By VUSI KAMA

North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape has hailed the N12 Ultra Marathon as a golden opportunity for both athletes and small businesses in the province. The marathon is jointly organised by the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR), the City of Matlosana, JB Marks Local Municipality, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, and Coca-Cola.  

“The N12 Ultra Marathon was a success in its inaugural year in 2022. It is scheduled to take place again on April 29. Economies of major cities around the world are developed through events, and sport drives most of tourism.

“The hosting of the N12 Ultra Marathon will provide athletes with opportunities while promoting the involvement of small business in sports,” he said.

Maape further said the resounding success of the inaugural North West N12 Ultra marathon positively impacted the sporting landscape in the province. He added that, the event has become a flagship project of the province.

“The race’s stature has been elevated, with the Comrades Marathon organisers, declaring it as one of the qualifier races for the Ultimate Human Race.

“The starting point was at the North West University (Potchefstroom campus), with the finish line at the Klerksdorp Recreation Centre. In this year’s race, the starting and finishing points will be the other way round,” said Maape.

The event comprising 5km, 10km, 21km, and 50km races – took place under ideal cool weather conditions. It attracted more than 2 000 runners, including some from as far as Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

According to Maape, the N12 Ultra Marathon is the first of its kind in the province. He said from a tourism point of view, Lodges, and Hotels in both Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom are benefiting.

“Although the well-oiled Ethiopian long-distance machine came in all its glory by taking the top spots in both the male and female N12 Ultra Marathon races, two athletes from North West also made it to the podium.

“Thomas Toodi (23) from Klerksdorp came second in the men’s race followed by Johannesburg-based Zimbabwean national, Givemore Mudzinganyama 32),” he said.

Meanwhile, the Potchefstroom-based athlete, Adele Broodryk (31) made good of her preparations for the Comrades Marathon by being the second lady to hit the finish line with a time of 3:08:30.7. She was followed by Melissa Jansen Van Vuuren (27), who clocked 3:17:05.8.

However, as it has become a norm in the N12 Ultra Marathon race circles, the stars of the show were the Ethiopians. Sintayehu Yinesu (31) claimed the crown as the king of the N12 by clocking a cool 2:33:52, while fellow Ethiopian, Laketh Seba who trotted home with the women’s crown in 3:08:08 after pipping Broodryk in the final metres of the race.

Among the attendees, was a retired legendary North West long-distance runner, Matthews Temane.

Temane said: “The marathon was good and I am happy it took place. However, there is a lot of work to be done to make it even better.”

A triple athletics springbok, the retired runner excelled in races ranging from 800m to Comrades Ultra Marathon. In one of his famous runs, he broke the 21km world record in East London, during the 1990s.

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Picture: The divers searching for the body of the deceased who drowned/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

A boy drowned at Matharise Section, near Ranstad village in Taung on Thursday afternoon. It is alleged that Tshwanelo Mosala (20) and his friends, were fishing when the atrocity happened.

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “According to information received, the victim and his friends were fishing at the river when the incident happened.

“The deceased allegedly entered the water, but he drowned. He called out to his friends for help, but they were unable to assist him. His body was removed on Friday morning by the divers. An inquest was opened and is under investigation.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Rabodigelo Primary in Ditshilong village, near Taung will be amongst the first 300 schools in poor and economically marginalised communities, where breakfast will be introduced. This was announced by the embattled North West Premier, Bushy Maape during his State of the Province (SOPA) at North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng on Friday.

Maape also said, there are strategic plans in place to ensure that there are improvements in terms of National Senior Certificate results. He further said, the province is targeting position one in the 2023 matric results calendar.

“Poverty and hunger impact on the mental state of learners and their ability to fully participate in effective learning. In fulfilling our obligations to meet the adequate nutrition levels of the most vulnerable, Dingake Primary in Verdwaal, Rabodigelo Primary in Ditshilong (Taung), Gaeonale Primary in Kgokgojane, Modubyane Primary in Pitsedisulejang and Kgolane Primary in Dwarsberg will be amongst the first 300 schools in poor and economically marginalised communities, where breakfast will be introduced.

“To date, the government continues to feed 744 320 learners in more than 1300 schools across the province. We will be rolling out the sanitary dignity towels to 120 000 learners in quintile 1 to 3 schools at a cost of R17.7 million. Schools that will benefit from this programme include Mmoledi Secondary in Phitsane, Boskuil Combined and Batlokwa Secondary in Molatedi village, and many others,” said Maape.

He said, they also want to reclaim their position as one of the two best-performing provinces in terms of National Senior Certificate results. Maape said, however, they can only do this if they re-double and multiply their efforts.

“A detailed Provincial Matric Results Improvement Plan to take forward our achievement will be communicated by the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during her budget speech.  

“Our government will roll out access to the internet, through broadband and Wi-Fi from the current 25 % of learners to 75% in the current academic year. He added that, this will see the government expanding broadband connectivity to schools to the tune of R31.2 million,” he said.

Maape said the provision of sanitary dignity towels will be extended to deserving community members with the North West Departments of Health and Social Development taking a lead in the implementation of this rollout.

The province received a 79.8% pass rate during the 2022 calendar and occupied position five.

Meanwhile, the DA’s Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West, Winston Rabotapi who is also DA’s provincial spokesperson on Education said, almost 30 000 learners dropped out of school before reaching matric.

“Even though the North West Department of Education recorded 79.8%, however, this pass rate does not account for the 27 243 learners who dropped out of the school system since Grade 10 in 2020.

“So, considering the high drop-out rate, the real matric pass rate in North West is actually 49.2% This means that half of the 71 066 pupils who began Grade 10 in 2020, failed to complete matric,” said Rabotapi.

He said, it is also disappointing to see North West province further drop in its provincial ranking from being in the 4^th position in 2021 to the 5^th spot in 2022.

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Picture: Situation at Potchefstroom during protests/OFM

OBAKENG MAJE

Seven accused partners were arrested during service delivery protests in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 23 February 2023. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the police have also impounded the minibus taxis that were used during protests.

“As part of maintaining public order, police in Potchefstroom apprehended seven accused partners and impounded a taxi following violent protests that took place between Wednesday and Thursday.

“The accused partners were nabbed after a group of community members allegedly barricaded the N12 road in Ikageng and Potchefstroom with stones, burning tyres, and other objects,” Mokgwabone said.

He further said, the protesters then later marched to the Potchefstroom Central Business District (CBD) in a bid to voice their dissatisfaction over poor service delivery. Mokgwabone added that, the protesters’ action led to the temporary closure of the road for traffic.

“Subsequent to the arrest, all accused persons aged between 35 and 40, appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for public violence. They were released on warning and their case was postponed until 9 March 2023.

“The situation is currently calm and the road is open for traffic. While the police and traffic officers are maintaining their presence in the area, motorists and other road users are urged to exercise caution,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the violent protests and implored members of the community to raise their dissatisfaction in a peaceful and lawful manner as stipulated in the constitution. Moreover, Kwena warned that those who disrespect the rule of law will be dealt with effectively.
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Picture: Banyana Banyana players/Supplied

African champions Banyana Banyana received their trophy and medals after they were officially crowned as the Group A winners of the Turkish Women’s Cup on Wednesday.

Evima Football, the organisers of the tournament held in Antaly, Turkey, confirmed to http://www.safa.net that coach Desiree Ellis’ charges won their group on goal difference after beating Uzbekistan 3-0 on Saturday (18 February 2023), and drawing 1-1 with eventual runners-up Slovenia on Tuesday afternoon (21 February 2023). Both matches were played at the Emirhan Sport Complex in Antalya.

“It was very important to have a team like yours here because you are FIFA Women’s World Cup participants. This is very important and we hope at the same time this was a very good experience for you,” said Evima Football official Evgeni Marinov.

“After the game against Slovenia yesterday (on Tuesday 21 February 2023) we said the winner of the event was your national team, South Africa. You have the same points as Slovenia but in terms of the goal difference, yours is better and you are in first place.”

Marinov also confirmed that Hildah Magaia, who scored the equaliser against Slovenia on Tuesday, was named as the midfielder of the tournament.

The SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana and runners-up Slovenia finished with four points, Zambia claimed three points while Uzbekistan had nothing to show for their trouble. Kosovo were the winners of Group B.

Source: www.safa.net  

Setshwantsho: Morutabana wa kwa sekolong se segolwane sa Batlhaping/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Sepodisi sa Afrika Borwa mono profenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, se kaile fa go sena kgetsi e tlhatlhwetsweng kgatlanong le morutabana wa sekolo se segolwane sa Batlhaping mono Taung.

Seno se tla morago ga ma gatwe a gore, morutabana o, o tsatsankile lekgarebe la gagwe ka sengwe se se bogale mo mokotleng, mme a mo tlogela ka dikgobalo tse di tseneletseng. 

Go ya ka moanamisi wa mafoko mo mafaratlhatlheng a boitapoloso a Facebook, Reabetswe Pabi, tiragalo e, ke ya kwa motseng wa Ditshilong gaufi le Taung. 

“Dumelang baagi ba Taung. Ke tlile ka kgang e masisi tota, mme ke ne ke batla go bua ka morutabana o tlhabileng lekgarebe la gagwe kwa motseng wa Ditshilong. O tlhabile mosetsanyana o, makgetlho a le mararo mo lerapong la mokotla.

“Morutabana o, o ruta ko Batlhaping High School. Banna, ke kopa le tlogeleng tshotlhakako ya basadi. Ke rapela Modimo gore ngwana wa batho o tlhabilweng a bone tshiamiso.”

Fela, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima kwa sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Motlhekefadiwa ga se a bule kgetsi kgatlanong le molatofadiwa. Fela, ke tla lo itsise fa kgetsi e setse e butswe.”

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Elias Malindi are, jaaka lefapha, ga ba itse sepe ka kgetsi eno. Fela, Malindi are ba dula bana le metseletsele ya go atlhosa barutabana ba bone kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya basadi le bana.   

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Picture: The deceased, Tshepang Seelo/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Modimong murder case was postponed indefinitely to 8 March 2023 after the investigating officer allegedly dismally failed to deliver the docket to the North West High Court in Mahikeng. Two men from Modimong village, near Taung, Rebaone Malekanyo (33) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (32) are facing a murder case after allegedly killing the former Vaaltar FM presenter and a socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32) back in 2021.

Malekanyo and Tlonkwe are allegedly charged with premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame, Seelo was allegedly killed on 31 October 2021, while walking from a local tavern with his girlfriend.

“The deceased allegedly saw the duo stealing roof sheets from a certain house and blew the whistle. Then the accused allegedly assaulted, kidnapped, and killed him before dumping his body in a furrow near Khibitswane village near Taung.

“Seelo’s girlfriend allegedly ran away and escaped unharmed. The deceased’s lifeless body was found floating on 3 November 2021. It is alleged that his body was also mutilated and his eyes and tongue were missing,” Mamothame said.

He said the two accused partners were arrested on 2 November 2021 after they handed themselves over to the police.

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West allegedly appointed a Provincial Task Team a few months ago to investigate the case from scratch after a ‘shoddy’ done by the previous investigation team.

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Picture: Former Eskom’s GCE, Andre de Ruyter/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The power utility, Eskom has parted ways with its outgoing, the Eskom Board and Group Chief Executive (GCE) Andrè de Ruyter with immediate effect. Eskom spokesperson, Sikhonathi Mantshantsha said, the decision was reached between the two parties following a special Board meeting on 22 February 2023.

“The Eskom board has reached a mutual agreement to curtail de Ruyter’s notice period to 28 February 2023. The board further resolved that de Ruyter will not be required to serve the balance of his notice period but that he will be released from his position with immediate effect.

“Acting GCE arrangements are being finalised with the shareholder Minister and will be communicated shortly.”

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Picture: Seven accused partners, who were arrested for arson and looting/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The arson case against seven accused from Manthe village, near Taung has been postponed to 30 March 2023 by Taung Magistrate’s Court. The court will hear from the Director of Public Prosecutions to either continue with the case or not.

The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32) were arrested by the police during an intelligence-driven operation in July 2022.  

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest and torched three houses and a vehicle belonging to the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (34) after accusing him of murder. They also looted Katong’s tavern, Disoufeng.  

Bakang, his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) allegedly brutally killed Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.

The police preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung, and Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each. They are expected to appear in court and investigations into the matter continue.” 

Meanwhile, the accused had to acquire the services of the new lawyer, advocate Thabo Letsapa after the arrest and sentencing of their previous lawyer, advocate Tebogo Letloleleng.

Letloleng was arrested for stock theft and sentenced to 20 months in prison. He also has other pending cases in Gauteng. Seven accused are out on R500 bail each.

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Picture: A lioness escapes, while in transit/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

The community members around Stella, Setlagole, Beesdam, Kudunkgwane, and Tlakgameng villages are warned to be on the lookout for a lion. This comes after a lioness escaped from her container, whilst in transit on the back of a Ford Ranger Bakkie on the Beesdam road between Stella and Tlagameng on 22 February 2023 at 8am.

The North West police spokesperson,Capt Aaftje Botma said: “The owner only realised that the lion has escaped when he reached his destination at Tlakgameng village.

“The Nature Reservation and farmers are on the lookout for the animal. Please contact Nanti Strydom on 082 563 7763 or Siyabonga Mseleku at 0734467452 / 0813366882 from Nature Conservation or your local police station, if you see the lioness.”

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