Picture: The Grade 12 learners from Mamutla Secondary School were allegedly chased away by the school principal/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A few Grade 12 learners from Mamutla Secondary School in Kameelpuit village, near Taung were allegedly chased away from school for buying their own uniforms.

It is alleged that these learners, ordered school uniforms from the tailor who was appointed by the school, but it took six months before the uniforms were delivered. So, this forced learners to look for alternatives by buying their own uniforms, which were similar to school uniforms.

However, this allegedly rubbed the school principal the wrong way. He allegedly chased these learners away and ordered them to look for their own schools.

One of the parents, Kegomoditswe Piet said, the school sold the uniform for around R1000, while the learners bought the same uniforms for around R550. Piet said they penned a letter of complaint to the circuit manager raising dissatisfaction against the school principal.

“As parents, we writing this complaint letter to the circuit manager complaining about the challenges we are facing at Mamutla Secondary School.

“The school principal has chased two learners from school because they bought school uniforms elsewhere not from the school. Other learners who endorsed the same uniform were also chased away,” she said.

Piet further said, the parents decided to buy school uniforms from elsewhere because the uniforms from the school took more than six months to arrive. She added that there are also parents who are still owed uniforms money by the school.     

“The school principal endorsed the same uniform and he only had a problem because the same uniform was not bought from the school-appointed tailor.

“He also accused these learners of theft for using the school emblem without his consent. I think the Grade 12 learners should have access to the school emblem. So, I do not see any problem with that,” said Piet.

According to Piet, the matter was resolved a few days ago.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “It is important that we put everything into perspective and state the facts clearly. The uniform in question is not prescribed for all the grades, but is a Grade 12 preferred uniform for the year 2023.

“The principal never chased away any learner, but informed the two of them to bring parents to clarify some issues such as who authorised the use of the emblem without consulting the school administration and the School Governing Body (SGB).”

Malindi said, the school was running the risk of every Grade 12 learner designing their own patterns and different colours, which would not serve a purpose. He said the whole exercise of executing different patterns, colours and etc was going to defeat the exercise of uniformity.

“Learners in question were requested to bring their parents for purposes of clarifying the situation and one parent who responded conceded to the issues raised by the school.

“We fully believe that the matter is blown out of proportion and the SGB met and resolved the matter and that uniformity will prevail,” said Malindi.

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Picture: One of community members raising his views during public participation at the North West Provincial Legislature/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The community members raised various service delivery challenges ranging from scholar transport challenges, lack of sports facilities in schools and communities, high teenage pregnancy and drug abuse in schools.

One of the community members, Tshegofatso Molome said, patients, are suffering because health centres are not operating at night and during the weekend. Molome said lack of social workers in schools and a shortage of health professionals and medicine in health centres.

“People cannot be sick only during the day and the week, but our clinics are turning away sick patients at night and at weekends. There is also a shortage of ambulances, especially in villages where road conditions are also bad and damage those vehicles as well.

“We health facilities that are not operating 24 hours and 7 days a week, shortage of medication and personnel, social workers that are not deployed in schools to deal with social challenges of learners, the dilapidated infrastructure of schools, health facilities and arts, culture and sports facilities and shortage of classrooms and teachers,” she said.

Another community member, Kedibone Matlhomola shared the same sentiments. Matlhomola said they were informed that, the classrooms in rural communities and some townships are overcrowded and that the learner dropout rate is very high due to drug abuse and teenage pregnancy.

“Although the department is providing mobile classrooms, there is no plan to maintain them when damaged. Some learners who come from child-headed families are also struggling to attend school due to social problems in their families hence they end up dropping out of school,” she said.

These challenges were raised during the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) public participation programme in Mahikeng, where Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) engage with community members to hear their concerns on various service delivery issues and discuss possible solutions as well as allow Members of the Executive Council (MECs) from various provincial departments to respond to such issues.

The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Gavin Edwards informed the attendees that, during the recent oversight programme of the legislature in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, the committee witnessed various challenges such as dilapidated health centres without personnel and medication, poor records management in health facilities which results on patients files being misplaced, and victim empowerment centres that are not fully funded and supported with resources.

“There are instances, where patients in clinics or hospitals have more than one file, and instances where operations theatres and other facilities in hospitals are not working.

“Often medical doctors and nurses knock off at 4pm thus leaving patients stranded and unattended without receiving any medical attention,” said Edwards.

The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Paul Sebego said: “Schools that were built by communities before 1994 need serious renovations as the infrastructure is dilapidated and not conducive for teaching and learning.

“Another concerning issue is the scholar transport, where buses used to transport learners are not roadworthy as we have seen in recent times when traffic authorities have impounded them. Education department must engage the Transport Management department to ensure that learners are transported on roadworthy vehicles.”

Sebegoe added that the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (ACSR) should also address challenges of libraries and sports facilities that are not maintained regularly.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said his department plans to renovate 44 clinics each financial year and upgrade 10 clinics to 24-hour/7 days a week operations.

“We are also planning to build a state-of-the-art hospital that will cater for Tswaing and Ratlou Local Municipalities. We have budgeted R170 million to upgrade Motswedi clinic to a Community Healthcare Centre (CHC) and have changed the method of procuring ambulances to accommodate the growing population,” he said.

North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Keneetswe Mosenogi said the department has agreed with municipalities to provide maintenance support to libraries and install internet.

“As municipalities are not paying librarians the same as the ones from the department, we plan to incorporate them into the department so that, they can be on the same salary scale.

“We will ensure that municipalities utilise their 15% of Municipal Infrastructure Grant to maintain sports facilities and will work with sports federations to address their issues,” she said.

The North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa said: “Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) are funded based on services rendered and are financially supported yearly with 2 trench payments.

“We are trying to support the NPOs and other organisations with necessary resources. The department will resolve the issue of transport for social workers in Ratlou and other affected areas,” she said.

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Picture: Some of the patients at Taung District Hospital allegedly abandoned/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

About 51 National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) affiliated members in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District have not received their salaries for this month. This comes after they allegedly embarked on ‘illegal’ protests a week ago demanding a 10% increment.

Now, patients at Taung District Hospital were allegedly left unattended as some of the aggrieved workers stopped working and picketed outside the hospital in demand of their salaries.

NEHAWU acting regional secretary in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Ismael Tshabile said: “It is true that some of our members did not receive their salaries for this month. We had a consultative engagement with the Human Resources (HR) Manager in the region regarding this.

“However, the HR Manager confirmed that this was the instruction from the provincial office not to pay them. So, negotiations are underway in a quest to ensure that, our members receive their hard-earned salaries. They have worked so hard for those salaries. So, the employer does not have any right to withhold their salaries.”

The North West Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said, employees who participated in the recent NEHAWU strike were not paid their salaries.

“This is the decision of the national government. It is not all the employees, but those who participated in the strike. The cause of the withdrawal of salaries was due to what the national government deemed as participation in the unprotected strike,” Lekgethwane said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Shadow Minister of Health, Michele Clarke who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, in light of the severe damage to the public health sector and the detrimental impact on patients, the DA will request that the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) investigate the NEHAWU strike.

Clarke further said, since the strike’s commencement, the DA has done multiple oversights and engaged with even more public health sector stakeholders.

“Our findings concur with media reports. The hospitals and clinics that aren’t crippled by the strike, are being overrun by the patients diverted there – and buckling under the pressure. We commend these public health facilities for doing their best to serve the public under extremely difficult circumstances and provide the best possible care. However, the situation is unsustainable.

“The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla has confirmed that the death toll is rising. Patients and staff are being barred access to health facilities and intimidated and threatened – often in full view of the police who rarely intervene. Hospitals are filthy, and at many facilities, all but the most infirm patients have had to be discharged,” he said.

Clarke added that the impact on the health of the discharged patients and other members of the public that seek care might be immense. He said it is time NEHAWU brings the strike to an end.

“Yesterday, the Labour Appeal Court interdicted this strike action, which includes essential workers in the health sector. This bars them from participating in pickets, strikes, or industrial action.

“While the DA has sympathy for the horrendous circumstances many public health practitioners work in, a wage dispute cannot supersede the oath of care,” said Clarke.

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Picture: ANC MP, Sibusiso Kula/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

A murder case against ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Sibusiso Kula was postponed by Orkney Magistrate’s Court until 17 April 2023 for further investigations.

Kula (34) is accused of killing his wife, Jennifer Motlhomi at their matrimonial house in Kanana Township, near Orkney on 27 November 2022. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame, Motlhomi was found with a stab wound on her back in what seemed like an armed robbery.

“The object that was used for her alleged murder has not been recovered. The matter was reported by the medical facility, where she was allegedly transported by the accused to receive medical attention.

“Kula told the police that, he was not present at his home when the incident occurred. Following thorough investigations by the police, he was linked to the alleged murder and arrested on 20 January 2023,” Mamothame said.

He further said, Kula was charged with murder. Mamothame added that, the police investigations are still underway and Kula will remain in police custody until his next court appearance.

“Also, the North West High Court issued a notice for 23 March 2023 for Kula to appeal the bail judgment. The accused’s first appeal on the bail judgment was struck off the roll by the North West High Court because his application was not in order.

“The senior state Advocate, Benny Kalakgosi has prepared heads of argument to oppose the application.  The application has been submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, for the matter to be transferred to a higher court, owing to its serious nature.

Meanwhile, the ANC Chief Whip at the National Assembly (NA), Pemmy Majodina said: “The ANC caucus has been driving campaigns in our constituencies around the country against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F). We are deeply saddened by the news that Motlhomi was brutally murdered during 16 Days of Activism for violence against women and children.

“While we may not pronounce on the merits of the charges against Kula, the Office of the Chief Whip has submitted a report to the Head Office of the ANC on this matter. We expect ANC processes to follow, guided by the ANC step-aside rule since Kula is facing criminal charges.”

Majodima said the ANC caucus takes GBVF extremely seriously and they wish to assure the people of South Africa that, they shall act speedily on this matter. She said, the ANC caucus also calls on the NPA and the courts to act decisively to bring about justice for Motlhomi and her family, as many other victims of violent crime.

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Pictures: The suspect and two deceased/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

A police officer has been arrested for double murder. It is alleged that, the suspect (48) shot dead his estranged wife (44) and her alleged lover (30) on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the incident took place at Sandvlakte, near Zeerust.

“The off-duty police officer who is stationed at Nietverdiend went to a house in Sandvlakte, where he allegedly found his estranged wife who is also a police officer and stationed at Kopfontein Port Entry with a male companion. He allegedly fired several shots and instantly killed his estranged wife and her male companion.

“Subsequent to the incident, the suspect handed himself to the police, and the firearm that was allegedly used during the commission of the crime was confiscated. The motive of the incident is unknown at this stage and investigations into the matter are underway,” Mokgwabone said.

The suspect is expected to appear at Zeerust Magistrate’s Court soon for double murder.  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of both victims.

Kwena further urged employees to use the services of the Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) and other professionals, rather than resorting to violence.    

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Picture: An athlete, Amogelang Tatai in a final burst of his record-breaking performance/Kagiso Mbatha

By VUSI KAMA  

If the young primary and high school athletes at the provincial athletics event recently held in Potchefstroom had one thing in mind, it was the famous Olympic slogan: “Faster, Higher, Stronger”.

In many of the track and field events at the two-day meet at the world-famous Kenneth McArthur Stadium, records were either equalled or downright tumbled. The event was jointly backed by the Departments of Education and, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.

Boys and girls from Dr Kenneth Kaunda District were on fire over the two days. They blitzed their way to the top of the table in the Primary and High Schools competitions which were held on two successive days.

On both days the log standings were a mirror image, with Bojanala second, Ngaka Modiri Molema third and Dr Ruth Mompati consistently placed fourth. The future champions on both days made the task look easy as they were fighting for places in Team North West.

Qualifying athletes in the primary schools’ section will represent the province at the national athletics event in Pietermaritzburg from March 19 – 21. Their elder High School brothers and sisters will be at the national event in Germiston in April.

In the Primary Schools contest two provincial records were broken, while one was equalled. In the 150m Under-12 Boys hurdles, Reuben Smit went home with a new record of 20.91 (21.13), while he equalled Richardt Jourbert’s 2022 previous of 11.4 in the 75m Under-12 Boys hurdles. In the Under 12 Boys high jump, Benyamin Kriek soared higher than his counterparts at 1.52, in the process beating DC Theron’s 2015 record of 1.50.

However, it was the High Schools contests that proved to be a spectacle to behold. What with a whopping 56 records broken and only one equalled.  Three of the stars of the show broke their own records.

They were 15-year-old Carli Visser (90 metres hurdles) who outdid her own 2022 performance, clocking 13.27 from a previous 13.34. In a remarkable execution, Kate-Lynn Fourie equalled Visser’s previous.

In another jaw-dropping performance, Henrico Kruger (Under-15, 1 500m) shaved his own previous record from 05:10.10 in 2022 to 04:52.63. Equally illustrious was Bojanala’s 16-year-old Temoso Masikane, a long jumper.

The serial record-breaker was on song as he got the crowd to clap with him as a build-up to his new North West record of 7.54, beating his own previous of 7.18. The teen got the crowd clapping louder and faster, in awe of his breath-taking performance.

After his stunner, the 2021/2 South African Championships Silver medallist had this to say: “It feels really great when things go according to plan. The weather conditions were great.”

Parent Natha Gulmini from Hartebeespoort Dam was one of the spectators who were impressed with the athletics meet.

“The event was well-organised and the vibe was very good.” She is mother to Juliana Gulmini, who came first in the Girls Under-10 contest. With sterling performances like those witnessed at the Potchefstroom meet, there is little doubt that we will one day see one or more of the athletes at future Olympic events.

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Picture: The deceased, Karabo Monyama/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

A decomposed body of a missing girl was discovered buried in the backyard of her boyfriend (23) on Wednesday. Karabo Monyana (15) who resided at Monageng Street in Cyferskuil near Makapanstad went missing on 5 March 2023.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, Monyama was last seen on 5 March 2023 at around 1pm, when she left her home to go and watch soccer at a nearby field. Funani said, however, she never returned back home.

“A search was conducted around the neighbourhood and Cyferskuil precinct without any success. During her disappearance, she was wearing a white crop top, a green mini skirt, and black Adidas sneakers.

“Now, the police have discovered her decomposed body in a shallow grave. The boyfriend was arrested and charged with murder, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice,” she said.

According to Funani, the suspect will appear at Moretele Magistrate’s Court on 10 March 2023.

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Picture: A Polo VW vehicle that was allegedly used in a commission of crime/Bodumedi FM

By OBAKENG MAJE

Three suspects who were arrested after a high police chase in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke are expected to appear at Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court.

According to Bodumedi FM, the police arrested the suspects who were in possession of stolen goods on Tuesday. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani told Bodumedi FM that, the police received a tip-off from the Mahikeng Flying Squad about a vehicle, that was used in a commission of a business robbery in Mmabatho.

“When a vehicle matching the description of the wanted car was spotted driving at a high speed, Schweizer Reneke and Ipelegeng police gave chase. The VW Polo eventually came to a stop when it collided with an electricity pole in Ipelegeng.

“The suspects aged between 25 and 28, were found to be in possession of bags containing clothes, cigarettes, and cigarette lighters. A toy gun and cell phones were also confiscated,” Funani said.

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

The newly-appointed North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department will address challenges experienced in various schools across the province such as over-crowding, lack of scholar transport, dilapidating schools including rationalization.

Motsumi, who visited Sebitloane Special School in Taung on Wednesday said, it does not make any sense to see many school buildings being abandoned, while learners have to travel far from their areas to attend school. 

She had a consultative engagement with principals from various schools across the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.  

“Our schools are confronted by the challenge of overcrowding, so we have taken a decision to build one classroom per school. Building classrooms in schools will reduce the challenge of overcrowding.

“We are not going to buy mobile classrooms anymore because they are too costly. We would rather build brick-and-mortar classrooms with that money. I also pledge my support to all educators in the province,” she said.

Motsumi further said, the “meet and greet” roadshow started in Bojanala District, proceeded to Ngaka Modiri Molema District, and is now held in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. She added that, as department, they highly appreciate the hard work of teachers across the province.

“I came here to thank you for your hard work, which you display in our schools on daily basis. The North West province has improved in the matric results with 1.6% and this is because of the teachers’ hard work.

“We are aware that, educators are confronted with a number of challenges in schools, but the department’s primary responsibility is to ensure that, they receive unwavering support,” said Motsumi.

She said the ‘time of making empty promises’ to educators is over now. According to Motsumi, communities are also tired of empty promises.

“Now, we have to make sure that we deliver schools to our communities without any delays. I also expect to meet the school principals and educators of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District on Thursday at Milner High School in Klerksdorp.

“Another thing, we want to reclaim our position as one of the two best-performing provinces in terms of National Senior Certificate results. But, we can only do that, if we redouble and multiply our efforts,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape shared the same sentiments. Maape said during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) that, a detailed Provincial Matric Results Improvement Plan to take forward the achievement will be communicated during the MEC’s budget speech.

“Our government will also roll out access to the internet through broadband and Wi-Fi from the current 25% of learners to 75% in the current academic year. This will see the government expanding broadband connectivity to schools to the tune of R31.2 million.

“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 marginalized communities, where breakfast will be introduced,” he said.

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Picture: The missing Karabo Monyama/Supplied  

By STAFF REPORTER  

The North West police request the community members’ assistance to locate a missing girl (15) who resides at Monageng Street, Cyferskuil, near Makapanstad.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said Karabo Monyama was last seen on 5 March 2023 at around 1pm. Funani said Monyama left her home to watch soccer at the nearby field.

“However, she never returned back home. A search was conducted around the neighbourhood and Cyferskuil precinct without any success.

“During her disappearance, she was wearing a white crop top, green mini skirt and black Adidas sneakers. She is light in complexion with a slender body structure and black hair,” she said.

Funani further said, anyone with information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Edward Moeng of Cyferskuil Detectives on cell: 082 569 4455. She added that anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App or phone Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111.

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