Picture: The water levels at Bloemhof Dam on decline/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Department of Water and Sanitation said the water levels at Bloemhof Dam are on the decline with the dam level at 105%. The department spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said, the water discharge is being reduced gradually from 2800m3/s to 2400m3/s by this afternoon.
“The department’s Hydrological Monitoring and Forecasting System continues to closely monitor the water flow in these rivers and dams, as well as other water courses across the country.
“The Vaal Dam is also experiencing a continuous decrease in water capacity, currently sitting at 108%. As a result, another sluice gate is closed today, resulting in six gates remaining open,” Mavasa said.
He further said, in the Orange River, the Gariep Dam is also sitting at around 108.84%, and the releases into the Orange River are 1222.45m3/s. Mavasa added that, at the Vanderkloof Dam, water levels are at 108% and outflow releases are 1318m3/s.
“Water levels at the Lower Orange River and Lower Vaal River remain high and are expected to respond to the reduced flows from both the upstream Orange and Vaal rivers only later in the week,” he said.
Picture: A sassy You FM sports presenter, Karabo Mokgalagadi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The award-winning sports presenter, Karabo Mokgalagadi continues to be a ‘beacon of hope’ for aspiring sports presenters across the province. Mokgalagadi showed her pedigree when she won the Sports Journalist of the Year (electronic) during the prestigious North West Sports Awards (NWSAs) held at Sun City Super Bowl in Rustenburg on Saturday.
You FM’s sassy sports presenter, who engrossed the judges said, this achievement will encourage her to work hard. Ms K as Mokgalagadi is affectionately known in the sports fraternity, further said, she achieved this through discipline, dedication and determination.
“To be honest, this means a lot to me because is a provincial recognition. You know, just getting that nod from the province that says, Karabo, you doing great….it really put my heart at ease.
“This is a proper stamp of approval to say Karabo, your work is being recognised as a woman in sport. So, I am very humbled and I think we can still do more,” she said.
Mokgalagadi said, it is not an easy task, especially for women to claim their niche in the industry because it is still male-dominated. However, she encouraged aspiring sports presenters in the province to develop a thicker skin to survive.
“Firstly, my message to those aspiring sports presenters is that, be you and do you. This is a tough industry, which is still male-dominated. You really need to have a thicker skin and believe in yourself.
“Another thing, please take criticism constructively. Remember, there will be those who like or hate you. This is a great initiative to honour our athletes in the province,” said Mokgalagadi.
However, she added that there is a lot that needs to be done to improve sports in the province. Mokgalagadi said, there are development structures across the province, but the financial support is not enough.
“I think, what should be done to improve our sport is to give unwavering support, especially financially to these structures. There are development structures for various sporting codes, but they need to be financially backed.
“We have an abundance of talents in the province and once we get that proper push, our athletes will definitely shine. Every Tuesday, I talk sport development on my show and that’s where I realised that the talent is there, but there is a lack of support,” said Mokgalagadi.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Kenetswe Mosenogi said: “I am delighted to present the prestigious North West Sport Recognition Awards, as we honour our athletes, sports teams and schools, who have excelled in their various sporting codes.
“The department and North West Provincial Sports Confederation have jointly embarked on this momentous initiative to ensure that excellence in sports, is duly recognised, rewarded and honoured.”
Mosenogi said the sport is one of the key contributors to the economy and social development as it plays a significant role in mitigating the well-known triple challenges in our society such as poverty, inequality and unemployment.
“We can never forget the ripple effect of COVID-19 on sports as for the past two years or so, athletes, whose livelihoods depend on sports were gravely affected as all sporting events across the globe were suspended.
“Therefore, we are pleased to have these men and women back at their various sporting platforms. These recognition awards also cast its eyes on sports administrators, who are responsible for the smooth operations of various sporting events and activities and enduring that they become a success,” she said.
Four suspects aged between 28 and 31 have been arrested for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said, the suspects were nabbed by police during patrol.
“The police from Vryburg Community Service Centre (CSC) were performing patrol duties when they saw a driver of a vehicle pointing a firearm out of a vehicle. The police immediately stopped the vehicle and requested the license of the firearm.
“The driver of the vehicle was unable to provide a license and he was arrested along with other occupants after failing to could not provide reasons for being in possession of the firearm. A case of possession of a firearm without a license was opened against them,” van Rooyen said.
She said, the suspects will appear at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court today.
The acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng applauded the police for their vigilance and swift response that led to the arrest. Tlotleng said the police perform their duties with such commitment to ensuring that, the communities are safe.
Picture: Some of the drugs that were allegedly found in possession of the suspect/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A MAN (28) is expected to appear at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court for being in possession of drugs. The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “On Friday, the police in Vryburg were busy with operation Vuthi Hawe and were patrolling in the suburb of Colridge.
“Whilst on patrol, they saw a man, who looked suspicious and requested to search him. Upon searching him, the police found 100 Methaqualone (Mandrax) tablets in his possession.
“The suspect was immediately arrested and a case of Possession of Dependence Producing Substance (Mandrax) was opened. The estimated street value of the tablets is R80 000.”
Meanwhile, the acting District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng applauded the police for their vigilance and swift response that led to the arrest. Tlotleng stated that the police are performing their duties with such commitment to ensuring that, the environment is safe for children.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema came out guns blazing and call on the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa to ‘step down’ with immediate effect.
This comes after South Africa was put on a ‘grey list’ by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for falling short of certain international standards for the combating of money laundering and other serious financial crimes.
The FATF is a global body that aims to tackle global money laundering and terrorist financing. Now, Malema alleged that Ramaphosa is indecisive and corrupt. He further said, South Africa is an ‘anchorage’ of money laundering.
“Ramaphosa is indecisive, corrupt, and a money launderer, who stuffs dollars in his mattress and sofas. Today, South Africa is grey-listed because we have become a haven for money laundering and terrorism funders.
“What if the money that was in the sofas of the president was going to finance terrorism, however, we would never know. We would have known the purpose of that money, if it was declared at the Reserve Bank, SARS, or being banked,” he said.
Malema further said, atleast the bank will ask, where the money come from and what was its purpose. He added, so only the funder of terrorism will stuff money in the couches and matrasses.
“We are grey-listed solely because of the president of South Africa, who must step down on 20 March 2023 when we shut down the country. Only when we stand up and occupy the streets, the people in government will start taking this matter seriously.
“We demand that the president must resign, we are in this mess because of him,” said Malema.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa in his weekly newsletter said: “South Africa’s grey-listing is an opportunity to strengthen the fight against financial crimes. South Africa has been a member of FATF for the last 20 years due to our commitment to fight these criminal activities both at home and across the world.
“The grey-listing of South Africa has caused much concern about the state of our financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and investment environment. The situation is concerning but less dire than some people suggest.”
Ramaphosa said they have gone through a rigorous process of addressing the issues that FATF has raised with them. He said the fundamentals are in place and they know what they need to do to get off the grey list.
“We are determined to do this as quickly as possible. This is important not only for our international standing but also for our own ability to fight these crimes in our country.
“Since the dawn of democracy in 1994 we have sought to build credible, independent institutions and implement effective laws to deal with complex financial crimes of this nature,” said Ramaphosa.
The North West Premier, Bushy Maape has marked the 2023 financial year, as the year of service delivery. The embattled Maape delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng, North West on 24 February 2023.
“We are abandoning the comforts of planning and sitting in conferences. We are moving into our neighbourhoods, streets, and roads, which are critical points of contact for service delivery as our permanent homes for the next twelve months.
“We are on our feet, restless and listening attentively to the cries of our people. They are delivering messages of impatience and requesting us to do the one simple thing, which is to resolve challenges facing them in order to make a better life for all,” he said.
Recently, the province has experienced various protests due to poor service delivery such as water scarcity, poor road infrastructure, and load-shedding.
Maape further said, these shocking numbers clearly demonstrate that more effort in job creation is needed. He added that, however, they see the signs of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic throughout sectors of the economy.
“This is a testament to the resilience of many of our corporations and entrepreneurs, who have kept the wheels of our economy turning despite challenges.
“The North West Chamber of Commerce & Industry has partnered with us in turning around the situation in Ditsobotla. We also have many contributions by their affiliate members like NWK and others,” said Maape.
He said the Sedibelo Pilanesberg Platinum Mine has also invested R9.4 billion with 3000 job opportunities created in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, while Harmony Gold in the City of Matlosana invested R7 billion, which will
sustain 6000 jobs.
“The African Rainbow Energy has invested about R2 billion in a solar plant in Ditsobotla. The Supreme Chicken in Tigane has invested R180 million ramping up economic activity, sustaining over 2000 locals and many others.
“The Presidency has set aside R13 billion rand for the maintenance and upgrading of 39 roads projects in the province. These projects will be implemented during the 2023/24 financial year. This is in addition to the R1.3 billion for road upgrading and maintenance in the current financial year,” said Maape.
He said the bulk of the R13 billion will be earmarked specifically for rural road projects, most of which will be labor-intensive paved roads in order to create jobs.
However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile said, this was the most painful SOPA to listen to.
“It was actually someone who was crying for help. You could actually tell that the Premier is saying he is leaving the province because he does not have anything to offer anymore.
“His speech was empty and he sounded like someone who is new. I mean for a government that is reaching its exit in the 2024 National Elections, he should have told us about his achievements and implementation,” Sonakile said.
He said, instead, Maape quoted President Cyril Ramaphosa on every page, where he said they need solutions.
Meanwhile, the Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) were ejected from the House by the speaker, Sussana Dantjie alleging disruptions.
Now the EFF Provincial Secretary, Papiki Babuile said: “We tried to request Maape to apologise to the people of the province for lying during the State of the Nation (SONA) debate in the National Parliament two weeks ago.
“Maape said people of the province do not have any problem with water and potholes even though our people continue to live in a dire situation. We have experienced protests across the province since Maape said, there are no service delivery challenges in the province.”
Babuile said, they will submit a motion of no confidence against Maape, if ANC does not remove him as the Premier of North West.
The ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Paul Sebegoe said, they were impressed by Maape’s speech.
“We are very happy with the manner in which, the speech has been articulated. Given the ANC National Lekgotlha Resolutions on what ANC wants to achieve in this financial year, we believe that all systems are in place.
“The Premier has outlined how many projects are lined-up and they are at the level of implementation. We believe in this current financial year, sufficient jobs will be created out of all these projects. So, we believe that the social challenges will be changed as alluded to by the Premier.
Picture: EFF Leader, Julius Malema embarking on Andries Tatane Cleaning Campaign in Blydeville Township, near Lichtenburg in North West
By REGINALD KANYANE
The residents in Blydeville Township, near Lichtenburg in North West, said service delivery has completely collapsed and the Ditsobotla Local Municipality is careless about that. Gomolemo Melamu (31) there is a lack of water and sanitation in their area.
“The roads are also inaccessible because of potholes. We believe that a campaign like Andries Tatane Cleaning Campaign launched by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will bear fruits.
“We also urge the municipality to ensure that we receive services as poor service delivery has a negative impact in our lives. So, we are happy to see the EFF leader, Julius Malema here assisting us with cleaning our township,” Melamu said.
EFF leader Julius Malema visited the area on 25 February 2023 as part of service delivery. Malema said, it is sad to see people living in squalor like this, while there is the government in charge.
“It was embarrassing to see the North West Premier, Bushy Maape implying that the province has no service delivery challenges during the State of the Nation (SONA) debate in parliament last week, which sparked public outrage.
“Maape has turned the challenges of the residents of the North West into a mockery. I saw a lot of potholes on my way here. There is no way that any person who is alive to the realities of the North West, would have uttered what Maape did,” he said.
Malema further said he just wondered if Maape had taken his medication before he spoke at the SONA debate. He added that was an embarrassment and he should have not been allowed to enter the Office of the Premier after his utterances.
Malema said there is no single person, even a factionalist of note, who should be defending the Premier of North West after what he did. Malema said leaders should first have to accept that there is a problem in order to come up with solutions for dealing with that problem.
“If we are going to be in denial that there is no problem in the North West, we will never look for solutions. I was shocked to see the Premier of the North West sitting throughout the SONA debate, while other Premiers come in the morning when it is their turn to debate because they will be seized with the problems of their provinces.
“But, because the problems of this province do not bother him, he saw this as a touring opportunity. Maape spoke like a person who just came from the sea and aloof from the reality of the North West,” said Malema.
Meanwhile, Maape who delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) on 24 February 2023 said, his government has marked the 2023 financial year, as the ‘year of service delivery.’
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.
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.”
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 4th position in 2021 to the 5th spot in 2022.
