Generic picture: http://www.google.co.za 

By Staff Reporter

Most people especially the youth continue to spend more time on various social media platforms rather than reading books. However, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation (ACSR) said it will launch an E-book service to help reach more people and promote a culture of reading.

The ACSR department spokesperson, Daddy Sebolecwe said the power of books should be influenced to combat isolation, reinforce ties between people, and expand horizons while stimulating minds and creativity. Sebolecwe added that in this age of technological innovation and social media, people spend rather a lot of time chatting and updating statuses and not investing in expanding their knowledge by reading books.

“More than ever, at a time when most schools around the world are closed and people have to limit spending time outside considering the global Covid-19 pandemic, it is critical to take time to read on your own or with your children.

“It is a time to celebrate the importance of reading, foster children’s growth as readers, and promote a life-long love of literature and integration into the world of work. So, the department saw it fit to announce the Overdrive digital E-lending library (ebook),” he said.

Sebolecwe said an E-book is a text presented in a format that allows it to be read on a computer or handheld device. He said many titles that are available in printed versions can be read as E-books, including bestselling fiction, classics, and reference texts. E-books can consist simply of the electronic text or may also contain extras, such as audio, video, or hyperlinks.

“The 23 April has been identified by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as World Book and Copyright Day to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. We are working together with Overdrive and we have already completed the first phase of accessing the digital collection using the Libby app.

“Libby is a free app that will allow all registered library users in the province an opportunity to borrow and read books online for a stipulated number of days on their devices. You can stream books with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or download them for offline use and read anytime, anywhere,” said Sebolecwe.

He further said all that one needs to get started is a library card. Sebolecwe said currently the North West library eBook app/ Libby app has a limited number of books and will only be able to expand its catalog in-time.

“The number of users on the app and requirements/needs of books requested will guide and influence additional material which will be added in the future. Reading statistics show that only 14% of the South African population is active book readers, and a mere 5% of parents read to their children.

Khumo Seane who is a renowned author and a teacher at Mankuroane Technical School in Taung lauded the initiative. Seane added that reading enhances one’s language and communication skills.

“Reading develops fluency and also allows people to express their thoughts and ideas better. I will encourage more people especially the youth to read more rather than spending time online chatting. So, the launch of eBook and e-lending library is an important initiative. Reading is also fun and a pleasurable activity once you get used to it,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

More than 100 people from underprivileged backgrounds received food parcels at Mokgareng village in Taung recently. This comes after a local businessman and philanthropist, Tshidiso Moreane in partnership with Sylvester Seokwang donated food parcels to the needy amid COVID-19 National Lockdown.

Moreane said they saw it fit to lend a helping hand as many households struggle to make ends meet during this time. He further said many people continue to be subjected to unemployment, inequality and poverty especially in rural areas.

More than 56% of people are currently unemployed in South Africa.

“We have identified a few households after a cry from locals. Most people are still living in dire situations and it was our responsibility to preach the spirit of ubuntu. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many businesses including us at Druzaray Aluminium Glass, but we cannot turn a blind eye to those who are less fortunate.

“We distributed food parcels and we will continue with this initiative across all surrounding areas if need be. We would also like to encourage other stakeholders to contribute and ensure that together, we win this battle,” he said.

Seokwang who is the Project Manager at CHAPS Non-Government Organisation shared the same sentiments. He also urged people to ensure that they follow all regulations put in place by the government.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to destroy life and livelihoods globally. More than 2.5 million cases of COVID-19 infections and over 160,000 deaths were reported thus far globally. However, many countries that were affected by the pandemic are now starting to see resurgence in cases because they adhered to the lockdown regulations implemented.

“This virus will be with us for a long time, so make no mistake. We have a long way to go and there is no question that stay-at-home orders and other physical distancing measures have successfully suppressed transmission. The pandemic is extremely dangerous, so we need to be extra careful at all times,” said Seokwang.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa urges community members who want to apply for social relief of distress during COVID-19 lockdown to send ‘Please Call Me’ or ‘Hi’ to WhatsApp numbers allocated to every district in the province.

Moiloa said: “The departmental officials stationed at the regional call centre in Mahikeng will call back all applicants who would have sent ‘Please Call Me’ or ‘Hi’ to the WhatsApp numbers to process their applications.

“Each district has been allocated two WhatsApp numbers which community members should use to apply for social relief of distress without visiting social development and SASSA local offices, which are currently closed due to Covid-19 lockdown period. Community members may still use the call centre Toll-Free number 0800 60 10 11 and 018 397 3360 to make applications for social relief of distress from Monday to Friday at 07h30 – 16h30 and Saturdays at 07h30 – 13h00.”

Districts are allocated WhatsApp numbers for application of social relief of distress as follows:

Bojanala Platinum:           082  048 2063/082  044  8903                               

Dr Kenneth Kaunda:           082 324  3330/082  059  8761                                                      

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati:           082 325  2286/082  042  3968

Ngaka Modiri Molema:           082 324  2779/082  048  3071

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

MORE than 300 underprivileged people cross Mahikeng received food parcels donated by the Mahikeng COVID-19 Support Group on Saturday.  According to the Mahikeng COVID-19 Support Group co-coordinator, Moatlhodi Dilotsotlhe, they decided to raise funds and buy food for the destitute families in Mahikeng. Dilotsotlhe further said the aim of the initiative was to assist those who were unable to put food on the table amid the lockdown.

“We are targeting the less privileged across the 35 wards of Mahikeng Local Municipality, and wish to present this as our first phase of this noble cause. We also share the call made by the provincial government for others to join hands and make a meaningful difference in others’ lives because we believe that many hands make the load lighter,” he said.

North West Premier Prof Job Mokgoro applauded the support group and said their contribution demonstrated the spirit of patriotism. Mokgoro added that the contribution should serve as an example to be emulated by all.

“It is through efforts like these that COVID-19 can be conquered. The donations such as these will go a long way in sustaining the provincial government’s efforts to provide food and other basic needs to the less privileged during this greatest time of need,” he said.

The MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa also shared the same sentiments. Moiloa said her department in partnership with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office in Mahikeng, will use the database of the already profiled needy families and those that have been affected as a result of the lockdown to distribute the donated food.

One of the beneficiaries, Modisaotsile Ratomagano from Montshioa Township in Mahikeng said: “I am deeply moved by the group’s kind gesture. The food parcels will make a huge difference for families who are already struggling to make ends meet.”

The ceremony to receive the donated food parcels was held at the North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre in Mahikeng.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Fourteen political parties within the South African parliament came together in unity and stand against the COVID-19. The South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the COVID-19 outbreak poses a grave and real threat to the lives, livelihoods, and prosperity of the people.

The global coronavirus pandemic continues to soar up in the country as 150 people are currently infected. Ramaphosa said that South Africa finds itself in an extreme situation that requires extraordinary measures.

“It requires that all South Africans work together in unity and solidarity, in partnership and cooperation. It is, therefore, both appropriate and significant that the 14 political parties in our parliament are standing together, across party political divides to fight this disease together.

“We hereby demonstrate practically that we are united as the leaders of our nation to overcome this global crisis facing our country and our people. Regardless of our political differences, all leaders share a common desire to keep our people safe, to mitigate the impact on our economy, and ensure that the inevitable disruption to lives and livelihoods is reduced,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said they accept their collective and individual duty as leaders to provide guidance and direction to the people and demonstrate the greatest of care and responsibility in their pronouncements and actions. He added that during the course of their discussions, they agreed that the severity of the COVID-19 threat requires an exceptional response that draws on all the resources and capabilities of the nation.

“This response needs to be immediate and that it needs to be sustained. We, therefore, support the measures that the government has announced. Our overwhelming concern must be for the health and the well-being of all South Africans, particularly the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable.

“The actions we take and the decisions that we make must be informed by this imperative. While COVID-19 poses a great threat to our nation, we are not helpless. There is much we can do, as a country and as individual citizens, to slow the spread of the disease, to save lives and improve health outcomes, and to bring the epidemic to an end,” he said.

Picture: A local hip hop artist, Mr Ora Talslim Sereo

By OBAKENG MAJE

Music continues to play a crucial role in shaping society and identities. The scope of music reaches far beyond the concert halls, as it accompanies travelling, sports, shopping, and working activities.

Music provides parameters that can be used to frame experiences, perceptions, feelings, and comportments. A local upcoming hip-hop artist, Mr Ora Talslim as Oratile Sereo is affectionately known, shared the same sentiments.

 Mr Ora Taslim who recently gave an illustrious performance at the Dj Nation Annual Bash on 28 December 2019, said he is grateful to see his music career taking a positive direction.

“I was born and bred in Manthe village, Taung where I spent most of my primary school life. However, in 2001, we relocated to Mahikeng with my mom. I found my niche in the music industry while I was in high school.

“I used to listen to a lot of HHP music and I would always sing or rap those songs to my schoolmates’ word for word. One day while I was in the studio with my brother, Mogaka who is a kwaito artist known as Mzee2, I wrote a full verse right in the studio, and I noticed that I can do it all the way,” he said.

A 29-year-old artist who is also a fashion designer further said he educates, informs and entertains people through his music. Mr Ora Talslim said he always lends a helping hand and encourages people to believe in themselves.

“I released a tape in 2018 named MotseMixtape where I featured a lot of local artists from Mahikeng. I have since released singles called Go Getter, which occupied a number 3 spot on Mafikeng FM Hip Hop TOP 10. This was followed by another single called Sharp Fede.  

“I was also intrigued when this song occupied a number one spot in various hip hop shows across local radio stations. Another single was called Superstar and it also did fairly well. This song was on high rotation and reached number one spot in three local radio stations too,” said Mr Ora Talslim.

He added that even though it is tough in the music industry, it is always wiser to work very hard. Mr Ora Talslim said people enjoy his style of music which is a mix of kwaito and hip hop.

“My style of music is a mix of kwaito and hip hop and we call it new age kwaito. I want to see myself as one of the big brands in the hip hop industry in the next five years. Changing people’s lives and contributing positively to our society makes me happy.

“I remember back in 2017, I went to the Dj Nation Annual Bash and told my friends that I will not come back the following year if I will not be performing. Therefore, I dedicated my hustle and energy to that. So, when I won the competition and made it to the list of performers, I was glad,” he said.

Mr Ora Talslim said those who would like to get his music can WhatsApp him on 060 417 3820 or go to slikouronlife.com under the street and get it there. He can also be followed on various social media via:

Facebook: Mr-oraTalslimSereo

Instagram: Mr_TaLslim

Twitter: Mr_TaLslim

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Pupils from Cokonyane village in Taung and surrounding areas were left stranded after irate residents embarked on protest demanding the provision of water. 

Residents allegedly burnt interim Jojo tanks that were meant to assist them with water shortages. According to some of the residents, it’s been over a year since they experienced the scourge of water shortages and they believe that ‘the use of tankering system benefits only connected few.’ 

One of the community leaders, Tshepo Kalamore said they embarked on a protest because the government is ignoring their call. He said they tried to engage various stakeholders such as the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District municipality and Sedibeng Water which is a service provider, but they have been sent from pillar to post.

“It is high time that the government takes us seriously. We cannot continue to live without the provision of water. Water is a basic need and it’s been over a year since we received quality water. Taps are dry and rusty, and we should pretend as if everything is normal?

“We do not want to prevent pupils to go to school, but we have no choice. We believe that injury to one is an injury to all. So, the status quo will remain until we get water,” Kalamore said.

Some pupils said the protest affected them because they lost two days of teaching and learning. However, the North West Education Department spokesperson, Elias Malindi said they condemn the use of school children by residents during protests.

 “Yes, we are aware of the matter and call on residents to stop preventing pupils from going to school. Protests affect our progress because learners are missing out on teaching and learning. So, we urge our residents to refrain from that and raise their challenges through relevant channels. The department has a recovery plan, which we will roll out as soon as learners go back to school,” said Malindi.

North West province continues to experience service delivery protests. A month ago, angry residents from Austrey near Ganyesa allegedly destroyed the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality offices a month ago, while demanding the construction of a tarred road on the road that links Ganyesa and Austrey.  

However, North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro said during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) last week that a review of monthly unrest statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS) reveals a steady decline in violent protests in the province since the start of the intervention, with only six unrest incidents recorded in the province last month.

“This compares very favourably with statistics for January 2019, in which 26 unrest incidents were recorded and reflect a 15 fold decrease since the violence of April 2018 when police recorded 91 unrest incidents. The data shows that we are making significant progress towards becoming a stable and peaceful province, through our collective efforts.

“Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District is an important strategic agricultural area for the North West Province and has negatively been impacted by drought which threatens many people’s livelihoods,” Mokgoro said.

He added that in an effort to minimize the scourge of drought and general water shortage, they will build government borehole sighting, drilling and reticulation capacity aimed mainly at livestock watering provision with a further potential to assist with human drinking water where necessary.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Seven out of ten North West MECs will visit Ganyesa village, near Vryburg on Tuesday to address service delivery challenges. The rapid response team will be led by the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs department (Coghta), Gordon Kegakilwe.

This comes after the community of Austry embarked on service delivery protests early this year, demanding a tarred road between Austry and Moshwana villages. The teaching and learning process was disrupted as irked residents embarked on violent protests and destroyed the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality offices and vehicles.

One of the residents, Norman Moncho told Taung DailyNews that they were ‘gnashing their teeth’ because of empty promises. Moncho added that they had aired their dissatisfactions many times, but nothing was done.

Meanwhile, ‘The Fire Extinguisher’ as Kegakilwe is affectionately known in the political arena, said the team will be made up of MECs for Education, Maphefo Matsemela, Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi, Health, Madoda Sambatha, Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono, Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Kenetswe Mosenogi, and Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari.

“As part of playing oversight on municipalities, we recently met with mayors, municipal managers and administrators in the province to discuss the performance of municipalities.

“We requested municipalities to put systems in place to deal with corruption, use public money for what it is intended for and at the same time, be transparent on how they money is used,” he said.

Kegakilwe further said officials must ensure that they do things by the book. He added that they should be transparent as to how they use public resources.

“Municipal Managers are accounting officers and must, therefore, make sure their municipalities move in the right direction. The department is responsible for the performance of municipalities and if things do not go well at this sphere of government, the blame goes to the department. We are judged on the performance of municipalities’’, Kegakilwe said.

According to Kegakilwe, the performance of municipalities has declined since 2016 and the last Auditor General’s report indicates that no municipality in the province received an unqualified report. He also appealed to councillors to differentiate between party politics and government.

“Mayors must be able to serve all communities irrespective of their political affiliation. We must be effective, rational and be committed to working for our people,” he said.

The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in the province said it was deeply disturbed by the scenes of violence and no services delivered at the municipality. ANCWL acting provincial secretary, Bitsa Lenkopane said the league was shocked by the unstable situation where some residents have literally seized control of the municipality and denied the majority of the people of Kagisano-Molopo access to municipal offices.

“The seizure of control goes deeper to the municipal purse where business opportunities are skewed. In a letter to the ANC, the community and branches of the party complained about no service delivery, continuous instability at the municipality and much litigation faced by the municipality, while eating out of the same public purse that should be delivering them services.

“The league has also been receiving complaints in this regard, mainly from women who feel they were left as victims and casualties of these activities as they are robbed of basic needs and empowerment to improve their livelihoods, with threats to their physical security,” Lenkopane said.

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Picture: A local businessman, Tshidiso Moriane with shoe beneficiaries at Tlhareseng Primary School 

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than ten learners from Tlhareseng Primary School in Mokgareng village near Taung were cheerful to receive shoes from a local philanthropist, Tshidiso Moriane. A prominent businessman donated shoes to less fortunate learners as part of his company, Druzaray Aluminum Glass’ social responsibility.

“As businesses, we need to demonstrate an obligation to various philanthropic causes and ensure that we support our own. We visited Tlhareseng Primary School and identified those learners who needed assistance regarding school uniforms and shoes.

“As a resident of Mokgareng and also a former learner at the school, the aim of this donation was to encourage these learners who are less fortunate not to be demoralized. I told them that their backgrounds should not determine their future and with discipline, dedication, and determination, they will achieve their mark,” he said.

Moriane who is a former policeman further said most learners drop out of school because of their backgrounds. He added that it was imperative for those who have already achieved to give moral support to those who are less fortunate.

“We will continue to give support to the school and we will extend this project to other schools such as Mokgareng High and Leshobo High schools. We will adopt each learner per school this year and nurture them. We will also pay for their tertiary tuition next year and continue to mentor them.

“I was happy to see one of my former colleagues who contributed after he saw my post on social media. We would like to encourage the youth of Mokgareng to also participate and ensure that they contribute,” Moriane said.

“Generally, private companies are perceived as more marketable whose social responsibility activities are seemingly non-existent. Thus, the marketing of social responsibility is important for businesses that want to keep or attract consumers with mindsets toward the environment, social issues, and economic growth,” he said.

Tlhareseng Primary School principal, Buyisile Kgune said: “We highly appreciate the donation from Moriane. We would also like to encourage those who have already achieved to support those who are underprivileged. According to our statistics, we have 45% of learners who come from poverty-stricken families.

“We have more than 300 learners and we would like to encourage other former learners who can contribute to also come on board. As the school management, we highly appreciate the efforts of Moriane as a former learner who shows a sign of ubuntu. We also like to encourage parents, School Governing Body (SGB) and management to continue with a good relationship.”

One of the learners, Raobaka Gaselaolwe (12) who is doing Grade 5 shared the same sentiments. Gaselaolwe who stay with her grandmother welcomed the donation.

“I highly-appreciate the donation of the shoes. This will encourage me to work harder and ensure that I perform well. I would like to become a policeman after finishing school. We only survive with old age grant and life is difficult,” he said.

Another learner, Omaatla Jonathan (12) who is doing Grade 6 said: “We stay with my mom and no one is working at home. I would like to become a doctor after finishing school. It is a relief to see some companies developing interest in wider social issues, rather than just those that impact your profit margins only.”

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 40-year-old woman sentenced to ten years imprisonment for attempted murder by Galeshewe Regional Court in Kimberly. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Mohale Ramatseba said the woman was found guilty after she attempted to kill her own wheelchair-bound son (15) back in 2018.

Ramatseba said during court proceedings, it came to light that on 16 December 2018, the woman took her son off the wheelchair and put him on the bed inside the house before dousing him with paraffin.

“Fortunately, the boy was rescued by his father who extinguished the fire. The victim sustained serious burnt wounds and was hospitalized for almost five months.

“During the sentencing, the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm. The Galeshewe Family Violence and Child Protection Unit commander, Lieutenant Col Marli Strydom lauded the investigating officer, W/O Conrad de Jongh for excellent investigation,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The African National Congress (ANC) Caucus in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) will launch a new Constituency Management Committee (CMC) model premised on the principle of building an activist parliament at Rustenburg Civic Centre on Monday.

The ANC caucus provincial spokesperson, Tshiamo Tsotetsi said the ruling party needs the committee that will ensure that its ears are on the pulse of the society and will be able to pick up concerns of communities to ensure there is immediate resolution.

“The CMC model intended to enhance the theory of taking parliament to the people, also seeks to solicit the cooperation of representatives from all spheres of the government in order to pay more focused attention to the delivery of service, oversight and general development of a society where their assigned constituency work.

“The ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) Coordinator, Hlomane Chauke is expected to give an organizational overview at the launch expected to be attended by all ANC deployees in the Provincial Legislature, National Assembly National Council of Provinces, Mayors, Speakers, and Council Whips,” Tsotesti said.

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