Picture (Courtesy of Citizen): Deputy Minister Buti Manamela 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Buti Manamela is expected to visit various tertiary institutions across the country to assess the state of readiness for the phased return of students and staff to campuses, the department said in a statement on Thursday.

Manamela will kick-start his series of visits on Friday by visiting the University of Johannesburg (Kingsway campus) and makes his way to the Ekurhuleni West Campus in Germiston later on. The department’s media liaison officer, Mandla Tshabalala said Manamela will visit the Vaal University of Technology in Vanderbijlpark next week Monday before heading to the Sedibeng College in Vereeniging.

“Manamela will visit institutions of higher learning to monitor the state of readiness for the phased return to campus of students and staff under Level 3. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on all aspects of life and work, including the Post-School Education and Training sector.

“Specifically, teaching and learning have been severely impacted as a result of the suspension of contact classes. On 23 May 2020, Minister Blade Nzimande announced the phased re-opening of campus activities. As a result, the sector has to continue to implement a risk-adjusted strategy which will support Teaching and Learning and Campus Readiness Plans,” said Tshabalala.

He added that Manamela will conclude his visit to the Gert Sibanda FET College (Standerton campus) in Mpumalanga.

Universities and TVET colleges have begun preparations to welcome back students to campuses. The Deputy Minister will visit institutions to monitor readiness.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The National Assembly speaker, Thandi Modise is the latest public figure to ‘suffer’ in the hands of scammers. This comes after the circulation of a fraudulent email, purporting to be from Modise requesting people to deposit money into some account.

The National Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said the email claims that Modise is having problems with her bank account and is unable to make withdrawals, and asks prospective donors to deposit money into a cousin’s account.
“Ms Thandi Modise has noted with concern the circulation of a fraudulent email. We urge the public, including the acquaintances of Modise to remain vigilant and not fall prey to these repugnant scam merchants.

“Any email or text, including those usually sent from fake social media accounts, requesting or promising money must immediately be treated with suspicion and be ignored,” said Mothapo.
He added that similar scams aimed at duping unsuspecting people into donating money into a fraudulent “European Development Fund” did the rounds last year. Mothapo said other scammers promised email recipients that Modise will connect them to “international funders” in exchange for an upfront payment.

Many people including celebrities are victims of cybercrime. However, the best thing people could do is not to respond and report when they see something they think is a scam.

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By STAFF REPORTER

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc in South Africa. This comes after the Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize announced on Tuesday that South Africa now has 35,812 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

North West Department of Health says the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province is 271. The province experienced an increase of 84 from previously reported cases. Also, a total of 74 cases which were previously allocated to Gauteng has been reallocated to the province.

Taung village recorded its first COVID-19 case on Sunday and that left many residents terrified. However, businessman and philanthropist, Tshidiso Moreane encourages people not to panic, but rather adhere to the national lockdown regulations.

“We urge every person to be confined to his or her place of residence, unless strictly for the purpose of performing an essential service, obtaining an essential good or service. Please, those who go out to collect a social grant, pension, or seeking emergency, life-saving, or chronic medical attention must adhere to the lockdown regulations.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is alive and knows no race, gender, colour nor boundaries. We know it is difficult, but remember that prevention is better than cure. We need to be safe at all times and also ensure that we maintain social distancing,” Moreane said.

The founder of Sphere Foundation and event organiser, Lebogang “Dj Sphere” Letebele shared the same sentiments. Letebele said: “Fellow South Africans, I would like to encourage all members of the society to cordially observe the rules and regulations of lockdown as we face this COVID-19 pandemic together as a country.

“Please, let us stay indoors and keep our social distance to minimize the spread of the virus. Let us all hold hands and fight this pandemic as we would know that united we stand, but divided we fall. Let’s keep our hands sanitized at all times too.”

Prominent entrepreneur, Lehlogonolo Motseeng who is the founder and owner of the popular food outlet, Moja Chicken said people should be responsible. Tloks Lepara as Motseeng is affectionately known in the showbiz said he was saddened to hear about the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Taung.

“Waking up with such bad news that there’s a case reported in my own hometown saddens me. I would like to plead to everyone back home to please adhere to the rules and regulations of the lockdown and comply.

“Our people should understand and accept that this is a new norm of living from now on going forward for a longer time. Please practice social distancing, wash your hands regularly, wear your mask when you leave the house, and doing that doesn’t only protect you but others. The kids are now going back to school and may we kindly protect them and keep on teaching them about this virus,” he said.

Meanwhile, the country was moved to the alert level 3 regulations of lockdown on Monday.

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On the eve of South Africa moving to lockdown alert level 3, the Health Department said on Sunday that the number of positive Covid-19 cases has risen to 32 683, with 1 716 new cases reported from the last 24-hour testing cycle.

The Department reported 40 more Covid-19-related deaths which brings the total of Covid-19 deaths to 683. There have been 16 809 recoveries to date, which translates to a recovery rate of 51.4%.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize extended condolences to the loved ones of the departed. He also thanked the health care workers who have been treating Covid-19 patients.

The country’s move to Level 3 of lockdown on Monday will see the re-opening of all economic sectors except those considered high risk. All retail outlets will be open with stringent health protocols in place.

Places of worship will also be open with restricted numbers.

The ban on the sale of alcohol has also been lifted.

IOL

North West police are investigating two cases where husbands allegedly shot and killed their wives then turned the guns on themselves.

In the first incident, police were called to a house in Lerome village near Mogwase on Monday where a couple was found dead in bed, according to North West Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone.

Police believe that the man may have killed his wife then stayed with the body for some time before killing himself as the woman’s body was on the point of decomposing while his was still fresh.

The next day, a 29-year-old man from Punodung Section in Phokeng allegedly shot and killed his 24-year-old wife then turned the gun on himself. The couple were married in February.

It is alleged that the woman had complained to her mother-in-law about her husband’s behaviour. The mother-in-law tried to intervene which angared her son  and led to an argument with his wife.

During the argument the man allegedly took out the gun and fatally shot his wife. He then turned the gun on himself.

The couple died at the scene and the man’s traumatised mother called the police.

“They were certified dead on the scene. The motive for the incident is unknown and investigations into both cases are under way,” Mogwabone said.

North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed shock over the incidents and urged members of the community to get professional assistance to resolve their personal disputes rather than resorting to violence.

IOL  

Rustenburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West on Sunday warned members of the public about alleged planned illegal activity in Kanana near Rustenburg.

The SAPS in the province has noted with concern a message circulating on various social media platforms notifying motorists and residents of Kanana about a so-called massive shutdown on Monday, June 1, North West SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said in a statement.

“The public is reminded that in terms of regulation 37(1) (level 3 of lockdown) of the Disaster Management Act 2002 (Act No 57 of 2002) all gatherings are prohibited except for faith-based institution, funerals, workplace for work purposes, an agricultural auction, and professional non-contact sports matches.

“All the law abiding citizens are therefore advised to respect the rule of law and not to participate in actions that are destined to undermine and challenge the authority of the state, especially during the lockdown where people are expected not to leave their residences unless it is under reasons or circumstances as stated herein above,” Mokgwabone said.

North West police commissioner Lt-Gen Sello Kwena warned the public not to use social media platforms to encourage, incite, and mobilise others to commit crime. He reiterated that the police would not condone any action intended to cause destruction of property, including essential infrastructure, and disruption of basic services and schooling.

“Thus, he is calling upon all members of the public to not only avoid being part of any action that is intended to undermine or challenge the authority of the state, but to work with the police by reporting those who commit crime,” Mokgwabone said.

African News Agency (ANA)

The country was left in a state of confusion on Sunday regarding the resumption of learning for Grade 7 and 12 learners after Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga postponed a much-anticipated address that was meant to provide clarity.

Instead the Department of Basic Education released a statement saying that the date on which learners have to report back to school is June 8, 2020.

“This whole coming week must be used for the proper orientation and training of teachers, the mopping and ramping of all supply chain matters, and final touches to the readiness of each facility for the arrival of learners,” the department said.

According to the statement released after the last-minute postponement of Motshekga’s press briefing from Sunday at 6pm to Monday 11am, the Council of Education Ministers met on Saturday to assess the state of readiness for the reopening of schools.

“CEM received a report from the consortium of service providers coordinated by the National Education Collaboration Trust on the External Evaluation and Monitoring of the state of readiness. Rand Water, as an Implementing Agent delivering water to 3 500 schools, also presented its report. The Heads of Education Departments Committee (HEDCOM) also presented its technical report.

“All three reports converged on the fact that a substantial number of schools would not be ready for the reopening tomorrow, albeit tremendous progress had been made by most provinces, which overall reflected 80% state of readiness.

“CEM was concerned that, in some provinces personal protective equipment for learners in particular, had not been received; and some schools had not been made ready for the arrival of teachers and learners,” reads the statement.

The Department said CEM then took decisions which have since been shared with teacher unions, school governing body associations, independent schools’ associations, the SA Human Rights Commission, Principals Association, SA National Association for Specialised Education, and other stakeholders and meetings took place in which they shared the outcome of the reports and the proposed course of action.

“CEM took informed decisions to have schools to continue to reopen on June 1, 2020, but with school management teams, teachers and non-teaching staff only arriving to prepare for the arrival of learners. Provincial and district officials should ensure that health, safety, and social distancing requirements, are strictly adhered to when teachers arrive.

“This whole coming week must be used for the proper orientation and training of teachers, the mopping and ramping of all supply chain matters, and final touches to the readiness of each facility for the arrival of learners.

“The date on which all learners have to report back to school, is the 08 June 2020.

“We have however received reports that indicate that some learners in boarding schools have already arrived. We urge the schools to continue with orientation of the learners in terms of the health and safety procedures that should be in place,” said the Department.

However, Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schafer said schools in the province would be open to receive learners on Monday.

“Following the national minister’s earlier announcements, we have pulled out all the stops as a province to ensure that we are ready for the arrival of learners tomorrow. Principals and staff have worked tirelessly to get all the health and safety requirements in place,” Schafer said.

“Given these preparations, and the enormous effort put in by teachers and non-teaching staff alike, it would be unfair to delay all schools from re-opening.

“There will also be some schools that do not receive learners tomorrow, either because they are not at a suitable state of readiness in terms of safety protocols, or they are closed for cleaning if there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 at the school. These schools will communicate with their staff members and parents of learners in this regard,” Schafer said.

Source: IOL

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) said it is concerned regarding continuous personal attacks on the Minister of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

This comes after some Facebook posts depicting Dlamini-Zuma as a monkey and some videos insulting her circulated on social media platforms. ANCWL Secretary-General, Meokgo Matuba said hate speech and verbal attacks against Dlamini-Zuma are unwarranted.

“Whilst, everyone has the right to communicate his or her opinions and ideas and share information in whatever form, the freedom of speech has limitations. Section 16 (2) of the constitution of South Africa states that the freedom of expression does not extend to propaganda for war, incitement of imminent violence, or advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender, or religion, and that constitutes incitement to cause harm.

“It is our view that those who post distasteful Facebook messages and videos about Dlamini-Zuma are mostly influenced by their hatred of her race and gender. Patriachists and racists have no place in our country. They are toxic elements that will reverse the gains of our democracy that the likes of Dlamini-Zuma sacrificed their lives for,” Matuba.

She added that South Africans, who believe in non-sexist, non-racial democratic and prosperous South Africa must hold hands, expose and decisively deal with these misogynist and racist elements. Matuba said the ANCWL also calls on the South African Human Rights Commission and the Commission for Gender Equality to also investigate the matter.

“ANCWL calls on its members, supporters, and society in general to support Minister Dlamini-Zuma and all the members of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) under President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“The law must take its course against these racists and patriarchists. If the law delays, the peace-loving South Africans might run out of patience and opt to visit these perpetrators for face-to-face chat which might not be a friendly chat,” she said.

Matuba said they will accompany Dlamini-Zuma will accompany her to the police station to lay charges against her attackers. Dlamini-Zuma received excessive criticisms from the ‘segment of individuals’ as they believe that she is behind the continuous ban on the sales of cigarettes during the national lockdown period in South Africa due to COVID-19 pandemic.

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Picture: http://www.enca.co.za 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West calls on the mining magnate, Patrice Motsepe to ‘shut down’ KalGold mine near Kraaipan indefinitely. This comes after allegations that two mineworkers have tested positive for COVID-19 at KalGold mine which is a subsidiary of Harmony Gold where Motsepe is the owner.

EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Bauile said all mineworkers at KalGold mine should be subjected to mandatory screening and testing. Babuile said they equally call on the North West Department of Health (NWDoH) to also intervene in this matter.

“On Tuesday, we woke up to the sad news that two mineworkers at KalGold mine which is owned by Harmony Gold have registered two cases of COVID-19. According to mineworkers who wished to remain anonymous, the results of mineworkers who tested positive were known since Monday, but no precautionary measures have been taken to protect other mineworkers.

“It is business as usual as the production department and other related departments at the mine are 100% operational. We specifically called on mining houses to stop prioritizing profits at the expense of human life,” he said.

Babuile said just last month, the EFF released a statement cautioning against the re-opening of mines amidst the escalating cases of COVID-19 in the province. He said they have even opened criminal cases against some mining houses in the province.

“We call on Motsepe to close the mine and ensure that all mineworkers are subjected to mandatory screening and testing, but failure to do so, will result in the EFF to visit the mine,” said Babuile.

He added that they have lost hope in the Department of Minerals and Energy (DMR) as they have long taken the decision to favour mining houses instead of workers. Meanwhile, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has come out calling for universal testing of all mineworkers following the rapid spread of the virus in the mining sector.

AMCU president, Joseph Mathunjwa said: “The union is adamant that this is the only way to curb a possible crisis in the sector. Over the past weekend it came to light that a record number of 19 new infections have been found at Impala’s Marula mine in Limpopo. This brings the total number of infections in mining to 32, with one mineworker who has died of the pandemic as of 17 May 2020.

“We have consistently called for proper testing before mineworkers go underground. Screening is not sufficient as it fails to detect those workers who don’t display the known symptoms like high temperatures. We’ve been saying this all along, but the Department of Mineral Resources and the Chamber of Mines [now known as the Minerals Council] would not listen to us.”

National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in North East Regional Secretary, Phillip Mankge said the COVID-19 is a killer virus and the government has directed mines to resume operations at 50% capacity and issued clear guidelines to the mines to adhere to the regulations. Mankge said the NUM is extremely disturbed by the number of cases already confirmed since the mines were allowed to resume operation.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West Dingaka Association (NWDA) said they are adamant that the fight against COVID-19 pandemic will be won soon. This comes after they had an interactive session with other stakeholders such as the North West Department of Health (NWDoH), North West Traditional Healers Practitioners (NWTHP), and the North West Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (ACSR) recently.

The NWDA chairperson, Anna Rabotapi said the interactive session was informative and featured an update on the National Command Council’s work on Covid-19 and guidelines for traditional practitioners in dealing with the virus and the lockdown.  She also expressed her gratitude to the two departments for taking the initiative.

“This is the kind of engagement we have been longing for. Today’s session was very informative and useful for us as traditional practitioners. We are so grateful to have had held a joint meeting with MECs’ both portfolios to discuss the role of traditional practitioners in the fight against Covid-19,” Rabotapi said.

The MEC for ACSR, Virginia Tlhapi said: “We work closely and support the work of the Dingaka Association in the province. The traditional healers and members of the Dingaka Association came from across the province and raised their concerns over the lockdown restrictions.

“They explained how the lockdown has impacted on their work. We informed them that we were serious about the engagements with the traditional medicine sector and we will continue meeting and consulting with them on an on-going basis in the fight against Covid-19.

North West MEC for DoH, Madoda Sambatha also shared the same sentiments. Sambatha encouraged the traditional health practitioners to work together with his department in helping the local population to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We call on traditional practitioners and dingaka to observe the regulations as stipulated by the government. Please, you should not chase money but safe lives as you are called to do so,” said Sambatha.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 infections continue to soar. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province is 72, an increase of two from previously reported cases.

“All two new cases in the province are in Ngaka Modiri Molema District. Ratlou Local Municipality has registered its first case, while Mahikeng Local municipality increases its numbers to 5. The Ditsobotla Local Municipality has one registered case and this brings all registered COVID-19 cases to seven in the district, says Sambatha.

He said there is no new case that was recorded in Bojanala Platinum district in the past three days. Sambatha added that the province contributes 0.4% of South Africa’s burden of disease.

“Bojanala contributes 56% to the provincial burden of disease. The total number of screenings in the province is 1 965 869 and 1 945 people screened showed COVID-19 symptoms. They were referred for testing and a total of 984 contacts of the 72 confirmed cases were identified and 94% (925) were successfully traced.

“We thank our tracing teams, nurses, doctors, paramedics, and all healthcare workers who continue to serve with pride during these difficult times,” said Sambatha.

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