By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 10 sexual misconduct cases were allegedly reported against ‘teachers’ across North West schools in the past five years. It is alleged that teachers continue to prey on pupils, especially in schools with special needs. Those who are most vulnerable are in schools for the deaf, blind, autistic, and female pupils.

It is also alleged that sexual misconduct cases against teachers have also cost the North West Department of Education over R5m in precautionary suspension. One of our highly-placed sources within the department said, this paint a grim picture of teachers taking advantage of these pupils.

“Teachers are supposed to protect these pupils, while at school. However, they are the ones taking advantage of them. This is appalling and a clear indication that innocent lives are at risk. Even though these teachers were placed on a precautionary suspension, nothing much has happened to these cases.

“In most cases, principals at various schools or senior managers from the districts sweep these allegations under the carpet. Also, the department does not help victims to open criminal cases against perpetrators. It will rather discourage them from doing so and try to mediate.”

Our source further said, schools should be safer spaces for learners, where sex offenders are not permitted.

“It will be better if the names of those teachers who are found guilty of sexual misconduct are also registered under the National Register for Sex Offenders. This will ensure that these teachers are banned from working with children.

“However, I will continue to fight for the safety of our learners in the province and ensure that these vague cases are resolved as a matter of urgency.”

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “Only three sexual misconduct cases were reported during the 2022 calendar. The investigated cases with prima facie evidence are reported from districts to corporate.

“Of three cases, the final outcomes are not yet reported to corporate because in terms of Educator Labour Relation Council (ELRC) Collective Agreement 2 of 2018, cases involving sexual assault/abuse are handled by Commissioners from ELRC, not by Labour Officials of the department.”

Malindi added that, as the department, they are aware of the number of sexual misconduct cases reported, and Section 17 of The Employment of Educators Act 76 of 1998, stipulates that, an educator must be dismissed if he or she is found guilty of having a sexual relationship with a learner of the school, where he or she is employed.

Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) spokesperson in North West, advocate Oarabile Gaoraelwe said, they have received complaints of human rights violations relating to children in schools being victimised, bullied, and unfairly discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, culture, and religion over the years.

Gaoraelwe said children’s rights are one of the seven focus areas identified by the commission as requiring a dedicated focus to enable it to effectively fulfill its mandate of promoting, protecting, and monitoring the realisation of rights in South Africa.

“Children need special protection because they are among the most vulnerable members of society. They depend on others, being their parents, families, society, and the state, for care and protection.

“As a result, the drafters of our constitution prioritised children’s rights. So, we will be conducting a provincial Human Rights dialogue themed “Enhancing the promotion and protection for children’s rights to education, equality, and respect for their language, culture, and religion,” he said.

He said against the above backdrop, the commission will conduct a dialogue on children’s rights. Gaoraelwe said the provincial dialogue is scheduled to take place in Mahikeng on Thursday.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The controversial businessman and owner of Moso-Kago Equipment company, James Gadinabokao is enmeshed in a top-level bribery scandal. The flamboyant Gadinabokao allegedly tried to bribe the Director of Supply Chain Management (SCM) from North West Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (ACSR), Tumelo Maphakathi to sway the whopping R42 million tender of the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival project to his advantage.

A voicenote that allegedly depicts the voices of Gatvol Movement president, Gadinabokao and Maphakathi was played during a meeting between the department and North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) Portfolio Committee on Sport and Education last week, where Gadinabokao allegedly promised Maphakathi a ‘personal and private’ outing outside Mahikeng, where he will allegedly buy her wine and makes her ‘horny’.  

The department briefly appeared before the committee to answer the challenges regarding the delays over the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival and Taung Cultural Calabash events respectively.

Now, the Head of Department, Itumeleng Mogorotsi said, the department is seeking a legal opinion from the Office of the Premier on whether to pursue a criminal case against the Taung tycoon or not.  

“There is a recording that came to the attention of the departmental executive and these are the same people accusing government officials of being corrupt. However, they are doing some of these things. We have received a backlash, insults, and reputational harm words from the public accusing us of being corrupt.

“So, it is my responsibility as the accounting officer resonates around the provisions of Section 217 of the Constitution reads with Section 38 of the PFMA on the establishment of the Supply Chain Management System, which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective is concerned,” Mogorotsi said.

He further said, he is also obligated in terms of Section 38 (1)(c) IV 2 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) to take effective steps to prevent unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure including the losses that may result from the criminal conduct.

Mogorotsi added that, he is also obligated to take reasonable steps as the result of abuse of the SCM, and investigate allegations against an official or a role player of corruption and improper conduct or failure to comply with the SCM system, when justified to do so.

“I should take steps against such an official and inform the relevant Treasury and report any conduct that may constitute an offense to the SAPS. Having considered all the information at my disposal, the evaluation and bid adjudication report including internal correspondence, applicable legislative framework, and getting a legal opinion from the Office of the Premier, the MEC will brief the Premier on the matter given the public interest.

“We have requested the Office of the Premier, the Misconduct and Forensic unit to conduct an investigation. Initially, this investigation was going to be done internally, but I have overwritten that decision because of lack of capacity,” he said.

Mogorotsi also said they are concerned about the leakage of information about the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival event that took place even before the tender could be awarded to the winner. He said that had potential misconduct and criminality as far as the legislation is concerned.

“So, I decided to cancel this bid worth R42 million for three years and the process will start from scratch. Now, the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival event will be held on 9-11 March 2023.

*Meanwhile, Gadinabokao failed to respond to our WhatsApp messages before publishing this article.

By OBAKENG MAJE

Four nurses who were suspended for medical negligence at Taung District Hospital are back at work. In March 2021, these nurses, who were working at the maternity ward at the time, allegedly neglected a heavily pregnant woman, Kegomoditswe Tankie while giving birth.

Tankie allegedly ended up giving birth on the floor without any assistance from the nurses and the fiasco was captured on video and circulated across various social media platforms.  

The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said the investigations on the matter are still underway. Lekgethwane further said these nurses were suspended at the time to allow smooth investigations of the matter. 

“Consequence management will apply if there was any transgression. However, consequence management is often not what the public perceives. Each case has its own merit and that needs to be taken into consideration.

“I can sit here with you and say somebody has pushed me that is why I broke my arm. However, one could have a different outcome depending on the investigation or witnesses. So, in this case, the investigations are not necessarily concluded,” he said.

Lekgethwane added that the department has an option of bringing those nurses back to work pending investigations and evaluation processes. He said, when it comes to patients in terms of a case of negligence, that will be another process altogether.

“We do have an internal process of investigating staff and a process of litigation, which is never started by the department. If any patient litigates, we wait for them, and then it becomes a legal process. So, until is completed, we really do not want to go into the merits of it because it will go to court until the finality of the case.

“The investigations are still ongoing and those nurses are back at work. Critically, when you suspend someone that does not mean they are necessarily guilty, but to give you time to do investigations without any hindrances,” said Lekgethwane.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health is allegedly faced with medical negligence cases to the potential cost of R704 million. The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla told parliament in July 2022 that, in the 2020/21 financial year alone, the department recorded 61 cases of medical negligence claims with a potential cost of R325 million to the state.

Phaahla said in the 2021/21 financial year, the department also recorded 64 cases of civil claims with a potential cost of R379 million to the state. The top three leading hospitals with the most medical negligence claims in the 2021/22 financial year are Tshepong and Klerksdorp Complex Hospital in Klerksdorp, followed by Potchefstroom Hospital in Potchefstroom, while the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital occupies the third position.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The stock-theft case against the seven accused has been postponed to 15 November 2022. Willem Petrus Boshoff (46), Carel Stephan Wallis (47), Ntlhothana Motswabangwe (33), Rapula Letsapa (25), Johannes Wessel (49), Simon Wessel (47) and Janine Hill (50) were arrested in the early hours of the morning on 10 November 2022.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Boshoff, Wallis, Motswabangwe, Letsapa, Wessel, Hill, and Wessel briefly appeared before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 14 November 2022.

“The case was postponed to 15 November 2022 for a formal bail application. They are facing five preliminary charges of theft, failure to provide a satisfactory account of the possession of livestock, acquiring stock from persons whose places of residence are unknown, transporting livestock along the road without a certificate, and absence of reasonable cause believing that the livestock has been properly acquired.

“All seven accused will remain in police custody until the court has made a ruling on their bail application.  Their court appearance emanates from their arrest after they were found in possession of suspected stolen livestock, with an estimated value of R500 000,” Mamothame said.

He further said the farmer, notices a truck and bakkies with a trailer carrying livestock and notified other farmers around Ottoshoop.

“They tracked down the suspicious bakkie to a farm in Koenlambrechts farm between Mahikeng and Lichtenburg. Police were then notified, and the suspects were arrested while trying to leave the farm.

“Nine cattle were found at the back of the bakkie. A truck linked to the theft was also intercepted by the police carrying 18 cattle, which the driver failed to account for,” said Mamothame.

He said further investigations by the police led them to Windheuwel farm, where 14 suspected stolen livestock was discovered. Mamothame said they were taken by the police for further investigations.

“A total of 42 battles were discovered through a collaborative operation between farmers and the police,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions has lauded the farmers and the police for their collaboration leading to the arrest of the suspects.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The service delivery took a backseat at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) on Monday as junior employees downed tools. The municipal employees took to the streets for a protest march over the R2500 danger allowance saga.

The members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), which is the largest union in local government in South Africa, said they want the embattled municipality to pay them an R2500 danger allowance too instead of R1500. 

According to the information, senior managers and directors were all paid R2500 without any municipal council resolution. 

SAMWU secretary in Greater Taung, Mpho Thompson said it is not fair to junior employees to be paid R1500 as danger allowance, while office-bound senior managers and directors received R2500.

“There was a council resolution that was taken on 5 October 2022 regarding danger allowance. The resolution said those senior managers and directors who received R2500 should return R1000s from each R2500 they received.

“Now, our junior employees want to be paid R2500 too as danger allowance. We think that it will be fair if R2500 is paid across the board because a certain individual went to the council and misled it,” Thompson said.

He further said, most senior managers and directors were not exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic because they were office-bound. Thompson added that, these senior managers and directors received airtime and tablets as most were working from home.

“Now, the R2500 that was intended for danger allowance, the municipality has used it for overtime and standby. According to the policy, senior managers and directors are not allowed to get overtime or standby allowance. 

“So, those who were supposed to get danger allowance are junior municipal employees because they were exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic, while on the ground and ensuring that there is service delivery,” said Thompson.

He said, even though they did not lose any members through the COVID-19 pandemic in the municipality, SAMWU has lost many members nationally. Thompson said their members have given the municipality until Monday to respond to their demands.

IMATU secretary from the Greater Taung, Kagiso Mogatusi said: “It was actually not a strike per se, but municipal employees needed clarity on the danger allowance matter. However, IMATU was not part of that, but employees actually wanted to meet with the municipality’s leadership to get clarity on whether the municipality will meet their demands or not.

“No, SAMWU was there, but we have discussed that as IMATU because we wanted to follow proper channels and ensure that the municipal council leads us. So, I do not want us to use the word strike because the employees just wanted clarity from the municipality on whether the municipality will meet their submission or not.”

Meanwhile, the municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe failed to respond to our phone calls and WhatsApp messages regarding the matter before going to print.

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By OBAKENGNMAJE

Most of the residents of Manawana and Dibono village near Mahikeng who benefitted from the donkey carts project worth R780 000 from the North West Community Safety and Transport Management department are left dejected. 

This comes after some of the newly-donated donkey carts broke down just two days after receiving them. It is alleged that the 2-seater donkey cart cost R32 500 each, while 4 seater is R45 500 each.

One of the beneficiaries, Mokete Mokoloko (38) said, he nearly died after his donkey cart broke its underslung axle. Mokoloko said he was ferrying pupils to school in Masutlhe village when the accident happened.

“We urge the government to design proper donkey carts of a high standard. I am so disappointed about what happened, but by the grace of God, no one sustained injuries. These donkey carts are defective and of sub-standard quality. They are not even ergonomic and suited for terrains.

“Most of them have fallen apart because they are defective. I ferry pupils from our village to the nearby school, but I have since reverted back to my old donkey cart because it is much stronger than the one donated by the government,” he said.

Another resident, Marriam Mokgobenyane shared the same sentiments. Mokgobenyane who questioned the criteria used to identify the beneficiaries lambasted the government and also accused it of taking people for granted. 

“The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) takes us for granted. Instead of donating vehicles because they are more viable, they donate donkey carts of low quality.

“I also want to understand the criteria used to donate these donkey carts because most of the pensioners here have not received them. I am a pensioner, who stays with my mother and she is 99 of age. We are struggling with transport when we have to take her to the hospital or town,” she said.

Mokgobenyane further said, instead of the government building RDP houses and roads, it will rather waste money on sub-standard donkey carts. She added, they are struggling with inaccessible roads, especially during the rainy season.

It is also alleged that these donkey carts have been languishing in storage at Mahikeng Airport since 2014.

However, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “All procurement processes were followed and the distribution of these animal-drawn carts is in line with the national Rural Transport Strategy. The carts were manufactured in Lonely Park in Mahikeng and locals were employed in the project.

“As part of the contract with the department, the service provider, LKT Business Enterprises will maintain and fix the carts for the next three years at no cost to the owners. The twenty carts were procured for a total of R 780 000 inclusive of the three-year maintenance plan.”

Meanwhile, the department said it will hold a media briefing, later on, to clarify the allegations that the procurement was non-existence. The owner of the alleged company, LKT Business Enterprises which was used for procurement, told the 24-hour TV News channel, Newzroom Afrika that, she knows nothing about the procurement of this project. 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The family of a missing elderly woman in Cokonyane village near Taung said they are dejected because of the whole debacle. Patricia Naledi said the hope of finding their mother alive, Kgalalelo Mosadiwamaje Naledi (79) is fading away by the day.

Kgalalelo went missing almost a month ago and no one knows her whereabouts. She allegedly left her house and did not come back. Now, Patricia said they have searched for her everywhere with no luck.

“Two weeks ago, traditional healers including sangomas were brought into our house in a quest to locate her. However, all that was futile and we are still in the dark regarding our beloved mother’s whereabouts. I came home a week ago with the hope that our mother will be home soon.

“We are in a difficult situation and pray for her safe return. We also urge anyone who could assist with any information about her whereabouts to come forward. Those traditional healers who came to our house gave us confusing statements,” she said.

Patricia further said, others alleged that their mother has been killed, while others alleged that she is still alive.

Meanwhile, the North West police said a case of a missing person has been registered and investigations are underway.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Seven suspects were arrested for stock theft at Zeekoeivallei farm in Ottoshoop near Mahikeng in the early hours of Thursday morning. The owner of the livestock, Pastor Piet Tlhabanyane said, he was called by his herder at around 2am who informed him about a crime that was underway.

“When we arrived, we counted the cattle and realised that 43 were missing. However, we found 27 cattle scattered around the farm, so we are still looking for another 16.

“It appears that the suspects entered the farm by breaking the padlocks of the main gate and our preliminary investigation indicates that, they began loading the cattle in their trucks at around 7pm on Wednesday,” Tlhabanyane said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said: “We alerted the police and seven suspects, including a woman and two African males were apprehended with two trucks loaded with cattle.

“People often accuse the police of lacklustre response and here we are with them having reacted with speed. The problem of stock theft in some parts of the province is rife, hence the visit of the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale on 5 November 2022 in Taung.”

Lehari also expressed profound gratitude to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for a swift response when called upon. He said the ministerial crime imbizo that took place in Taung last week Saturday focused on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the rising stock theft statistics.

“We appeal to the communities to play a role in fighting crime. Often suspects are known and only through the support of the community members criminality could be fought.

“Crime is not committed by people we do not know. The police promptly apprehended suspects because community members played a significant role,” said Lehari.

He said, the neighbouring game farm has Close Circuit Cameras that assisted in exposing the criminality activities that were taking place. Lehari said the owner is part of the farming neighbourhood watch.

“The suspects were in the process of being arraigned and charges formulated. However, it is not clear when will they appear in court,” said Lehari.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The EFF in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) said it will table a motion of no confidence against the disgraced municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai. The EFF regional chairperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Tebogo Babuile alleged that Moipolai continues to flout the standing rules and orders of the council and that makes her ‘unfit’ for the position.

This comes after the municipal council meeting that took place at Pudimoe Community Hall, near Taung was turned into a circus. Babuile further said a few items like danger allowance, the motion of no confidence against the beleaguered municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, and the suspension of the Director of Corporate Services, Dikagiso Mokoma were supposed to be discussed amongst others.

Babuile said, however, nothing of those items were discussed.

“Clearly, the municipal council is run by gangsters, who can threaten councillors. They dictate which matters should be raised and debated. There was also a high number of security guards from Diphetogo Security company in the council meeting.

“So, we are off the view that, they were actually brought here for opposition parties. The EFF councillors requested Moipolai to remove them from the chamber, but she blatantly refused,” he said.

Babuile added that the issues that were supposed to be discussed are confidential and no members of the public including municipal officials were supposed to form part of the meeting.

“The meeting was adjourned at 2pm and reconvened at 5pm. However, some unidentified individuals wearing blankets entered the chamber and poured pepper spray into the chamber. 

“There was a stampede there and councillors had to run for safety because they could not breathe. The Public Order Police (POP) were also invited to oversee the council meeting as there were threats, but what was surprised us, when Moipolai adjourned the meeting, she failed to inform the police that, the meeting will re-convene at 5pm,” said Babuile.

He alleged that this clearly shows that, Moipolai knew what will happen when she re-convene the meeting. It alleged that Moipolai altered the investigation report on the suspended Director of Corporate Services, Dikagiso Mokoma who allegedly misled the council on the danger allowance matter.

Mokoma is also accused of tempering with the recordings of the previous council, where the decision was taken that, all employees will receive R1500 for danger allowance. It is alleged that, all senior managers were paid R2500 instead of R1500 and this was done without the council resolution.

“Moipolai intentionally delayed the council meeting because she was supposed to convene the meeting before 8 November 2022. However, she convened the council meeting after the termination of the municipal manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi’s contract on 8 November 2022.

“So, she presented a completely different report from what was compiled by Gabanakgosi. How can the speaker say she has received a complaint from Mokoma, while she reports to the municipal manager? asked Babuile.

He said they will head to court in order to force Moipolai to comply with the municipal structure act. The Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor in the municipality, Sam Nape shared the same sentiments.

It is alleged that Moipolai and Gaoraelwe want to uplift the suspension of Mokoma and bring her back as the acting municipal manager.

Meanwhile, Moipolai failed to respond to our questions. However, she said in a report presented to the council: “I, the speaker of the council, confirm that the resolution was not to suspend the Mokoma, however, to investigate the matter and report it to the council and allow the council to deliberate on it and take the decision. That is not done.

“So, I believe that the decision to suspend Mokoma was entirely the actions of Gabanakgosi solely and not of the council. The local government regulations on the disciplinary procedures for senior managers were not followed and nor allegations against Mokoma have been made.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The artists and businesspersons in Taung, call on the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (ACSR), Virginia Tlhapi to have a consultative engagement with them before the Taung Cultural Calabash (TCC) event take place on 18-19 November 2022.

The Mmabana Foundation received a whopping R5.5m to organise the event. It was supposed to take place on 15 October 2022, however, it was postponed due to disruptions. Some artists and local businesspersons alleged that the unique art festival that was set to discover new talent through a series of provincial auditions is marred with corruption and embezzlement.

One of the business persons, Xolani Nkonyana said, they have written numerous letters to various stakeholders including the Office of MEC to have consultative engagements with them, however, that has not happened. Nkonyana said, Tlhapi failed to honour their meeting on 27 October 2022 and that no event will take place until their grievances are addressed.

“As local businesspersons, nothing about us without us. We have written numerous letters to the Mmabana Foundation including Tlhapi. We wanted to have a meeting with the MEC, Head of Department (HOD), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) including the CEO of Mmabana Foundation.

“They promised to meet with us on 27 October, unfortunately, they did not pitch as they promised. To our surprise, the department sent through their junior staff. So, we agreed that we will no longer continue with the event until Tlhapi comes down to the community of Taung and address our grievances,” he said.

A cultural activist, Keaoboka Molomo shared the same sentiments. Molomo further said, as artists, they do not benefit from the Mmabana Foundation programs. 

“The proper transformation is needed at Mmabana Foundation. We urge the department to appoint relevant individuals, who have creative backgrounds. Even though art is called the golden economy, as artists, we continue to suffer at the hands of politicians.

“When we raise our grievances, they label us as hooligans. The Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority also does not represent us well because the Chief, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane is never there. He is actually missing in action and why should we entertain this family that is holding the entire community hostage? He asked.

Molomo added that in other provinces, chiefs are the ones who fight for the preservation of indigenous and cultural events.

Meanwhile, the acting CEO of Mmabana Foundation, Paul Malatsi said: “We understand that the Taung Cultural Calabash was previously sponsored, but most of the sponsors later withdraw due to the audit outcome that was not up to standard. Hopefully, going forward, we will be able to attract sponsors.

“In 2021 financial year, the budget received from the department was re-directed to the COVID-19 pandemic and we did not have the event. In 2021/2022 financial year, we were planning to have the event in November 2021, but it was postponed to March 2022.”

Malatsi said in the current financial year, they have received eight bidders for the tender and they all went through the evaluation and administrative processes. He said they awarded a tender to a service provider to the tune of R3.9 million.

“The reason why we postponed the calabash was because of some disruptions. Initially, the event was earmarked to take place in September, which is a heritage month.

“However, through the challenges that we have experienced, we had to postpone the event. The management took a decision to engage with all stakeholders, but there were many issues raised,” he said.

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