Picture: One of the unfinished RDP houses Source: Daily Sun

By REGINALD KANYANE

Incomplete RDP houses in the North West province continues to be a “cause for concern.” According to the beneficiaries, the contractors left these houses incomplete and have continuously promised to come back to complete them, but that has never happened.

Some of these houses in Lekgopung and Taung have been left without roofing, plastering, windows, doors and proper floors.

However, the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs in the North West, Mothibedi Kegakilwe he recently met with senior officials in the department to discuss the state of housing delivery in the province.

Kegakilwe further said his department should no longer tolerate poor performance by housing developers and must not hesitate to take action against such developers.

“We should not be lenient with developers because they decided to be in business and they must deliver good products. We, on the other hand, are in the business of delivering houses and we must do just that.

“We must also ensure that proper planning, monitoring, and contract management in the housing delivery chain is essential. Managers must plan, do a review and act to produce good results. Gone are the days when houses were built without internal services,” said Kegakilwe.

He added that the department cannot still be talking about developers who have long been appointed and have not yet occupied the site. Kegakilwe said communities expect nothing from them, but the delivery of quality houses.

“The department needs to address the challenge of water and sanitation in the context of housing delivery too. We also want to denounce the illegal occupation of the Community Residential Units (CRU) in Mahikeng. Most of the people who are occupying those units are government officials who can afford houses and we must, therefore, address this issue once and for all.

“We would request the Minister of Human, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu to convene a meeting with Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) to resolve the issue of the social housing units in Mahikeng – Unit 3,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kegakilwe also appealed for the empowerment of women, youth and emerging housing contractors. He said the government will nurture them so that they do not collapse.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West policeman was arrested on Friday for armed robbery and attempted murder. Keaobaka Mmolawa (27) who is stationed at the Taung Police Station allegedly shot a man who was hitch-hiking next to the filling station in Pudimoe Township in Taung along N18 road.

According to the Pudimoe Police Station cluster spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tebogo Thebe who told Vaaltar FM News, Mmolawa allegedly approached the man and demanded to search him. Thebe said the victim allegedly requested Mmolawa to identify himself before any search was conducted.

“It is alleged that a commotion ensued between the two. Mmolawa allegedly shot the victim several times, took his bag and put it in his car. The policeman was not on duty at the time of the incident.

“We can confirm that the victim was admitted at the Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp with gunshot injuries. Mmolawa briefly appeared at the Taung Magistrate’s Court today, but he was remanded in custody until Thursday for a formal bail application,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services today commenced with interviews for the Deputy Public Protector position which will become vacant next month.

Committee Chairperson, Bulelani Magwanishe said the committee will expedite the process and aims to recommend a candidate for the position before parliament rises for its annual recess next month, in order for the National Assembly to adopt its decision.

“The deputy Public Protector is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the National Assembly for such a period as the President may determine at the time of such appointment, but not exceeding seven years.

“The Deputy Public Protector may at the end of his or her term, be reappointed for one additional term. The committee received 29 applications/nominations of which three withdrew before the shortlisting process. A total of eight candidates were shortlisted for interviews, but one withdrew after this,” Magwanishe said.

Today, the candidates were Adv Shadrack Nkuna, Buang Jones, Adv Moshoeshoe Moshoeshoe and Adv Noxolo Mbangeni.

Questions to the candidates include: How do they understand the concept of rule of law and that of due process? How will they address the possible conflict between the Deputy Public Protector (DPP) and the Public Protector (PP) and the roles regarding responsibilities given the DPP? Question of neutrality, decisions free from political bias were also raised with the candidates.

“The person recommended for appointment as Deputy Public Protector must be a South African citizen, who is a fit and proper person to hold such office, and who is admitted as advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having been so admitted, practised as an advocate or an attorney.

“The person must also be qualified to be admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having been so qualified, lectured in law at a university or has specialized knowledge of, or experience for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, in the administration of justice, public administration or public finance or has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, been a Member of Parliament; or has acquired any combination of experiences mentioned above, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years,” he said.

The interviews will continue tomorrow at Old Assembly Chamber Building with Adv Lwazi Kubukeli, Adv Puleng Matshelo, and Adv Kholeka Gcaleka.
taungdailynews@gmail.com

The Springboks are on top of the world again!

They surged to a third Rugby World Cup title beating England convincingly 32-12 in the final here on Saturday.

Coach Rassie Erasmus’s masterplan marvellously came to fruition as his team, with cool composure, stuck to a script they had so religiously followed all tournament. Their forwards pummelled England in particular in the scrums, while the Springboks’ belligerence in defence allowed England very little time and space.

The Boks pulled Red Rose petals until there was nothing left to pluck.

The win is testament to coach Erasmus’s strategic planning and powers of organisation. He initiated a turnaround strategy for the national team that was in the doldrums after he became SA Rugby’s director of rugby almost two years ago.

By REGINALD KANYANE
The recent strike by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) members at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) head offices came to an end on Friday.

The NSFAS employees who participated in the strike will return to work from Monday as per agreement by both parties.

NSFAS administrator, Dr Randall Carolissen said an agreement was reached and signed by both parties, following a week-long strike that started on Monday the previous week, due to unsuccessful negotiations between NSFAS and the union relating to Performance Management System. The principle of “no work no pay” will be applied as per agreement between NSFAS and the union.

“The employer has agreed to set aside a R2 million payment for permanent employees that are within the bargaining unit. Both parties have also committed to an immediate resumption of a National Bargaining Forum (NBF) which will focus among other issues outstanding matters from the recent discussions.

“We would like to express our appreciation for patience and understanding shown by the students during this challenging period,” said Carolissen.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West Police urge Bloemhof community to ignore the apparent planned stay away.

“So far the situation in Bloemhof is calm,” said Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, NW police spokesperson, after the police warned the community about a letter that has been circulating on social media platforms.

According to him, the letter informed the community of a planned stay away that was supposed to happen today (21 October 2019). He says the reason for this action is in solidarity of arrested community leaders.

“The 16 leaders referred to in the letter, are part of 22 people who were arrested between Monday, 30 September 2019 and 10 October 2019 for crimes such as kidnapping, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), murder, public violence and malicious damage to property, which were committed earlier this year. These leaders also committed acts of mob justice disguised as crime-fighting,” said Mokgwabone.

Earlier today, one of the 22 people who were arrested appeared at the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court and a group of community members from Boitumelong, were standing outside the court. “Police are present to monitor the crowd and the proceedings,” he said.

Mokgwabone said the police advised the members of the community to respect the rule of law and urged them to ignore the letter.

“The letter does not include the details of the writer and is meant to cause unnecessary fear. The usage of social media platforms to incite or mobilise people to commit a crime is discouraged,” he said.

Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, the Police Provincial Commissioner, says, “We are calling upon all members of the community to not only avoid being part of any action that is intended to undermine or challenge the authority of the state, but to join the legally established structures such as the Community Police Forums which are meant to assist the police in the fight against crime”.

Source: http://www.potchefstroomherald. co.za.

North West police are looking for four suspects after a 50-year-old woman was stabbed and raped while her gardener was held at gunpoint on her farm in Brits.

According to North West police spokesperson, Captain Elsabe Augoustides, the victim was in her office in the house on October 2 when she heard footsteps. She later discovered that it was not just one person but a group of people.

“The suspects got into the office and the victim’s gardener was held at gunpoint,” Augoustides said.

She further added that at the time of the attack, the victim was with her gardener and a domestic worker while her husband had taken their truck for tests.

During the attack, the woman was overpowered, stabbed in the back, severely assaulted and raped.

The robbers also ransacked her home and a number of items including her bakkie were taken.

She was taken to a hospital in Rustenburg and discharged this past weekend.

“She is still recovering from the assault and stabbing. Its not clear as to how the suspects gained access to the home and this is the start of our investigations,” Augoustides added.

“We have not arrested any of the suspects and we are hoping to make a breakthrough as soon as possible”.

The Star

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Five accused allegedly escaped from the Klerksdorp Regional Court on Tuesday. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (The Hawks) provincial spokesperson, Capt Tlangelani Rekhotso said they are in the pursuit of Sibuso Sibeko (40), Tebogo Molefi Ntenchane (35), Bongani Edwin Mkhwanazi (51), Sithembiso Mthembu (43), Tshepo Seboko (37).

“The five suspects escaped after making a brief appearance facing charges of armed robbery, illegal possession of unlicensed firearms, hijacking, possession of stolen vehicles and attempted murder.

“The five accused were arrested on November 2015 following an armed robbery that took place in Wolmaranstad. It is alleged that the accused rammed into a vehicle that was driven by a security manager of a mine and pointed him with a firearm. They allegedly stole diamond gravel that was loaded in the vehicle,” said Rikhotso.

She further said the accused allegedly hijacked an Isuzu bakkie from a member of the community and drove off towards Schweizer Reneke. Rikhotso added that the incident was allegedly shared in the community social media groups.

“Members of the community later spotted the stolen vehicle with the suspects inside and a chase ensued. The Isuzu bakkie lost control during the chase and the suspects ran on foot into a maize field where the community members allegedly surrounded them and subsequently detained them.

“Police were called to the scene and the suspects were arrested. The matter was investigated by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit of the Hawks and the accused were linked with other cases. Bail was successfully opposed and all accused were remanded in custody,” she said.

Rikhotso said on Tuesday, following their court appearance, the suspects were allegedly taken down to the court cells when one of the accused drew a firearm and pointed it at a police officer. She said the police officer managed to escape and the accused forcefully opened the court’s jail cell steel door and escaped.

“A reward is on offer for information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects as per the attached pictures. Please contact the Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Laurie Lauwrens at 082 339 0766/ Warrant Officer Brian Van Der Westuizen at 083 462 3951 or Crime Stop 086010111.

“Information received will be treated with confidentiality. Members of the community are urged not to approach the suspects as they are considered armed and dangerous,” Rikhotso concluded.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Gauteng permanent delegation to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has underlined the undesirability of a lack of infrastructure development planning, as it leads to perpetual crisis spending. The delegation visited the province as part of the flagship NCOP Provincial Week programme to assess the state of municipalities in the province.

The leader of the delegation, Ambassador Mohammed Dangor said: “The delegation is of the view that if municipalities plan their infrastructure development adequately, they would avoid costly emergency interventions. The delegation emphasised, however, that planning alone is not enough; effective implementation should also be strengthened.

“In Hammanskraal, the delegation appreciated the improved working relationship between all spheres of government in dealing with the water quality issue in the area. It is only through cooperation that challenges can be resolved.”

He added that the delegation has also called for all the spheres of government to urgently consider the option of extending the Rand Water pipeline from Eersterust to Hammanskraal, as suggested by councillors in the area, so that people can get quality water as the rehabilitation of the Appies River system continues.
Dangor has emphasised the need to adequately spend resources on maintenance. He said poor maintenance leads to the systematic collapse of the reticulation and wastewater system, which is far more expensive to fix.

“In Emfuleni, the delegation highlighted a similar challenge with the deterioration of the water infrastructure system due to poor maintenance. This has contributed to continuous pollution of the Vaal River system, which is the source of Gauteng’s water supply.
“The pollution of the Vaal River system is worrying in the context of the economic importance of Gauteng to the South African economy and the undermining effect of lack of water to this region. But more worrying is the social impact in the region,” he said.
Dangor said the provision of water in tankers, while a necessary short-term measure, is not a long-term solution, especially in the context of the high associated cost. He added that the development plans must take into consideration of the increased pressure caused by migration into bigger cities like Tshwane.“Furthermore, there is an urgent need to develop reticulation infrastructure in line with expected economic and social demand in the next 20 years. Regarding the Babelegi Industrial Park, the delegation has called for both the Gauteng and North West provinces to urgently resolve jurisdiction challenges that have impacted in the park.

“The park has the potential to create much-needed jobs in the area and contribute positively to improving the lives of the people of both provinces. The delegation is impressed with the design and workmanship at the Kekana Gardens Clinic, which is a National Health Insurance pilot site,” he said.

Dangor added that the continuing challenge of skills in primary healthcare facilities across the country is worrying, especially due to the knock-on effect on the provinces like Gauteng, which receives increased referrals from other provinces. He said a necessary intervention is to ensure that all healthcare facilities across the provinces are adequately staffed so that the burden is reduced on centres in Gauteng.

“The delegation appreciates the work being done by municipalities in the province and has urged the leadership to strengthen areas of weaknesses so that the people receive better quality services,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com