Picture: New Head of North West Health Department, Obakeng Mongale
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West Department of Health has appointed Obakeng Mongale as its new Head of Department (HoD). This was announced by North West Department of Health MEC, Madoda Sabatha yesterday.
The Head of Department position was left vacant after the dismissal of the former Head of Department, Dr Thabo Lekalakala who was accused of fraud and corruption. Embattled Lekalakala allegedly signed and pre-paid the Mediosa Company more than R30m.
Lekalakala was dismissed in 2018 by the North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro. Mokgoro’ spokesperson, Vuyisile Ngesi said: “Mokgoro has considered the final verdict post the disciplinary hearing of Lekalakala. The outcome which follows the disciplinary hearing that has been ongoing since 2018, dictates that Lekalakala is guilty on five charges against him.
“He faced allegations of gross misconduct and in the light of the verdict presented before the Premier by the Presiding Officer. The Premier has taken a decision to dismiss Lekalakala from employment.”
The dismissal was effected on 13 January 2020.
The departmental administrator, Jeanette Hunter said: “Filling this position has been one of the critical milestones that we just achieved. I believe that Mongale has what it takes to lead this huge department in the area of administration. From now on, I will have some time to do proper handover for the period left until the end of Section 100 1b.”
Meanwhile North West MEC for Health department, Madoda Sambatha has called on the management and the entire staff complement of the department to support the new HOD.
“A lot of groundwork to reassert the department’s credibility and ability to deliver quality health services has been achieved under Ms Hunter’s leadership. This has laid a solid foundation for the new HOD.
“The new HOD has a vast experience at the executive level has been a HOD of other departments before. He also has in-depth knowledge of the department of health both in the branch and the support functions,” Sambatha said.
He further said nonetheless, Mongale will still need the support of all of the management and employees of the department, if he is to make a great success of this challenging position.
Picture: The deceased, SASCA president Thomas Lechelele
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of the South African School Chess Association (SASCA) president, Thomas Lechelele. According to the media statement, Lechelele died in Hammaskraal on Tuesday.
SASCA secretary, Justice Tlamama described Lechelele as a decorated chess coach and educator who was instrumental in the building of chess structures in the North West.
“The North West Chess fraternity mourns the passing of Lechelele who served as the first president of Ngaka Modiri Molema Chess Association from 2007 until 2017. During this period, Lechelele was the principal at Tau Primary School in Madiba a ga RraTau in Mahikeng.
“His school produced provincial and national champions in 2016 and preceding years with some winning scholarships at top schools in the province. Lechelele will be celebrated for his passion and undying spirit for the game, as well as the determination he instilled in his learners,” said Tlamama.
He added that Lechelele also served in the leadership of Chess as president of the North West Schools Chess from 2010 until 2020 as well as the president of North West Chess Federation from 2014 until 2017. Tlamama further said Lechelele passed away while still serving his beloved federation, SASCA as president from 2017 to date.
“We are greatly saddened by the passing of Bra Tom as Lechelele was affectionately known to the masses. We have lost a giant, a pioneer and I am truly lost for words. Lechelele was an anchor in the movement, together with him, we championed the formation of chess clubs across his district and later the Ngaka Modiri Molema Chess Federation.
“Furthermore, we moved and formed the provincial structure and later represented the province at the national federation where he was appointed as president. All in all, I moved with him through the ranks as the secretary. The chess community has really lost a real leader in Bra Tom,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lechelele who retired in 2019 as a teacher will be buried in Mahikeng this week.
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari urges motorists to buckle up and drive according to the condition of the road, instead of the speed limit.
This comes after two taxis and a sedan were involved in a car accident on N18 road near Mahikeng, today at around 7am.
“One of the taxis was ferrying learners to school when it was involved in an accident. Thirteen learners were transported to hospital for medical attention. One of the taxi drivers including three learners sustained serious injuries.
“We would like to wish all those injured a speedy recovery and once more appealed to motorists to be patient and drive to the condition of the road, instead of the speed limit,” Lehari said.
No major changes on the new line-up at SABC’s North West-based radio station, Motsweding FM. The Setswana medium radio station just boosts only over 2 million listenership, which is a decline.
Motsweding FM management was previously under fire after being accused of hiring presenters who struggle to perfectly speak and read Setswana language such as actress, Refilwe Modiselle and Motsoaledi Setumo.
However, SABC acting spokesperson, Mmoni Seapolelo said the station continues to re-evaluate its brand and put itself in a better spot to be more relevant to the station’s audience and clients.
“Underscoring the need to stay relevant, competitive and to reflect the multifaceted interests of all generations, Motsweding FM will not be making drastic changes to its weekday and weekend line-up from 01 April 2021, but make an addition to the drive time team. The current line –up necessitates stronger emphasis on cultural values, identity, preserving and development of Setswana heritage.
“Amon Mokoena and Tumi Morake will continue to host the much entertaining PBS breakfast show of the year, ‘DiRage’ that boast over 1 million listeners from Mon-Fri. They will be joined by Mosela Mokgosi as the Sports bulletins presenter on the show between 07:00 – 10:00.
She further said the vibrant, energetic, and PBS Presenter of the year Lucas ‘LTK’ Komanisi will be joined by the versatile Nelly Moruri to rock your airwaves between 15:00 to 18:00 ‘Gotetsa’ Monday-Friday. Seapolelo added that the religious programme for Thursday Nights between 20:00 to 00:00 will be presented by Modisane Modise, with ‘Pastor Motsamai’ to do the sermons on the show.
“DJ Big Boy will host the ‘Rap Saga’ on Fridays at 20:00 to 22:00 and ‘Phenyo Phushudi will be flying solo on the “Ke Moteng” show from 22:00-00:00 and on Saturdays between 21:00-00:00. The Saturday breakfast show will be hosted by “Sammy Fever & JD Sol” between 06:00-09:00. Followed by Tlotlo Mooketsi who is popularly known as ‘Vrrrrphhaaa’ will now host the station music chart ‘Diabalola’ from 09:00-12:00.
“The deep house specialized music show ‘Re Mmino’ will see ‘Vrrrrphhaaa’ joining ‘DJ Big Boy’ between 18:00-21:00 to continue delivering quality deep house music to the listeners. Saturday and Sunday mornings will be ushered in by the new “Konka Club Mix” 2 x1 hour set by resident and guest DJs. The young and energetic Ikanyeng Masenamela will host the 02:00-04:00 “Di A Boa” music show,” said Seapolelo.
Taung-born presenter, Tebogo “TJH” Hotane will rock the station’s airwaves with Mekonko from 04:00 – 06:00, while Tomaeza will host the Sunday morning ‘Di A Boa’ between 02:00-04:00 and all other shows will remain unchanged.
Picture: The late Deputy Minister of Tourism, Elizabeth Thabethe
By LESIBA KGWELE
I have had the honour to serve alongside the former Deputy Minister of Tourism and Presidential Envoy on Tourism, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe as my former colleague in the National Assembly, ANC Whippery (1999-2004) and also served her as Parliamentary/Media Liaison Officer towards the end of her term.
This remarkable servant of our people was a true patriot, revolutionary cadre, peacemaker who mobilised women for reconciliation during the ANC/Inkatha violent conflict in the East Rand, a unifier as well as agent of economic transformation and a champion of women & youth enterprises.
The former trade unionist, gender activist and protégé of the late ANC Stalwart Mama Bertha Gxowa, was a woman of character, consequence as well as strength and action wherever an injustice was being perpetuated.
South Africa and the African Continent that has benefitted from rendezvous and crisscrossing of the continent during her stints as Deputy Ministers for the Departments of Trade and Industry, Small Business and Tourism hence we are today celebrating her tireless efforts for having laid a solid foundation for the African Free Trade Agreement.
We will undoubtedly be poorer as a country without her good stewardship to carry out her new mission of being the Presidential Envoy on Investments.
She was a silent giant that moved economic barriers that hindered opportunities for the historically marginalised and a great asset for the country’s economic recovery plan that is supposed to take us to a higher development trajectory and create the much needed job opportunities.
No task was too small for her or too big for this courageous gender activist that was not intimidated by affluence, masculinity nor patriarch. Economic development was for her an equalizer to bridge the urban rural divide and bring the historically marginalised into the mainstream of the economy.
The success of the Executive Development Programme for Women in Tourism, Hidden Gems and Youth Chefs Training Programme are footprints of the empowerment initiatives that she passionately drove to unlock opportunities and bringing the historically disadvantaged into the mainstream of economy.
Seeing other succeed through her tireless effort and contribution gave this upright leader with a conscience who proclaimed values greatest pleasure and satisfaction.
Sleep was for her a luxury when there was work to be done. She lived for the people of South Africa and the ANC and did not spare any energy to serve them diligently.
Those who have worked with her will forever treasure the values she espoused because she leaves behind a rich legacy as a nation builder and community development worker of note.
This phenomenal woman and remarkable servant of our people will be remembered for her principled selfless leadership, compassion, humility, dedication and passion to serve including her genuine love for people.
#HambaKahleMbokodo
#HambaKahleMsebenzi
Note: (The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Taung DailyNews)
South Africans are happy after the country did not get tighter lockdown restrictions for the Easter holidays. Instead, President Cyril Ramaphosa has relaxed some of the regulations across where he addressed the nation in a ‘family meeting’ last night.
Ramaphosa said over the last few days, they have sought the advice of experts and consulted with representatives of provincial and local government and traditional leaders on what measures should be put in place over the coming long weekend to prevent a new outbreak of infections.
“We have considered several factors, including presentations by the religious community on precautionary measures they have put in place for the anticipated gatherings. Given the relatively low transmission levels, we have decided to keep the country on coronavirus Alert Level 1.
“However, due to the specific circumstances of this period, we need to make a few adjustments. Some of the measures that will remain unchanged are the curfew is maintained from midnight to 4am, public recreational spaces such as beaches, parks and dams will remain open,” he said.
Ramaphosa further said, however, this will continue to be subject to strict health protocols, such as social distancing, mask-wearing. Even though he increased the number of attendees in religious gathering to 250 for indoors and 500 outdoors, Ramaphosa said funerals remain restricted to a maximum of 100 people and with a two-hour limit on services.
“Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue may be used. Congregants should not gather outside their usual places of worship, and people must go home and not sleepover after services.
“Interprovincial travel will still be permitted, however, I urge all South Africans to limit their travel as much as possible and to observe all the necessary health protocols if they cannot avoid travelling,” said Ramaphosa.
On the other side, Ramaphosa might have left some revellers irritated after he announced that the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption will be prohibited this coming Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. He added that on-site sales at restaurants, shebeens, and bars will be allowed, according to licensing conditions, up until 11pm.
“Given the role of alcohol in fuelling reckless behaviour, we will put in place some restrictions over the Easter weekend. The Easter weekend is a time of spiritual significance, and attending religious services is important to millions of people. In recent weeks, we have held consultations with faith communities to find mutually beneficial solutions to the challenges of managing large crowds at religious services.
“I want to express my gratitude to the leadership of the faith community who have engaged positively with us as a government. There is a common appreciation that we must do all we can to support our people to exercise their religious freedom and keep our country safe. With respect to other gatherings, these will also be restricted to a maximum number of 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors,” he said.
Ramphosa said they continue to urge all South Africans to avoid gatherings if they are in a vulnerable group, such as the elderly and those with co-morbidities. He said they also urge that gatherings should take place in outdoor venues, which are significantly safer than gathering indoors.
“In just a few days, the country will begin the annual Easter break. For many, this will be a welcome moment to pause and rest, whether from work or from our studies, and from the pressures of the last months.
“Many of us have made plans for the upcoming long weekend. Some of us will be heading out of town, others will be visiting friends and family. Many of us will be attending gatherings and celebrations and for millions of people, this is also a time of religious observance,” he said.
Ramaphosa further said while the rate of transmission remains stable, they cannot let our guard down. He added that this is a time when caution is needed more than ever.
“The reality is that greater movement of people, interprovincial travel, greater use of public transit and gatherings present a great risk of an increase in infections. We will review these measures on the size of gatherings within the next 15 days based on an assessment on the state of the pandemic and the extent of compliance with health protocols.
“We continue to follow the principle that restrictions should not be more severe than is necessary to contain the spread of the virus. We continue to be guided by data on the epidemiological situation and by expert advice and wide consultations with social partners,” he said.
Picture: Former North West Police Commissioner, Gen Mazondase Mpembe and three co-accused/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
Former North West Police Deputy Commissioner, Gen Mazondase Mpembe and his three co-accused, Brig Jacobus van Zyl, Brig Dingaan Madoda, and Lieutenant Col Oupa Pule were found not guilty on all charges by the North West High Court in Mafikeng on Monday.
The four police officers were facing charges of defeating and obstructing the ends of justice by allegedly concealing information on circumstances surrounding the death of Modisaotsile Sagalala who died in a police canter when striking miners participated in a wage strike on 16 August 2012.
It is alleged that miners were shot at by police following a confrontation and Sagalala, who had a gunshot wound on the chest and handcuffs at the back died in a police canter following his arrest with other miners.
Mpembe and three senior police officers allegedly failed to report this matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and misrepresented facts at the Farlam Commission, which was set to establish the truths surrounding the deaths of miners during strike.
Now, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothamme said: “The National Prosecuting Authority has noted the judgment of the High Court of South Africa, North West Division which acquitted the Mpembe and his three co-accused.
“The NPA will study the judgment in order to make informed decisions after the court found the four policemen not guilty of the three charges they were facing relating to the death of a miner in Marikana.”
However, Mpembe is not yet off the hook. He is facing four charges of murder for the deaths of Semi Jokansi, Thembelakhe Mari, Hendrick Monene, and Sello Lepaaku.
Mpembe is also facing five charges of attempted murder, while his co-accused are facing one count of murder. The trial against Mpembe and his co-accused retired Col Salmon Vermaak, Constable Nkosana Mguye and Warrant Officers Katlego Sekgweleya, Masilo Mogale, and Khazamola Makhubela in expected to continue in April.
In addition, Mpembe, and Vermaak are also each facing a charge of defeating the ends of justice and another of giving false information.
Meanwhile, Simon Mpembe who is Gen Mpembe’s brother said: “In this case, we welcome the verdict and this has never been a murder case. But this was done deliberately as a strategy by the State to destroy the dignity of my brother.
“We are convinced that a State was on a full swing witch hunt against my brother. The clear part of the strategy was to defame him spiritually, torment him and subject him to an ending humiliation of the highest order. This has happened for the past three years and the State has succeeded in purporting him as a dangerous murderer in the world that massacred 34 people. “
He added that the matter has caused his brother financial constraints. Mpembe further said all witnesses failed dismally to present facts to the court, but he believes that his brother’s image and dignity were destroyed for nothing.
Former Lekwa-Temane Local Municipality mayor, Mpho Pilane has breathed a ‘sigh of relief’ after his rape and abduction case was withdrawn. Pilane (36) was arrested for allegedly raping, abducting, and sexually assaulting two teenage girls from Christiana on 8 December 2020.
It is alleged that Pilane took two girls aged 15 and 16 to a guest house in Delareyville where he plied them with alcohol before sexually assaulting and raping them. It is alleged that these girls went back home the following day and informed their parents about the ordeal.
A case of abduction and rape was subsequently opened at Christiana Police Station and transferred to the Delareyville Police Station for prosecution. Pilane handed himself over accompanied by his lawyer.
He appeared at Delareyville Magistrate’s Court and was granted a R1000.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothamme said: “The rape and abduction case against Pilane was withdrawn by the National Prosecuting Authority at the Delareyville Magistrates’ Court.
“The charges, two of rape and two of abduction in relation to two girls aged 15 and 16, were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. The docket has since been handed back to the SAPS.”
Picture Supplied: The late former Greater Taung Local Municipality speaker, Deliwe Zethi
By REGINALD KANYANE
Heartfelt condolences continue to pour in after the passing of the Greater Taung Local Municipality speaker, Deliwe Zethi. South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West described Zethi as a community builder and a courageous leader.
Zethi (53) who served as SANCO Regional Executive Committee member in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District succumbed to cancer sickness earlier last week.
SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “Zethi was a women’s rights activist and a versatile civic movement leader. We are saddened by her death and we will dip our revolutionary banner in her honour.
“She was not just like an ordinary comrade, but a rare breed of a true revolutionary cadre, a fountain of wisdom who served the movement with passion, unwavering loyalty, and dedication.”
Sebegoe said Zethi’s political track record speaks volumes and attests that her death is a colossal loss because she has made an indelible mark with her selfless contribution. He further said Ma-Z as Zethi was affectionately known in the political arena, was an embodiment of the revolutionary alliance.
“She had selflessly served African National Congress and Mass Democratic Movement structures in various capacities including the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati ANC Regional Executive Committee for four terms, the SACP District and Provincial Executive Committees.
“Her long battle with cancer was never a stumbling block to continue the struggle against the triple oppression of inequality, unemployment and poverty. Even throughout her hospitalization when death stared her in the face, she never gave up and hoped that one day she will be discharged and continue championing the cause for the vulnerable and voiceless in our communities,” said Sebegoe.
F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti shared the same sentiments. Moeti who served as Zethi’s Personal Assitant said she was a struggle icon and a great leader that represented women very well in many structures.
“She has left footprints in the Home Affairs Local Forum including many stakeholders. I was personally happy to have served in her office as her Personal Assistant (PA) from September 2013 to February 2015.
“As her PA, she was focused and had the interest of the people at heart. Many people will attest to that. Zethi has put the Greater Taung Local Municipality on the map in terms of public participation as our council occupied the second place in the North West after Bojanala District,” said Moeti.
The film industry continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of the economy in South Africa. According to research, the industry contributes R2.5 billion a year to the Gauteng economy and 80% of over 150 registered producers in South Africa are based in Gauteng.
Now, the National Film and Foundation (NFVF) have cast it’s net wider and partnered with integrated marketing and communications company, Gateway Media, and a creative film hub, Leaders in Motion Academy (LIMA) to conduct a four-day workshop in the North West province.
A seasoned actress, Nolo Phiri who is the Project Manager said: “The film and television space is one that increasingly grows with time. It carries legendary creative and produces state-of-the-art filmmakers who are dedicated to conceptualizing the filmmaking process.
“The fast-paced and innovative industry also calls for an opportunity to bring in new talent and perspective. Integrated marketing and communications company, Gateway Media; creative film hub, Leaders in Motion Academy (LIMA) and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) have partnered to host a 4-day production master class, in both Rustenburg and Mahikeng respectively.”
Phiri said the exclusive workshops will be led by actors Thato Molamu, Neo Ntlatleng, and Ayanda Sithebe among other industry leaders. She added that they will introduce a theoretical and practical curriculum for those that have an interest in creative storytelling.
“Scriptwriting, directing and film production will be some of the modules that are explored ahead of completing the end-to-end process of the filmmaking class. There exist a great number of untold stories that deserve to be told.
“Filmmaking is one of the most powerful forms in which rich content can be created and molded to entertain, inform and have your story heard. The upcoming master classes are designed to educate, empower and challenge those who want to grow in the field of Film and Television,” said Phiri.
She further said the master classes aim to connect and give access to creativity by up-skilling and providing relevant and comprehensive training. Phiri said entries are now open from the 23 to the 26 March for aspiring TV and film producers in Rustenburg and from the 5 to the 9 April for those in Mahikeng.
Meanwhile, the North West Tourism Board launched Film Festival in Taung late last year. North West Tourism Board CEO, Advocate Mothusi Tsineng said there are beautiful destinations across Taung that filmmakers can make use of.
“Our package won’t discriminate against anybody, whether you are a domestic or international filmmaker. Anybody who has an interest will be accommodated because to us, this is more than anything than economic development.
“There are areas here in Taung that you will go to and be amazed at. There are beautiful landscapes at Taung Dam. You can also go to Dinkgwaneng and take an aerial shot, they are very beautiful too. So, anybody who could see that would want to come and do their movies here,” Tsineng said.
The Tourism Board said it is in the process of building a film school so that would assist in upskilling locals to benefit from these tourism attractions.
The Guardian 