday. Nonhlanhla Matinyane (29) defrauded an unsuspecting victim (49) R536 000.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Matinyane was charged with three accounts of fraud and seven accounts of money laundering.

“Whilst working at the bank in Swartruggens, Matinyane illegally transferred money amounting to R536 000 to three different accounts belonging to family members and to an unsuspecting account holder, from one of the bank account holders who won the lottery.

“This was done without the account holder’s knowledge. The bank investigating team noticed these huge transfers and contacted the account holder. The victim had no knowledge of these transfers because she did not receive any notifications as the accused blocked her phone from receiving bank notifications,” Myburgh said.

She said all transactions were traced to Matinyane and cases of fraud and money laundering were opened. Myburgh further said Matinyane pleaded guilty on all charges and she was sentenced to five years imprisonment for fraud and three years imprisonment for money laundering.

“The sentences were wholly suspended for five years and the court also ordered her to pay R17 500 that could not be retrieved back to the bank,” she said.   

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed sanctions handed down to Mtinyane. Kwena also applauded the investigative officer, Colonel Peter Phale, and the Provincial Commercial Crime Unit for working tirelessly in cooperation with the bank investigation team in ensuring the arrest and sentencing of the accused.    

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects including a police officer were arrested for theft in Mahikeng on 19 September 2021. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, Constable Meshack Masiza (26) along with other suspects, Motlamedi Lekalake (24) and Jabufor Ngwa (39) allegedly entered the Vehicle Safeguarding Section (VSS) pound in Rooigrond under false pretense.

“Masiza allegedly lied to the security guard about him being officially on duty and entered the VSS pound accompanied by two males driving in a vehicle. The trio proceeded to an impounded vehicle, then removed a front bumper and replaced it with the one from their vehicle.

“They allegedly took the impounded vehicle’s bumper and fit it in their vehicle. Unbeknown to the accused, the security guard had already informed the police who pounced on the trio before they could leave the pound,” Mokgwabone said.

He said the accused made their first appearance at the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 21 September 2021. Mokgwabaone further said Masiza and Lekalake were each granted R500 bail upon the second appearance on 23 September 2021. 

“Ngwa remains in custody pending verification of his residence status. The accused will re-appear at the same court on 28 September 2021. Investigation into the matter continues,” said Mokgwabone.

North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest of the police officer and two civilians. He also lauded the security guard for the vigilance that led to the arrest.

“This will certainly sound a warning to all SAPS employees who are engaged in criminal activities. If caught, will have to face the consequences including internal disciplinary processes,” he said. 

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By STAFF REPORTER

Four senior officials aged 47 and 66 from the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, The Hawks for fraud, contravening the diamonds Act and Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) on Wednesday.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Philani Nkwalase said the department received funding surpassing R6.7 million from the European Union during the 2010/2011 financial year.

“The funds were intended for training students in cutting and polishing uncut (unpolished) diamonds. The diamonds were bought in March 2011 from a private entity without the necessary licenses to buy rough diamonds.

“However, consequently, these diamonds were stored at the premises of the same private entity. Forty students were enrolled in the same year, to undergo a mining qualification course in cutting and polishing of diamonds facilitated by Kimberley Diamonds International Jewellery Academy (KIDJA),” said Nkwalase.

However, he said it was established that the diamonds were missing and unaccounted for in July 2012. Nkwalase said this was discovered during the random inspection by the Auditor General (AG).

“We launched an investigation into the matter and this resulted in the arrest of these senior officials. The team executed (J50) warrants of arrest early on Wednesday morning.  The suspects are expected to appear at the Kimberly Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.

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