Picture: A professional chef, Thuso Ntokwe/Supplied     

By OBAKENG MAJE

A top chef, Thuso Ntokwe said one may be a great cook, but professionals in the food service industry make a distinction between cooks and chefs. So, he said years of training and experience to become a highly-skilled culinarian is needed.

“It’s a little more complicated than simply learning a few basic recipes to declare yourself a chef. A chef needs to run a smooth-operating kitchen and have great food preparation skills, and business skills, including knowledge of nutrition.

“In most cases, you must also pay attention to details and be creative. A high level of discipline, strong leadership, and management skills will be the cherry on top,” he said.

Ntokwe further said it will be advisable for aspiring chefs to go to culinary school and complete a certificate or Diploma in order for them to learn the fine technical aspects of the trade. He added that his love for cooking started back then after finishing his matric.

“I was born and bred in Mokgareng village, near Taung, and matriculated at Mokgareng High School. After matric, I furthered my studies at a culinary institution as a professional chef, where I obtained my Diploma. So, that’s where my journey as a professional chef started.

“I worked in various five-star hotels across the country and later on, joined South African Airways (SAA). I went on to join other big companies such as TS Africa and Tsebo, while I continued with my studies,” said Ntokwe.

As a professional chef, Ntokwe was part of the Dj Nation Annual Bash’s latest edition, where he cooked for celebrities and Very Important Persons (VIPs). He was also featured on Vaaltar FM every Tuesday, where we talked about various recipes.

“I continued to be featured on various radio stations such as Motsweding FM, You FM, and Thobela FM to say the least. Actually, I embarked on this journey simply because I had nothing to do after finishing my matric. 

“One of my cousins, Sisi Makgwale who studied Hotel Management proposed the idea to me and I pursued it. So, since then, I started to develop a love for the hospitality industry,” he said.

Ntokwe said, he was grateful after sharing the kitchen with one of the executive chefs who worked for the late world-renowned musician, Michael Jackson. He said that was advantageous and inspired him to work harder.

“Some of the chefs I worked with through my journey had vast experience from cruise ships. So, I grabbed that opportunity with both hands and learn from them. Now, I am planning to publish a cookbook and share the knowledge that I have acquired through my journey.

“I am also planning to have a television show to share various recipes with viewers. Having a culinary school will be a better option because this will present a great opportunity, especially to the upcoming chefs,” said Ntokwe.

He said there are many challenges within the hospitality industry than meet the eye. Ntokwe said, as a chef, one is expected to work strenuous shifts and hours and sometimes be forced to work double shifts.

“You will need to be up to the task. For example, there is load shedding and as a chef, you need to be a fast thinker and ensure that everything goes according to plan no matter what. In most cases, one does not have quality time to spend with family because of the demand.

“As a professional chef, you will also have a limited time during holidays. There are a lot of activities taking place during that time of the year. So, it is essential to have an understanding partner,” he said.

Ntokwe who will be having a Soul Music Meets Soul Food event at RNR Amusement Park in Mokgareng village also dismissed the “kitchen belongs to women” myth. He said, amazingly, most successful celebrity chefs are men.

“We should not be sexists as a society and look into talent without attaching gender to it. We have the most successful male chefs across the world such as Gordon Ramsay, The Naked Chef, Jamie Oliver, and Chef Barney,” said Ntokwe.

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Picture: EFF members picketing during #TotalShutdown protests in Mahikeng

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said it will continue with their protests until midnight. The EFF embarked on a #TotalShutdown protest demanding the end of load shedding.

The EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile said, his party also call for the resignation of the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa. Babuile alleged that the basic service delivery collapsed under Ramaphosa.

The EFF has also picketed outside the Eskom provincial offices in Mahikeng, North West.

“There is no business as usual as many businesses closed. This shows that many people actually support the EFF in its quest that Ramaphosa must step aside.

“The law enforcement agencies have been provoking our members throughout, but we have tried to refrain from engaging in any form of violence with them because this is a peaceful protest,” he said.

Babuile further said, they will not be involved in any anarchy and called on the police to stop violating the rights of those who embarked on peaceful protests.

“The police have been shooting at our members including students at the North West University (NWU) at Mafikeng campus throughout the morning.

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) provincial secretary, Puseletso Molise said SAFTU, supports EFF’s views.

“Currently, the country has more than 60% of youth who are unemployed. We also have 33.4% of women who are experiencing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in their lives across the country.

“But above all, there are people who are retrenched due to load shedding. Many Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) are also shutting down and this renders our government useless because it failed to provide basic services to the people,” said Molise.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesman, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone: “We can confirm that the police have arrested more than 29 people for public violence during the overnight crime combating operations under the North West Provincial Joint Operational and Intermediate Structure.

“Most of the arrests were made in areas such as Zeerust, Wolmaranstad, Mogwase, and Madikwe. The police have also seized 173 tyres that were placed in strategic areas.”

Mokgwabone said these suspects were apprehended for various offenses including the contravention of Section 3J1A of the National Road Traffic Act Regulations. He said others were arrested for damaging the essential infrastructure and obstructing of free flow of traffic.

“While some of the roads were barricaded with some rubbles and other objects in the early hours of the morning, the police responded rapidly to remove the barricades and allow traffic flows for members of the communities to continue with their normal day-to-day activities.

“Currently, the situation is relatively calm and our police will continue to closely monitor the situation to assert the authority of the state,” said Mokgwabone.

Picture: EFF members embark on #Totalshutdown protests  

Picture: The makeshift Dome constructed at Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari appeals to motorists to buckle up as Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival gets into full swing. A three-day event kick-started last night at the Mmabatho Stadium parking lot with a gospel show.

Lehari also urges communities, in general, to be cautious and cooperate with law enforcement agencies over the weekend, including Monday and Tuesday holidays.

MEC Lehari says the Department and law enforcement agencies led by the South African Police Service are on high alert to ensure the safety of residents over the weekend and the first two days of the week.

“On weekends like these, criminals continue to victimise our people in their residing places including motorists. However, our law enforcement agencies will be highly visible and do their best to protect our communities, and we also need them to come on board to work with us.

“So, we alert communities to be extra cautious during load shedding schedules. Criminals check the schedule and target households during load shedding, especially at night,” he said.

Lehari further appeal to the community members to ensure they have locked their doors and closed windows. He added that the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival is taking place in the capital city of North West this weekend and it comes with an increase in traffic as well as a hive of activity in and around town.

“There will be an increase in the deployment of law enforcement officials in strategic areas within Mahikeng. This is to ensure that, discipline and compliance of the highest order are maintained.

“We are expecting an influx of people to Mahikeng this weekend for the various events which are taking place. So, in order for people to have fun and still be safe, we have ensured there is an increase in police visibility,” said Lehari.

The highly-anticipated Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival has returned after a three-year hiatus, owing to COVID-19 restrictions and a

postponement.

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Picture: The police in Christiana attending a crime scene, where a customer was allegedly assaulted by a Bangladeshi business owner/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

A commotion ensued between a Bangladeshi business owner and a customer at Marikana Section in Geluksoord, near Christiana on Thursday. This comes after a customer allegedly went to the local tuckshop owned by a Bangladeshi businessman to buy bread.

However, it is alleged that, there was price confusion on the bread and that led to the commotion. According to an eyewitness, the customer left the shop, only to be attacked by the same Bangladeshi tuckshop owner with a knobkerrie a few metres away from the shop.

The eyewitness said: “Apparently, this guy went to the tuck shop to buy either Albany bread or biscuit. However, he found out that the pricing was abnormal and inquired from the shop owner.

“The shop owner allegedly hauled at him and told him that he does not know anything about business. So, he had no right to ask him about his pricing. The Bangladeshi business owner allegedly swear at him and there was an exchange of words.” 

It is alleged that, the customer then left the shop, but the Bangladeshi businessman called his brothers. The Bangladeshi businessmen allegedly attacked the man and community members intervene by rescuing the alleged victim.    

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “The assault incident was reported to the police by a member of the community. The Community Service Centre (CSC) vehicle attended to the crime scene and found that the business owner has assaulted the victim.

“However, the victim indicated to the police that, he does not want to open a case, but only wanted medical attention. The respondent came to the Christiana Police Station and the Vispol Commander personally warned him not to take the law into his own hands and rather report the incident to the police.”

Botma said, the community also wanted to take action against the shop owner but did not. She said the situation was back to normality.

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Picture: The bodies of two police officers were found at the back of a burnt police vehicle/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

A trial in a double murder case against four men who allegedly killed two policemen in Ganyesa village, near Vryburg has been postponed to 24 July 2023 by the North West High Court in Mahikeng. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the trial was set to start from 13 to 17 March 2023, however, the matter had to be rolled over on the first day to allow some defense attorneys to make final consultations with their clients.

Mamothame said, on 15 March 2023, the defense attorneys submitted a guilty plea proposal to the state, which was ultimately rejected as it was deemed not to be in the interest of justice.

“This resulted in a new date being agreed upon by the court and all parties involved. The court sitting was declared a juvenile court, owing to the age of the 16-year-old accused, who is also standing trial in this matter.

“Benjamin Jacobs (42), Jeremiah Mongale (26), Rapulana Keikantse (25), Matthews Modukane (20), and a 16-year-old boy, are charged with the murder of Constable Simon Ngakaemang Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Horatius Molete (42),” he said.

Mamothame further said, the accused are facing charges of malicious damage to property, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of ammunition, possession of a semi-automatic firearm, kidnapping, possession of ammunition with intent to commit an offense, and defeating the ends of justice.

He added that, a 16-year-old minor was granted R1000 bail in October 2021 and was left under the supervision of a guardian.

Meanwhile, the other four accused were denied bail and will remain in police custody until the matter is completed. According to the police report, the two deceased officers attended a stock theft incident in Mareetsane, however, the pair failed to return to the station and were declared missing.

A search operation was subsequently conducted and their remains were later discovered at the back of their burnt state vehicle on 27 July 2021 in Ganyesa. Upon arrest, police discovered the deceased’s firearm, two cell phones as well as SIM cards that were destroyed and thrown in a pit toilet at the home of one of the accused.

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Picture: Gospel singer, Bucy Radebe during Mahika Mahikeng Gospel show in Mahikeng/Rapula Mancai

By OBAKENG MAJE

Most revellers were happy to see the return of the prestigious Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival after a three-year hiatus, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The three-day flagship event kicked-started on Friday evening with a gospel show featuring the gospel heavyweights like Bucy Radebe, iconic Joyous Celebration, David The King and others.

The event was held at Mmabatho stadium in Mahikeng, North West.

One of the revellers, Rebaone Masibi from Tshidilamolomo village, outside Mahikeng said, the event boosts tourism and hospitality sectors accordingly.

“We are more than happy to see this event taking place as it boosts the economy of the province. I was also happy to see my idol, Bucy Radebe performing live on our shores. Gospel music is an important aspect of every person and in most cases, it is the language that speaks to the inner being. So, I want to applaud the organiser including the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation,” Masibi said.

The world-renowned gospel artist, Busy Radebe who gave a prodigious performance said, she was happy to see the crowd eating from the palm of her hand.  

“It feels good to be here and it was epic on the stage. I feel like the people in the North West were really thirsty for gospel shows. They were very thirsty for the presence of God. Many revellers gave me a warm welcome. I said, oh my God, I’m in heaven right now. I always tell God that, it is not about me, but is about you and your children,” she said.

Radebe further said, she always calls for God’s guidance. She added that, even if she rehearses a song when she gets on stage, God will instruct her which song to sing.

Another gospel singer, David Sejake who is affectionately known as David The King shared the same sentiments. Sejake said it was good to be back on stage after the COVID-19 restrictions.

“This is an international event that is loved by many. An event like this keeps people together. People are going through a lot, so once you speak the word of God to them in a form of melody, people get revived.

When I went on stage, I was happy to see that, the crowd was ready to accept what I was about to unleash. I have shared the stage with many gospel heavyweights such as the late Vuyo Mokoena, Rebecca Malope and Bishop Benjamin Dube, so I have learnt a lot,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “As the department, we are satisfied with the turnout. Indeed, people of the North West and neighbouring countries were so looking forward to this event.

“We experienced so many challenges prior to the event. However, we want to assure our people that, this kind of event is important because it contributes immensely to the economy of the province.

“So, let’s work together and if there are any criticisms, we are willing to learn from them going forward. As part of ensuring that the local artists are given a platform, the festival features many artists from the province.”

According to Sebolecwe, on Saturday, the Jazz enthusiasts are set to enjoy the melody of Zonke, Ringo Madlingozi, as well as Setswana Traditional music artists, MmaAusi and Mosekaphofu. He said the festival will close with a popular genre, Amapiano with Kabza De Small, Maphorisa Foculist, Toss and Kelvin Momo among others.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The police in Taung are investigating a murder case that took place a week ago at Manthe village, near Taung. This comes after the deceased, Tseko Gabonnwe (37) from Kuaneng Section in Manokwanevillage, near Taung was allegedly killed by mob justice.

It is alleged that Gaonnwe broke into one of the houses at Manthe village during load shedding. However, the owner caught him red-handed after the electricity returned. 

The deceased was allegedly beaten to a pulp by community members before the police were called.

Gabonnwe was allegedly released, but instead of going home, he went to another house and broke in too. His lifeless body was allegedly discovered by a passer-by in the early hours of the morning on Sunday last week.   

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “Yes, the police are aware of the incident, hence we are investigating a case of murder. At this stage, we have not made any arrests.”

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Picture: The iconic Mmabatho Stadium is ready to host Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE  

It’s all systems go for the much-anticipated Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival on Friday. The prestigious festival makes its return after a three-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The three-day flagship event, funded and supported by the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) is set to run from March 17-19 at Mmabatho Stadium Parking Lot.

It event will feature a Gospel Night, a Jazz Festival, and Amapiano/Motswako night.

The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “As part of ensuring that the local artists are given a platform, the festival will feature many North West-based artists. The stage and the dome, which will accommodate thousands of revellers have already been erected.

“The local artists were organised as part of Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival activations across the province in the past weekend, ahead of the main festival.”

The Gospel Night on Friday will be headlined by the popular gospel music group Joyous Celebration with supporting acts like Gospel stars such as Bucy Radebe and David The King.

Meanwhile, Jazz enthusiasts are set to enjoy the melody of Zonke, and Ringo Madlingozi, as well as Setswana Traditional music artists, MmaAusi and Mosekaphofu on Saturday.  The popular Amapiano Djs, Kabza De Small, Maphorisa, Focalist, Toss, and Kelvin Momo, among others with close the event on Sunday.

Sebolecwe further said, the Hip Hop and Motswako artists such as Molemi, Tuks Senganga, Areece, Notshi, and Fifi Cooper will also grace the stage. He added that, the festival, which attracts thousands of music lovers from outside the province and also from neighbouring Botswana, is set to boost the economy of the province in areas ranging from hospitality to tourism and small businesses.

“The Mahika Mahikeng is not just a music festival, but it benefits entrepreneurs from small businesses to the mainstream.  The line-ups are dominated by local artists as we prioritise our very own,” said Sebolecwe.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for rape by the Vryburg Regional Court. Frank Kai Monoko (52) raped a boy (14) near the railway lines in Vryburg. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the incident took place on 5 May 2019 at around 5:30pm.

“The accused found the victim gathering wood and lured him to a house close to the railway lines. The victim walked with Manoko to the backroom of a house after being promised money.

“The accused locked themselves inside the room and raped the boy. Manoko opened the door and allowed the boy to go after the ordeal. The victim ran to the street and found a traffic officer, who assisted him to report the offense,” van Rooyen said.

She further said, the accused was arrested shortly after the incident was reported and he was released on bail after his second court appearance. Van Rooyen added that, during the third court appearance, the accused failed to attend and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

“With the assistance of the Provincial Tracking Team, the accused was re-arrested in 2022 and was remanded in custody until the day of his conviction and sentencing,” said van Rooyen.

Meanwhile, the acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng commended the investigation officer of Vryburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), Warrant Officer Hannelie van Wyk for the conviction.

Tlotleng stated that, this should send a clear message that the police will do their utmost to ensure the safety of vulnerable groups within our community.

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Picture: The deceased, John Gumede/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

A body of an elderly man who went missing was found in the bushes. John Gumede (75) who was residing at a local Old Age Home in Jericho, near Letlhabile was last seen on 10 March 2023.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said Gumede allegedly died of natural causes.

“Gumede left the Old Age Home at around 4pm without informing anyone and never returned back home. A search was conducted around the neighbourhood and precinct of Jericho without any success.

“During his disappearance, he was wearing a black golf shirt and blue trousers. He was dark in complexion, average in height and body structure with short grey hair,” Funani said.

She said the police have opened an inquest case.

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