By OBAKENG MAJE

Taung Cultural Calabash which was scheduled to take place on 15 October 2022, has been postponed indefinitely. The event was brought to a grinding halt after the boycott of the aggrieved local artists and business people.  

These individuals alleged that the bidding adjudication process was flawed and accused the North West Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation (ASCR) and Mmabana Foundation of corruption and favouritism.

A whopping R4 million was allocated for the event during this financial year. 

The TCC was established back in 1994 as an annual youth-based arts festival and soon found a sponsor in the Transnet Foundation.

However, it was marred with corruption, mismanagement of funds, and maladministration. This forced the country’s transport parastatal, Transnet to pull the plug.

One of the local business persons, Xolani Nkonyana said, the event was supposed to encompass the culture and heritage of the community, instead it has lost its value.  

Nkonyana further said, the event was also supposed to create job opportunities for local people, but it does not serve that purpose anymore because it has been ‘hijacked’ by criminals.

“We are happy that the event has been postponed. We have been trying in vain to have consultative engagements with the ASCR and Mmabana Foundation to iron out our grievances, however, our plea fell on deaf ears.

“There is a discrepancy in the awarding of the tender, so we called on Mmabana Foundation to conduct investigations, especially from the supply chain management (SCM),” he said.

Nkonyana added that it cannot be correct that the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival and Taung Cultural Calabash events continue to be awarded to the same service provider over and over again. He said there are allegations that the local company, Kwaame Communication JV Designs by Caylos has been removed from the list even though it performed way better than the appointed service provider.

One of the bidders, Kwaame Communication JV Designs by Caylos, Kenosi Kehiloe shared the same sentiments. Kehiloe said even though they bid for the tender, they believe the tender processes were flawed.

“We did not even receive a call from the Mmabana Foundation to tell us where did we go wrong. We believe that would have assisted us because we will know where to improve in the future. However, we were surprised to see the appointed service provider having a piece of first-hand information before even the winner could be announced.

“So, we suspect that there might be a personal relationship between him and some government officials. It is also alleged that, the service provider submitted two different quotations of R3.5million and R6million using different companies,” he said.

Kehiloe also alleged that the same service provider wanted to pay semi-professional artists a meagre R5000.

Meanwhile, the Mmabana Foundation spokesperson, Kelebogile Modiselle said: “The postponement of the event emanates from the disruptions at the Mmabana Taung Centre. This is to ensure safety amongst all Mmabana stakeholders.

“The entity will issue out an invite to its patrons for a stakeholder engagement to try and find an amicable way to preserve the flagship festival. So, dates and venue will be communicated soon on the entity’s website.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The residents of Geluksoord in Christiana said, they reeling with shock after the assassination of the Shack Attack tavern owner, Gerhardus Visser. A businessman (68) was allegedly robbed undisclosed amount of money.

The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said the atrocity took place on Sunday morning.

“The police were summoned to the crime scene and on arrival, the owner of Shark Attack tavern was found lying on the ground next to a vehicle. Initial investigation indicated that Visser had been robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash and was shot by four unknown black males.

“The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene, but the victim, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries on the scene of the crime. No suspects have been arrested yet and the investigation continues,” van Rooyen said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said it is important to award exceptional teachers, who continue to put extraordinary efforts in ensuring that learners excel in their grades.    

Matsemela said this during the provincial 2022 National Teaching Awards (NTA) gala event held at Sun City Resort on 7 October 2022.

“The NTA scheme is one of the ways in which the Department of Basic Education (DBE) acknowledges the extraordinary efforts made by excellent teachers often in very difficult conditions.

“Such teachers, provide a better future for learners because the lack of quality education is a major factor behind many social, political, economic, and health challenges faced by the world today,” she said.

Matsemela further said lack of quality education also contributes immensely to poverty, prejudice, and conflict. She added that, the NTAs are aimed at motivating teachers to continue the selfless endeavours they make for the benefit of the country.

“As a result of the extraordinary efforts made by teachers under extreme conditions, the department with these awards pays homage to individuals who have demonstrated commitment, dedication, and sacrifice during difficult situations.

“We would like to congratulate the winners who will represent the province at the national level. As we all know the reason for our gathering in this prestigious event, it is to give a heartily tribute to you our esteemed teachers for your hard efforts in building learners throughout the years to be responsible citizens,” said Matsemela.

She said, they have witnessed the teachers’ avowed dedication. Matsemela said, the department hosts the provincial NTAs to celebrate selfless teachers for their remarkable deeds in the teaching profession.

Meanwhile, the Ngaka Modiri Molema District became the overall winner as the best-performing district and won a trophy for the district. The theme for the 2022 World Teachers Day is “Resilience in the Pursuit of Excellence”.

The National Teaching Awards gala event will take place on 20 October 2022 at CSIR, Pretoria.

The North West province winners for the 2022 NTA who will represent the province at the national are as follows:

·        Ms Marakane Mokhele from Areitshokeng Primary School, Jouberton Township Dr Kenneth Kaunda won position one in the Excellence in Grade R Teaching category.

·        Ms Lezeth Van Der Walt from Hoerskool Skoonspruit in Klerksport Dr Kenneth Kaunda won position one in the Excellence in ICT and Enhanced Teaching and Learning category

·        Mr Tshwenyego Mokhukhwane from Michael Modisakeng Secondary School in Majakaneng Village, Bojanala District obtained the first position in the Kader Asmal Life Time Achievement Award

·        Mr Bongumusa Mabuza from Reabona Secondary School in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District obtained the first position in the Excellence in Teaching Physical Science category

·        Ms Silindile Hlongwane from Bothibello Secondary School in Bojanala District got the first position in Excellence in Teaching Natural Science category

·        Mr Tebogo Mokwene from Mmabatho High School in Mmabatho Township, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Teaching Mathematics GET category

·        Mr Mzwandile Nduku from Refentse Secondary School in Delaryville, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained position one in Excellence in Teaching Mathematics GET category

·        Mr Ronald Sesing from Bophelong Special School in Mafikeng, Ngaka Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Special Needs Leadership category

·        Ms Eldorette Havenga from Die Welge Special School in Potchefstroom, Dr Kenneth Kaunda obtained position one in the Excellence in Special Needs Teaching category

·        Mr Daniel Mekgwe from Tlhoafalo Secondary School in Sannieshof, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Secondary School Leadership category

·        Ms Tsholofelo Lechuti from Tswelelopele Secondary School in Itsoseng Township, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in Excellence in Secondary School Teaching category

·        Ms Dikeledi Sekopamotse from Platinum Village in Rustenburg, Bojanala District obtained the first position in Excellence in Primary School Leadership category

·        Ms Christine Fourie from Toevlug Primary School in Ventersdorp, Dr Kenneth Kaunda Excellence in Primary School Teaching category

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

Twenty suspects were arrested for being in possession of 15 AK47s, 6 hunting rifles, 2 shotguns, and R5, boxes full of ammunition, explosives, and an undisclosed amount of money. They were arrested by the Hawks in a mining shaft in Stilfontein in the early hours of Monday.

The Hawks spokesperson, Col Katlego Mogale said, the suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery to wit gold, possession of prohibited firearms, possession of ammunition, and contravention of the immigration act.

Mogale said in a continuous fight against illegal mining, the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in North West was assisted by members of the Hawks’ Tactical Management Section, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, District Illegal Mining Task Team, Tactical Response Team, Bidvest Protea Coin, and Harmony Gold mine embarked on an early morning raid at a mine shaft in Stilfontein.

“The operation follows weeks of surveillance into the alleged illegal mining activities of the suspects. The operation is ongoing and we cannot rule out the possibility of more arrests and more seizures.

“The suspects are expected to appear before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 12 October 2022.  The National Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya lauded the excellent arrests and seizures by the multi-disciplinary team and warned that this is only just the beginning,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

The residents of Kokomeng village near Taung call on the South African Police Services (SAPS) to do something about the abandoned dilapidating Kokomeng Police Station building. 

One of the community leaders, Tebogo Motshebe said the building poses a threat to the community as something nefarious could happen there. Now occasional vagrants camp out in a dilapidating building, which is a ‘potential disaster’.

“In essence, the basic structural components of the building are hazardous. The electric wires are exposed, ceiling and roofing have dilapidated. Remember, this police station used to serve twelve villages in the Baga-Maidi cluster.

“Unfortunately, the institution was destroyed and burned down by protesting community members in 2018. The community members embarked on a protest demanding a tarred road between Molelema and Matsheng villages,” he said.

Motshebe further said, now criminals are taking whatever is left including roof sheets, windows, and door frames. He said, however, the relevant authorities are not doing anything.

“We have written numerous letters to them regarding this matter. The services we were receiving from this police station were essential. Now, people have to travel over 50km and pay R100 to Taung Police Station just to certify just one copy of ID.

“We can no longer afford this situation anymore. We need someone to assist us in voicing our grievances. We need the police station to be revamped and function again,” said Motshebe.

He also lambasted those who torched the police station because now residents must bear the brunt.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said they had satellite police stations in Freedom Park, Magogong, Majakaneng, and Komomeng, however, three of them were torched by the communities.

Kwena said, there is a time when they had to appear before the national Parliament Portfolio Committee to explain why there cannot be a satellite police station in Komomeng village.

“Now, because of the scarcity of resources, we are coming up with mobile satellite police stations, which are effectively implemented. The people who suffer the most are in villages because they have to travel to town to access police stations.

“So, these mobile police stations will move from one village to the other to address necessary challenges from community members. We will always move the resources where there are hotspots and priorities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Constituency Head in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Sello Seitlholo, who is also MP said: “The old satellite police station was burnt down by community members after complaints that the police failed to attend to reported criminal activities and some police officers would often come to work intoxicated.

“The police station services atleast 22 724 people residing in Kokomeng, Molelema, and 10 other smaller rural villages. On 11 March 2020, the Portfolio Committee on Police and the North West Department of Public Works met to deliberate on the state of the police station. Promises were made to fix the police station and to rebuild it as a satellite station.”

Seitlholo said, the Portfolio Committee Chairperson promised that the committee would receive monthly reports on the progress of rebuilding the police station, but to date, no report has been received.

He said they will request the DA Shadow Minister on Police, Andrew Whitfield, to again write to the portfolio committee chair for an update on the progress of establishing a satellite police station.

“There’s been no response from the Provincial Commissioner. In the presentation to the Portfolio Committee, the commissioner indicated that the building was handed over to the Department of Public Works (DPW) for repairs and that the Sub Bud Adjudication Committee of DPW had a meeting on 4 March 2020 where the repairs of Kokomeng Police Station were approved.

“The DA, therefore, will request our Provincial Spokesperson on Public Works, Freddy Sonakile, to write to the North West MEC of Public Works and Roads to find out why there has been a delay in the repair of the station,” said Seitlholo.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

The residents of Magogong village, near Taung demand a satellite police station. They said over the years, crime has increased in their area and that affects almost every citizen irrespective of their economic status. 

One of the community leaders, Tebogo Morweng said, they had a satellite police station in their area, but it was shut down indefinitely a few years ago. Morweng further said, now crime is prevalent and they are planning a peaceful march to deliver a memorandum of demand.

“We are busy with petitions and we will embark on an awareness campaign. We will write letters to the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari, North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Sello Kwena, and the Minister of Police, Gen Bheki Cele.     

“The population in our area has grown and we need high police visibility. Also, there are some unresolved criminal cases in our area, so we will need an update on them. Most of the crimes committed in our area are contact crime and house-breaking,” he said.

Morweng said mostly, the community complained about stock theft, domestic violence, and house-breaking, which are rife in their area. He added, now people are forced to travel over 20km to Taung Police Station for assistance, which is too far.

“The community members alleged that, usually, the police don’t respond in time when called on crime scenes as they allegedly had no vehicles. They also complain about poor police visibility, while police officers allegedly utilised the state vehicles for personal use,” he said.

Kwena said: “We have a limited number of satellite police officials that, we are placing there. It is a fact that, more police officers are needed and it is part of our human resources.

“When you look at what the president and minister said at the beginning of last year, they talked about 10 000 police personnel recruitment projects. Those aspirant police officers are in the colleges as we speak.”

He added that, they will be coming out of the colleges around 15 December 2022 to try and address the shortages within the ranks of the police. Kwena highlighted that, they had a satellite police station in Freedom Park, Magogong, Majakaneng and Komomeng.

“All three satellite police stations were torched by the communities. We will always move the resources where there are hotspots and priorities. At no stage, we will have all resources that we need in the current situation.

“However, if there is a need, we have adequate resources to respond to those issues that might be raised. It is a fact that, more police officers are needed and it is part of our human resource,” he said.

According to Crime Stats SA, housebreaking is the most common crime experienced by households in South Africa. A total of 983 000 households experienced housebreaking incidences in the 2021/22 period. More than 41,9% of households are headed by women.

The second most common type of crime experienced by households is home robbery, affecting 155 000 households. 

Assault is the third most common type of crime, affecting 99 000 households. Data shows that the experience of crime by households has increased for housebreaking, home robbery, assault, and murder. The experience of theft of motor vehicles by households declined from 81 000 in 2020/21 to 42 000 in 2021/22.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Department of Health bid farewell to 20 students, who are heading to Cuba to study medicine through the Nelson Mandela/Fidel Castro Medical program. The Nelson Mandela/Fidel Castro Medical program is aimed at training disadvantaged African black medical students in Cuba in order to meet the needs of rural and urban populations across the country.

One of the students, Omogolo Moopelwa (19) from Choseng village near Taung said, she feels privileged to be part of this program. Moopelwa said there were many individuals who applied for the program, but unfortunately, they did not make it.

“I do not feel lucky but blessed because it has always been my dream to become a medical doctor. This should be a motivation by itself that, now my dream is manifesting into reality. I was raised by a single mother because my father passed away when I was only 4.

“I finished my matric at Choseng Secondary School and aims to bring the necessary changes into my community after finishing my course. So, I have realised that there is a shortage of medical doctors, especially in rural areas and that might be one of the contributing factors to poor services in various healthcare facilities,” she said.

Another student, Omphemetse Gabogope (23), who is also from Choseng village, near Taung shared the same sentiments. Gabogope said, indeed this is a golden opportunity for him and he will work hard to achieve his mark.

“Indeed, God is great because only a few people get this kind of opportunity in their lifetime. So, I cannot blow it away because in most cases, there are challenges marring healthcare centres, especially in rural areas. I will study hard and ensure that I do my work diligently as a medical doctor,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, who was the keynote speaker during the valediction event said, these beneficiaries have been selected from across all four districts and will be placed under internship upon graduation.

He further said, they will also embark on community service programs at various health facilities as part of servicing their bursary obligation. The North West Department of Health has participated in the program since its inception in 1998 and to date, 407 graduates have been produced under this initiative.

“Students should know the reason for their going to Cuba. They are going there to study not for leisure purposes. People cannot complain about the living conditions in Cuba, but just take a look across the province and tell me what you see.

“You may have difficult conditions in Cuba, but what is not said is the reasons. It is because of the long-known location by US government because they do not have supplied content. So, living conditions in Cuba are imposed by their difference with the US government on ideological questions of their state,” Sambatha said.

He said five years from now, these students will be expected to be in South Africa. Sambatha said it should not be difficult to keep focus for five years.

“The aim of this program is to ensure that the families of these individuals are released from the bondage of poverty. The living conditions in Cuba are like any other living conditions in any South African university.

“Cuba is a socialist country and these students are not there for leisure. What is needed is commitment and the only way to liberate ourselves from poverty is through education. We have a high rate of unemployment in South Africa and this is a great opportunity for them,” he said.

He added that, the skills that these students will acquire from Cuba are the same as those from the local universities, but the medical training in Cuba is more community orientated. Sambatha who failed to provide figures on how much they have budgeted for the program said, this is a bilateral agreement, which means it includes a national and provincial budget.

“North West is one of the provinces with a lesser number of doctors available and this program will assist us. In the coming five years, we may have our own medical university. We are working with the North West University (NWU),” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

A stock-theft case against the former policeman, Godfrey Itumeleng Setatwe (45) will resume at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court today for a formal bail application. Setatwe, who was stationed at Taung Police Station and working for the stock-theft unit, was arrested on 20 August 2022 for being in possession of suspected stolen livestock.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Aafje Botma, the accused was arrested by Vryburg police while travelling on N18 road towards Pudimoe. Botma said, the police spotted a suspicious-looking bakkie and stopped it for a search.

“During the search, 21 goats worth R42 000 were found at the back of the bakkie. The driver was questioned but failed to give a proper account for the possession. It was also established that he did not have transportation documents.

“As a result, he was arrested for stock theft and taken to Vryburg Police Station. Upon arrival, he allegedly tried to run away and assaulted two police officers who were detaining him. He was subsequently restrained and detained,” she said.

Botma said the livestock was given back to the lawful owner after he was successfully traced. Setatwe was remanded in custody until 6 September 2022. He is also having a pending case of fraud, where he allegedly connived with a convict, who alleged that his cellphone was lost.

Setatwe allegedly made a false affidavit for the convict, but he was arrested after the police preliminary investigation.

The case is still on trial.

Meanwhile, the North West police said stock-theft cases have increased in the province. The Provincial Head Crime Registrar, Brig Jeanette Sakalengwe Ntshabele said: “There is an increase in property-related crimes such as stock theft, theft out of motor vehicles, theft of motor vehicles, and burglaries in both residential and business premises.

“We have experienced a 10% increase in stock theft and the most affected districts are, Ngaka Modiri Molema, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, and Bojanala, while Dr Kenneth Kauda managed a decrease. North West is also amongst the top four provinces in the country experiencing property-related crimes.”

Ntshabele also urges households, especially in rural areas to beef up their security as criminals are now infiltrating rural areas.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By OBAKENG MAJE

The residents of Pampierstad and neighbouring towns such as Hartswater and Jan Kempdorp in Northern Cape, urged the law enforcement agencies to utilise all available resources at their disposal to combat crime.

The community members said there is a high rate of crime in their areas especially in Hartswater CBD. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Hawks in Northern Cape had an outreach program in quest of creating awareness and educating the public about its role and functionality.  

One of the residents, Mashope Kanakang said, now criminals are committing crime with impunity because there is lawlessness. Kanakang said, they do not feel safe anymore when they are shopping in Hartswater because criminals continue to terrorise them.  

“We would like to see high visibility of police, especially in town. Criminals are taking advantage because you hardly see police patrolling. Now, I think things will escalate as the festive season is approaching.  

“There is chaos wherever you go, especially during the social grants phase. Some criminals masquerade as car guards, while others take people’s hard-earned cash under false pretense through gambling,” she said.

Modise Kalakgosi from Bonita park shared the same sentiments. Kalakgosi said, he is a victim of criminality and he was pick-pocketed in town in daylight.

“People will walk past you as if nothing is happening. So, we call for high police visibility, especially around taxi rank and secluded areas. You’ll find a lot of criminals there selling nyaope, while others are loitering in the streets looking for their next prey.

“We want a safer environment and that will only happen when the police take control by stamping their authority. They should also combat the selling of drugs by activating operations. Police should apply a zero-tolerance approach towards criminals and ensure that everyone is safe,” he said.

Thebe said: “The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Hawks have been established as an independent directorate within the South African Police Service (SAPS) in terms of Section 17C of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 as amended by the South African Police Service Amendment Act, 2008 (Act 57 of 2008).

“The Hawks is responsible for the combating, investigation and prevention of national priority crimes such as serious organized crime, serious commercial crime and serious corruption in terms of Section 17B and 17D of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 as amended.”

Thebe further said, they visited Hartswater, Pampierstad and Jan Kempdorp, where they engaged with various community members. He said they are happy that, most of community members were keen on understanding the role and functionality of the Hawks.

“We have picked up that, some community members are aware of our existence because they posed various questions that were aligned with our role and functionality. So, we are happy with the reception. We have also picked up that, there are prevalent crimes such as human trafficking and the scourge of drugs, especially in Hartswater. So, we urge community members to report any criminal activities within their vicinities.

“Some criminals are masquerading as vendors while selling drugs. We have also realised that most of the drugs come from Longaneng and Magogong villages. There are some houses in Hartswater that are known as havens for criminals, but community members give a blind eye,” said Thebe.

He added that, they will continue with their awareness campaign throughout the province. Thebe said, some community members alleged that some police officers are working with criminals and this creates a backlog during investigations.  

“The South African Police Service Amendment Act, 2012 (Act 10 of 2012) introduced the reporting procedures as provided in Section 34(1) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 which stipulates that reporting should be made to any police officer. 

“In terms of the latest amendment, all such offenses must now be reported to a member of the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation. So, some cases that will be reported to us will be de-referred to relevant law enforcement agencies because we are working hand-in-hand,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A Grade R teacher from Mahikeng Primary School, Judith Motsusi has scooped a prestigious 2022 SHERO award. The glamorous ceremony was held in Houghton Hotel, Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Motsusi, who was nominated for the competition by a learner she taught in 2021 said, she is grateful to be crowned the winner. All participants were entered online directly to the National Department of Basic Education.

“This is exceptional on its own and I highly appreciate the award. I have achieved this through discipline, dedication, and determination. The award will also motivate me to work harder.

“I was not even aware that my learner has entered my name into the competition, now, I am the national winner. I am truly grateful for the learner to recognise my efforts and push my name to the national stage. This award will propel my work to benefit more learners,” she said.

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said, this is a motivation for all teachers in the province. She also congratulated Motsusi and said teachers are the ‘transformers’ of society, and the public should honour them.  

“As the department, we are truly excited about this achievement. Motsusi is a typical example of a hard-working teacher in this province. Again, this award came on the day we celebrated International World Teachers Day.

Motsusi walked away with a laptop, an R1000 voucher from Woolworths, and an R5000 voucher for her school.

taungdailynews@gmail.com