By BAKANG MOKOTO

A career expo is crucial for Grade 12s as it prepares them for various career paths and assists them to meet their potential employers. Taung Grade 12 learners came out in numbers to attend a career expo held at Taung Depot Hall in Taung recently.

The initiative was organised by Dr Boitumelo Phakathi, who was the youngest South African black female surgeon in 2014. Phakathi originates from Taung but now plies her trade in Gauteng province.

“It was important to organise career expo as our young people sometimes underestimate themselves because of where they come from especially in a far-flung areas like Taung. So, we brought in different professionals like doctors, lawyers, accountants, professors, pilots and others who were born in Taung as a living testimony to encourage them.

“Remember, your place of birth does not determine how far you can go in life. So, we have put our focus on education because the former Republic of South Africa president, Dr Nelson Mandela once said education is one of the most powerful weapons that we can use to overcome unemployment, inequality and poverty hence we emphasis on it,” she said.

A 33 year-old doctor said it is imperative that opportunities find you ready. Phakathi said they also encouraged young people to create job opportunities for themselves and be employers instead of employees.

“I realised that the poor standard of health system at our local clinics and hospitals and I wanted to be one of those people who could improve the quality of health service delivery in our country. I worked hard after I went to a medical school and I am now a specialist in general surgery,” said Phakathi.

She said she is in the process of completing my PhD. Phakathi added that the career expo will be an annual event.

“We managed to organise mentors from different fields and we will be concentrating on Grade 12s for now. The aim is to ensure that we mentor these young ones for them to also plough back in the future,” she said.

Joint Aviation Awareness Programme (JAAP) Chairperson, Tebogo Mokgejane said: “There are vast opportunities in the aviation industry. So, it will depend on what field of interest you want to embark on. We have a pilot which is a popular career and it requires pure Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

“We also have avionics engineers who are working in the aerospace engineering which is subspecialty field of avionics”

A well-known Dj, Orapeleng “Dj Nation” Mokgwabone, who works as Air Traffic Controller for South African Air Force (SAAF) shared the same sentiments.

“We have four arms of service at the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) like Navy, Army, Military Health Services and SAAF. So, those who want to join must ensure that they follow relevant channels and have required qualifications according to the specified fields they want to embark on,” he said.

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ANC regional Secretary in Dr Ruth Mompati region, Gaolatlhwe Kgabo

By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

The ANC in Dr Ruth Mompati region has produced the youngest regional secretary across the country. Gaolatlhwe Kgabo was elected as the regional secretary during ANC regional elective conference held at All Seasons Resort in Christiana recently.

Kgabo, who regard himself as Marxist-Leninist scholar with a scientific approach to life in general, believes that the world is constantly changing and people need to adapt to those changes as ‘agent of transformation’.

“I have conviction that all challenges facing us as the people of South Africa and the world are systematic and structural. I started my political activism at the age of 15 when I joined Congress of South African Students (Cosas) back in 2004.

“I was a learner at Lerona Secondary School at Utlwanang location in Christiana. I decided to join school politics after we encountered unequal skewed curriculum and lack of necessary tools of trade to simplify teaching and learning processes. The Lerona School was the only secondary in our area,” he said.

Kgabo added that overcrowding was a challenge as learners were cooped like sardines in classes. He said the school had no computer laboratory, library, sports facilities and teaches untransformed curriculum.

“I began to be critical about the situation because being quiet will results in reproduction of poverty and inequality. I am a political activist who has received the necessary ideological training from intellectuals like Mphato Morapedi Melamu,” said Kgabo.
A 29 year-old politician joined the YCLSA in 2009 and established the first YCLSA structure in Christiana. He was then elected as YCLSA district secretary in J Nkosi district, known as Dr Ruth Mompati region in 2012.

“I was later elected as the YCLSA provincial chairman in Bokone Bophirima until 2016. I joined the ANCYL and ANC in 2007 where I was later appointed as the ANC Branch task team member in 2009.

“I was also elected as the ANC branch chairman in 2010 until 2014 at Johnny Pitso Branch in Christiana. I was elected as Lekwa-Teemane ANC sub-regional chairman and now I am serving as a councillor in Dr Ruth Mompati District municipality back in 2016,” he said.

Kgabo is serving as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Engineering and Technical Services. He also elected as the SACP District Executive Committee member in 2016.

“It is not a coincidence that I am the youngest regional secretary. In fact, I believe that this is a sign that shows that the ANC is starting to be younger. I grew up on a farm in Free State province and I could see what our parents were subjected to,” Kgabo said.

“Education broadens your understanding and we need to understand how the world operates to sharpen our approach. I have completed my Matric in 2006 and due to financial constraints, I could not further my studies,” he said.

However, he is now a first year student at the North West University (NWU) studying BA Degree in Public Administration. Kgabo said he wants to complete his Master Degree before turns 35.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Two men who are accused of assaulting and intimidating the Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority chief, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane were granted bail. Oratile Segosapelo and Modisaotsile Lebitse briefly appeared at the Taung Magistrate’s Court for two counts of assault and intimidation.

According to reports, Segosapelo(47) and Lebitse (43) along with community members embarked on illegal protest to hand over a memorandum to the local tribal offices. Lebitse, who is the chairperson of Re Aga Taung Civic Organisation (RATCO), said they want Mankuroane to be removed from his chieftaincy position.

“We believe that Mankuroane failed our community dismally and he continues to neglect his duties. The Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority administration is marred with corruption, fraud and maladministration under his stewardship.

“There are so many challenges such as divergence in land allocation, selling of land to foreign nationals, businesses operating in Taung without following legislation measures and projects stoppage,” he said.

Lebitse also said the Taung Cultural Calabash event continues to benefit only the few. He alleged that Mankuroane has no interest of Taung community at heart.

“We need the family to look for a regent because a loss of trust in the traditional authority by citizens has occurred. Kgosi Tshepo Makuroane failed us despite the traditional authority being the custodian,” he said.

The RATCO’s attempts to submit memorandum were futile as they were welcomed by the high presence of rival group, Tsibogo Ya Taung Civic Organisation at the Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority offices.

The disagreement ensued between the two lobbying groups and police were called. RATCO members were later detached from the Tribal Authority offices. However, Segosapelo and Lebitse were later ensnared to go back into the offices as Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane was allegedly ready to meet with them.

A fight ensued behind closed doors. Segosapelo and Lebitse were subsequently arrested. Mankuroane labelled the behaviour of RATCO members as absurd and distasteful. He said what happened was strange and there was a third force involved.

“It is not for the first we experienced this. However, I urge our people not to be used and if they have any grievances, they must follow proper channels. I am using open door policy and anyone who would like to come and engage with me, I am always available.

“If you are not happy about any matter, kindly approach the House of Traditional Leaders in the province and law enforcement agencies. I have taken legal actions against those who were behind these shenanigans because I believe that their actions are equal to sedition,” Makuroane said.

Tsibogo Ya Taung Civic organisation chairperson, Goitseone Legodu said: “We urge our community members to follow proper channels when embarking on protests. We are not against anyone, but the march was illegal. The RATCO members used force to address their grievances and it is wrong.”

Segosapelo and Lebitse were granted R500 bail each and the case was postponed until 24 August 2018.

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Picture: Suspended ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) Member, Mmoloki Cwaile

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The suspended African National Congress (ANC) Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member, Mmoloki Cwaile calls for the disbandment of the ANC PEC in the North West. Cwaile, who is a vilifier of the former North West Premier and ANC Provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo said he does not recognise his suspension letter.

“My suspension was an erroneous decision which was aimed to facilitate vengeance. Firstly, you would know that the PEC cannot evoke disciplinary processes against itself. The structure would have rather referred the matter to the ANC National Disciplinary Committee (NDC).

“They should have sent it as a recommendation because the rules and regulations surrounding disciplinary issues are addressed only by the PEC, NEC, NWC and PWC. So, in this case, I am a PEC member and the PEC cannot act against itself,” he said.

Cwaile said the ANC PEC in the province has also failed to provide leadership to government. He said everyone knows that the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) has collapsed under Mahumapelo’s stewardship.

“We cannot necessarily appropriate blame to Mahumapelo alone, even though we know that he single-handedly appointed all deployees like municipal managers and Head of Departments (HoDs). I believe that the ANC will not win the 2019 General elections with this state of affairs we find ourselves in,” he said.

Cwaile said the indications are unambiguous. He added that the ANC failed to win by-elections in Coligny and lost to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Coligny for the first time in history.

“Everyone in our province knows that the government’s fifth administration has collapsed. So, we cannot change that statement. The PEC must be dismantled and I believe that the ANC National Working Committee or National Executive Committee will find it very difficult to arrive at the different decision.

“They NEC must be decisive exactly as they did about governance because that will help and rescue the party ahead of elections. If that happens, then we would have managed to change the perception of our people and bring necessary intervention,” he said.

Cwaile said he has already requested the ANC acting provincial secretary to reverse the suspension. He said the ANC PEC accused him of ‘showing discrimination’.

“The rules that they are referring to in that letter are not correct. It is not true that I am showing any discrimination or political intolerance. Also, it is not true that I was using social media purporting to represent a view of a faction or any organised grouping within the ANC.

“I have given them five days to reverse their decision and if not be, then I will seek a relief from the court of law. However, I would still have to take this matter to the ANC National Disciplinary Appeal Committee (NDAC) if, the ANC PEC has no capacity to reverse its decision,” said Cwaile.

The ANC provincial spokesperson, Gerald Modise refused to comment. Modise said he cannot comment as the matter is now subjudice.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 39 year-old man was arrested for stock-theft after he allegedly stole nine Bosmara calves worth R81 000 in Hartswater on Wednesday. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Olebogeng Tawana said the Kimberley SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit acted on a tip-off.

“Our police received a tip-off regarding stolen calves which were loaded in a trailer to be sold on auction at Kimberley. The calves were stolen from a small holding in Hartswater. The suspect was arrested red-handed on auction site in Kimberley.

“He will appear at the Hartswater Magistrate’s Court soon on a stock theft charge. The calves were handed over to the rightful owner after he positively identified them. Investigation continues and we are expecting to make more arrests in this case,” Tawana said.

The Northern Cape SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Peter Shivuri commended the police for the arrest. Shivuri also urge community members to continue to work together with police and inform them about any criminal activities taking place within their vicinity.

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Picture: ANC newly-elected regional chairperson in Dr Ruth Mompati region, Sense Maje

By STAFF REPORTER

The divisions within the African National Congress (ANC) in the North West province were witnessed during Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (RSM) regional conference at All Seasons Resort in Christiana on Saturday night.

It is alleged that the legitimate delegates were denied access into the venue and were supplanted by ‘fake delegates’. Police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse other faction.

The excluded delegates proceeded to convene a parallel conference of the ‘real delegates’ at PH Mooketsi High School in Taung on Saturday night. They accused the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) deployees of disregarding their grievances.

The newly-elected regional chairperson, Sense Maje from the ‘real delegates’ conference said: “It is a norm to have processes that start way before going to conferences. We have auditing of memberships process that will determine the legitimacy of those members who would attend the Branch Annual General Meetings (BAGMs).

“We would then have the verification report that will indicate the legibility of the processes that were followed like checking whether the BGMs were held in line with the provision of the ANC constitution. After following those processes, we would then understand whether our Branch Executive Committee (BEC) members were composed in a correct manner or not.”

Maje said that process would also determine if those delegates were eligible to go to conference. He said they had a situation where some branches were supposed to be reviewed, but that was done unfairly without giving them an opportunity to present their case.

“The audit and verification processes are not the responsibility of the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), but the ANC Secretary-General’s office. We have a similar situation and there were some cadres who took the matter to court.

“However, the court advocated that these disputes be resolved within the provision of the ANC structures. However, that did not happen because you cannot have questionable people presiding over BGMs and sitting in the structure that was supposed to resolve those disputes,” he said.

Maje said unfortunately, the ANC in the North West has its own way of doing things compare to other provinces. He added that the branches and individuals wrote to the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) deployee, who wrote to the ANC Dispute and Resolution Committee chairperson, Jessie Duarte.

“Duarte’s office referred the matter back to the acting convener of the NEC deployee, Malusi Gigaba. So, the so-called regional conference at Christina went ahead without the Dispute and Resolution Committee listening to those branches grievances.

“Police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades and there were hooligans who masqueraded as security forces. We had no choice but to count the number of legitimate delegates and proceeded to convene a legitimate conference at PH Mooketsi High School in Taung,” he said.

Picture: ANC Regional chairperson in Dr Ruth Mompati region, Bitsa Lenkopane allegedly elected by fake delegates

Thapelo Galeboe‚ representing the group of ANC members who allege they were chased out from Christiana‚ told The Timesnewspaper that they went ahead with the parallel conference and that Luthuli House would have to rule on which one was legitimate.

“Our sin is that we did not agree with Supra to Nasrec and we called for the PEC he leads to be disbanded and we removed him as premier. He has been on a revenge mission by removing 70% of our comrades from delegates of the regional conference and disbanded our branch executive committees but we are going ahead with conference‚ not that bogus one held earlier by Supra’s people‚” said Galeboe.

However, the ANC provincial spokesperson, Gerald Modise said the only conference they recognise was held at Christiana. Modise said it is very surprising and embarrassing to see their members taking the party to court.

“We want to know where those who take the party to court get funding. We all know that courts are too expensive. The ANC in the province has realised that there are people who will be against any process taken by the party to bring cohesion.

“However, we will continue to work hard and ensure that there is unity among our members. We also urge those members to refrain from going to court and rather follow proper channels to raise their grievances,” he said.

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Picture: Pampierstad leader, Olebogeng Tumudi in front of one of damaged graves 

By REGINALD KANYANE

The community of Pampierstad was left dejected after more than 100 graves were violated. It is alleged that those graves were broken by unknown people who stole aluminum metals and destroyed tomb stones.

Irvin Danster (42) said this was a pure criminal activity that needs to be stopped. Danster said three graves belonging to his sister and aunties were also violated.

“It is so painful to see your loved ones graves being violated in this manner. I believe that this is disrespect and I urge our police to react. Perpetrator/s needs to be arrested and we also need to assist the police with necessary information.

“We are not sure who is behind this mass violation, but we cannot sit-back. We have opened few cases of violation of grave and damage to property,” he said.

Pampierstad community leader, Olebogeng Tumudi said: “We are not exultant after we found graves being broken at. We embarked on this campaign to fix those graves.

“We need to instill discipline in our people. What happened here is extraordinary and our people need to respect our mausoleums. Some of family members worked hard to buy tombstones and if this happens, they will be affected financial. More money will be needed to fix this mess.”

Pampierstad Police Station cluster spokesperson, Capt Oabona Boikanyo said the violation of grave and damage to property cases were opened.

“We can confirm that we have opened a case regarding this matter. We also urge our people to constantly visit their loved ones’ graves and ensure they are safe. Investigations are underway and we urge anyone with necessary information that could lead to arrest to come forward.”

Boikanyo said the violation of the grave is a misdemeanor at common law.

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