By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

FOUR suspects were arrested for dealing with dagga in Batlharos, near Kuruman on Tuesday. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) Cluster Crime Intelligence unit, JTG Highway Patrol, Kuruman K9 unit and JTG Trio Crime unit all embarked on an intelligence-driven operation regarding dagga sales in Batlharos.

“The police raided a house in Maruping village, in Batlharos and found dagga estimated to the street value of R123 000 stashed in the bedroom and toilet of the premise. The dagga weighed 12.430kg and police confiscated undisclosed amount of money from the suspects. All suspects are Swaziland nationals,”Kock said.

The JTG Cluster Commander, Major Gen Johan Bean lauded the police for a sterling job. Bean also commended the community for their assistance in this regard.

“The police will continue in their quest to uproot the drug dealers and traffickers from our society and they will leave no stone unturned. One female suspect (33) and three male suspects aged 32, 33 and 52 respectively will appear at Kuruman Magistrates Court on charges of dealing in dagga soon. The investigation continues,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Taung Agricultural College is the only institution in South Africa accredited to offer Diploma in Irrigation Management course at NQF level 6 and one of two state-owned agricultural colleges in the province tasked with training and producing agricultural technicians to serve communities of the province.

A total number of 27 students graduated and received Diploma in Irrigation Management after they completed a three year programme recently. Back in 2012, the college obtained accreditation to offer a diploma in agricultural irrigation management.

One of top achievers, Badudule Kolisi who was born and raised in Centane in the Eastern Cape acquired 93% in his final year. Kolisi said the top achiever status came as a bonus to sleepless nights and hard work he went through.

“What really kept me motivated was the unshakeable support that I received from my family. My parents always told me that I can achieve great things if only I put enough effort in everything I do. I also want to applaud the college for the quality of service rendered during my stay.

“TAC is one of student-friendly institutions and it offers good quality of education. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree at Tshwane University of Technology and plans to further my studies by pursuing a Master of Technology or Master of Science Degree immediately after completing my BTech,” he said.

Kolisi said he wants to publish atleast one peer-reviewed article in a reputable scientific journal someday before going into farming. He added that many people do not know much about the irrigation management programme and that will assist.

“I had to do a lot of research about irrigation management before I could understand what does it entails. We do not have more female counterparts in the industry, so I encourage young women to choose agriculture as a career.

“We need to relinquish the stigma associated with the field of agriculture. I am going to do my best to assist women in rural areas. Truly, women have always been the backbone of subsistence farming. Empowering them with knowledge or necessary resources will make them to be more productive in the industry,” Kolisi said.

North West MEC of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development department, Manketsi Tlhape said: “In order to realise the National Development Plan vision 2030, we expect agricultural colleges in the province to improve the ratio of graduates. We highly-appreciate the quality of skill and knowledge that is imparted by the Taung Agricultural College.

“We encourage the new graduates to continue working hard and ensure that they participate efficiently in our economy, especially the agricultural sector which is currently faced with a variety of challenges in this climate change conditions. They are well placed to develop water efficient farming models.”

Tlhape added that they also acknowledge the progress made by the college’s community outreach programme that has donated fresh produce to non-governmental organization and schools around Taung. She said the college also provides technical advice to emerging farmers.

The college’s Director for Structural Training and Education, Dr Karabo Mabe expressed gratitude towards the college advisory council on the guidance they continue to give the institution and the efforts put by the staff to ensure that they equip students with knowledge and technical know-how to be ambassadors of agriculture in Bokone Bophirima.

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Picture: (Two suspects arrested in Pudimoe for possession of illegal firearms) 

By REGINALD KANYANE

Three suspects are expected to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court soon. Taung Detective Branch, SAPS Crime Intelligence and K9 units in Hartswater and Kimberley SAPS Tactical Response launched a joint ad-hoc operation on Monday after a recent robbery of a well-known bottle store in Hartswater and other business in Taung.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Segio Kock said: “The armed robbery took place over the weekend in Hartswater and soon led to Pudimoe and Vryburg in the North West. Police followed up on information and spotted the suspects in black VW Polo in Pudimoe, where they were stopped and searched.

“Police found and confiscated two firearms, 3 live 7.65 rounds, one firearm magazine, three cellphones as well as the black VW Polo. The three suspects are charged with possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. The possibility of linking them to the business robberies that took place in Hartwater and Taung cannot be ruled out,” Kock said.

Kock said the investigation continues. Greater Taung Anti-Crime Organisation applauded the police for their swift arrest. GTACO chairperson, Peggy Molatlhegi said: “We want to applaud the police for their swift arrest as crime affects our people’s lives. We also urge people to continue to work together with the police in combating crime.

“Criminals have turned Taung into a nest where they practice their criminal activities. However, we will continue to ensure that those who are involved are arrested. There is no place for criminals within our society and people should report any criminal activity taking place within their vicinity.”

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By KABELO KEMP

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s essay writing competition will now see the top three winners receive cash prizes over and above laptops.

The top writer will receive R5000, followed by R3000 and R2000 for the second and third best essayists respectively.

The closing date for the essay writing competition has also been extended to Mandela Day to mark Madiba’s centenary. Topics for the competition remain: A future free of racism; Tolerating racism is racism; and Root out racism.

The cash prizes are sponsored by the foundation.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Director, Neeshan Balton said: “We hope that the laptops would be a valuable resource which the three winners can use for school or university work and develop their writing skills. The winners can determine how best to use the cash prizes themselves too.

“Apartheid, colonialism and slavery have had an immense impact on the psyche of the nation. It certainly affects current day experiences and perceptions of diversity and race in the country. South Africa’s youth were born in a country free of legislated apartheid and were dubbed the born-frees.”

Balton further said this does not mean that racism, or the negative impact of apartheid has ended. He also provided several examples of racial incidents in the last few weeks alone in South Africa.

“Just recently, a Pam Golding properties agent was called out on social media for declining to rent out a property of a white client, supposedly because the client only wanted white people renting their property. Then, we had the incident involving actor Rajesh Gopie, who referred to violent soccer fans at the Nedbank Cup semi-finals as “baboons”.

“There was also the case of business executive Mark Lamberti, who referred to an ex-employee as a “female employment equity candidate”. We’ve also read reports of investigations into allegations of racism at UNISA,” Balton said.

He added that more recently, there was a video of former Springbok player, Ashwin Willemse alluding to racial issues within the sport. Balton said the competition will make a meaningful contribution in their quest to deepen non-racialism.

“We hope this will make a meaningful contribution towards working for society free of racism, sexism and discrimination. We hope to involve young people in the fight against these problems. The foundation also aim to give young people a voice and a platform to articulate their views on matters that are undoubtedly key to our progression as a country and as a continent,” he said.

• To enter the essay writing competition, submit your essay to: email: youth@kathradafoundation.org ; fax: 011 852 8786; or post: P.O. Box 3240 Lenasia 1820.

Entrants must be between the age of 15 and 21 years. The essay should be a minimum of 1000 words and maximum 1400 words and can be in any one of the South African official languages. Essays containing plagiarism will be disqualified. Only one essay per entrant is allowed. For more information, contact on 011 854 0082.

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Picture: North West MEC of Education and Sport Development department, Sello Lehari 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The African National Congress (ANC) in North West condemned the atrocity that took place at Stella High School in Stella, near Vryburg on Saturday.

Two female learners were allegedly hanged at the school hostel. The lifeless bodies of Marna Engelbrecht (17) and Sharnelle Hough (16) were discovered by the police after being informed by the hostel matron, who found the first body.

The ANC acting provincial secretary, Sussana Dantjie said: “The ruling party is devastated by the tragic death of two teenage girls. It is alleged that the girls aged 16 and 17 and both in Grade 11 were found by the hostel matron hanged on the rails of the staircase of the hostel, while the second one was found in the bathroom.”

Dantjie said they strongly condemn this barbaric action of men killing girlfriends or wives, which now appears to be a daily occurrence in the society. She further said the struggle for equality in society is far from over if the country continues to have these brutal acts.

“These acts are going to delay us in achieving the national democratic society that is non-sexist. We urge the department and the police to fully investigate this matter to get to the bottom of these actions.

“We also want to applaud the police for that speedy action. We encourage our communities to turn out in numbers to support the school and the families of these girls in calling for justice to prevail,” Dantjie said.

The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education said is also saddened and outraged by these double murders. Committee Chairperson, Nomalungelo Gina condemned femicide and any form of violence against women and children.

According to police, the alleged perpetrator was formerly involved in a relationship with one of the girls.

Gina said: “Surely our young men cannot be thinking that this is a way to address challenges. Furthermore, the gruesome manner in which these young girls were killed is truly shocking.

“It has been reported that one of the girls was found hanging from a staircase by the matron at the school, while the body of the second girl was later discovered with a rope around her neck in the bathroom. They were 16 and 17 years old.”

She praised the police for the speedy arrest of the suspect and appealed for speedy justice for the girls. Gina added that they will ensure that justice is served speedily.

Meanwhile, the accused, Zander Bylsma (19), who is a former learner at Stella High School, briefly appeared at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court. Bylsman was remanded in custody until 6 August 2018 for formal bail application.

North West MEC of Education and Sport Development, Sello Lehari is set to visit the families of the victims in Stella on Tuesday at around 12pm. The department spokesperson, Freddy Sepeng urged learners to speak-up if they come across any bullying at their schools.

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Picture: (Double murder accused, Zander Bylsman led away by police)

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC of Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane said it is disturbing to see the increasing violent attacks and murders of women and young girls in the hands of their boyfriends and partners.

Motlhabane said the social media is particularly abuzz with reports, comments and disturbing images about these incidences of late. He also sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of Stella High School girls who were allegedly killed on Saturday.

It is alleged that the accused, Zander Bylsma (19) was in a romantic relationship with one of the deceased. Marna Engelbrecht (17) and Sharnelle Hough (16) were found dead at the school’s hostel on Saturday by the hostel matron.

North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “The police discovered a body of a 17-year-old girl, which was found hanging from the rails of the staircase in the hostel. They conducted a further search and found the second body of a 16 year-old girl with a string around her neck at the communal hostel’s bathroom.

“The police subsequently began a frantic investigation that led to the swift arrest of Bylsma. The motive for the incident is yet to be known and the police are still investigating.”

Motlhabane said: “Let me send my heartfelt condolences to the family of the two young girls and wish each family to remain strong and find solace in God’s abiding arm, during this trying time. I also want to commend the hostel matron for her motherly reaction.

“She did not hesitate to report this heinous act to the police. For that, I thank her, as she has empowered the police to act with speed and gather necessary evidence that enabled the police to effects arrest. This evidence may well be enough to prosecute and convict the suspect successfully.”

He urged partners and couples, especially young ones to seek parents’ indulgence whenever conflicts and relationship differences becoming apparent. Motlhabane added that those who come across challenges must rather speak-out and not be hapless or hope things will just be alright.

South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) Provincial Chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said they condemn in the strongest terms possible the heinous and ghastly acts and trust that the arrested suspect will be denied bail.

Sebegoe said Bylsma should face the wrath of the law, if he is found to be responsible for the outrageous murders which have send a shock wave across the country.

“We are appealing for calmness and questioned how the culprit gained access to the girls’ hostel to commit the atrocious crime when there was supposed to be security round the clock. We need answers as to why nobody heard any commotion or realised that something was amiss until the bodies were discovered,” he emphasised.

Bylsma briefly appeared at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court in Vryburg on Monday. The accused was remanded in custody until 6 August 2018 for further investigations and more charges are expected to be added.

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Every step that Thato Molosankwe takes is intended to raise awareness around social ills such as violence against women and children.

In July this year, the Mahikeng social activist will embark on a 10-year journey from Cape Town to Cairo. He calls this journey “Rounding Africa” because he plans to walk through each and every African state, not merely cutting across the continent as many have done before.

“In this historical journey, I will be walking and praying for victims of child marriages, ethnic wars, corruption and xenophobia. I will also be addressing parliaments, churches and various organisations on issues that affect their specific country. Some of the challenges I will be confronted with on my journey are rebels and wild animals, but I will organise various groups who will be assisting me to cross these dangerous territories,” Molosankwe told Semphete this week at his home village of Lomanyaneng.

He will start his long walk on 18 July this year, the day Madiba would have turned 100 if he were still alive.

“As I honour Madiba, I will be honouring other struggle stalwarts such a Thomas Sankara and Muammar Gaddaffi who fought to ensure that their people lead dignified lives,” said Molosankwe.

He called out abusers, saying that they are not only hurting the victim, but a whole social structure.

“As an abusive person, you live with the pain of knowing that somebody is suffering as a result of your actions so you can never lead a happy and normal life. I am pleading with all abusers to change and encourage all the men who are treating women well to advise other men how to lead positive lives”.

Molosankwe said the walk from Cape to Cairo started with a dream.

“In 2015 I had a dream of walking from Cape Town to Cairo so I started with the Johannesburg to Mahikeng walk. I took 12 days, which means 6 days to Johannesburg and 6 days back to Mahikeng. It is now an annual walk during Women’s Month called Maftown-Jozi Walk. Only women are currently taking part in this walk and men are only there to support them,” he said.

Molosankwe has also walked from Mahikeng to Cape Town on a Father-Son Mentorship Walk. He said he feels that this was not enough and this is why he then rounded up all the country’s nine provinces on a Moral Regeneration Walk, which h used to conduct various talks in schools on topics such as substance abuse. This, he says, was in preparation of his dream walk, the Cape to Cairo.

Molosankwe grew up as an activist and took part in the Bophelong Youth Club from the age of 16. He is also the founder of the Thato Molosankwe Charity Foundation, a non-governmental organsiation with a primary focus on moral regeneration.

He started his awareness campaigns by cycling from Mahikeng to Johannesburg in 2013 to mourn the passing of “Thandi”, a victim of multiple rapes. “Thandi” later passed away at the age of 19 due to HIV/Aids related illnesses. Molosankwe said he felt that through cycling this long distance, he was returning a sense of pride to “Thandi.”

He has also done some outstanding work in denouncing the violence and xenophobic attacks that happened in Mahikeng in April.

“Steve Biko taught us that we should do things without expecting anything in return. This is why I am working towards building the nation,” said Molosankwe.

Source: http://www.semphete.co.za 

After Semphete published a story on his plight in last week’s edition, a final year BCom Management student at the North West University’s (NWU) Mahikeng Campus has finally found a safe place to stay.

Gakenatshepo Motshwaedi from Tlhakgameng had braved the winter cold to stand on Ngaka Modiri Molema Road, begging for a place to sleep with a board that communicated his need.

But now the NWU has managed to find a vacant room for him at their Dr James Moroka Residence on the Mahikeng Campus.

Mahikeng community members read about his plight on social media where they shared the post, some even called to offer him accommodation. This is when the university managed to hear about the student and the problems he faced.

“I am very happy to have found accommodation and a place where I can study. The university residence is an ideal place for me to stay because I have access to libraries and the internet. This is a huge relief for me because I can now concentrate on my studies and complete my degree. I would like to thank North West FM and Semphete newspaper for sharing my story with the public,” Motshwaedi said in an interview this week.

NWU Spokesperson, Christopher Motabogi told Semphete that there is a huge demand for student accommodation and the university tries to assist where it can.

“The university is pleased that we were in a position to assist the learner. We are working with the homeowners and various service providers to provide accommodation that can meet the needs of tertiary students. We are currently refurbishing the old Mmabatho Tusk Hotel and by 2019 we will be able to accommodate about 900 learners,” Motabogi said.

Motshwaedi was squatting with a friend in Motlhabeng Village from the beginning of the year until the landlord decided that he has leave the premises because no prior arrangement had been made. He said being homeless had affected his studies.

“I used to stay with a friend who attends school at Mmabatho High but then the landlord said I should leave his place because he does not know me. The situation affected my studies because the time I spent on the streets could have been used study purposes.

“My mother is a single parent and I have three other siblings at home. My family is dependent on social grants that are provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) which made my situation complicated,” he said.

Motshwaedi said he went to the bursary office of the NWU Mahikeng Campus to seek an alternative solution to his problem where he was finally assisted a week later.

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

Picture: (XP patient, Paballo Mabetwa)

The future of a six-year-old boy from Letlhakaneng village near Brits is hanging in the balance after he was diagnosed with a rare skin disorder known as Xeroderma Pigmentosum.

Xeroderma pigmentosum, which is commonly known as XP, is an inherited condition characterized by an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. This condition mostly affects the eyes and areas of skin exposed to the sun.

Paballo Mabetwa now needs a sophisticated area to play in order to protect him from any further skin disorders. Because of his XD, his skin cells’ ability to repair damage caused by ultraviolet light is deficient.

Paballo’s mother, Sarah Mabetwa, told Semphete that the family does not know where to seek help because they stay in a three-roomed shack that is not ideal for her son’s condition. The skin condition is already spreading to other parts of Paballo’s body.

“My son was diagnosed with skin cancer while he was nine months old. He is not allowed to play in the sun because the sunlight affects his skin. We need help as the situation is terrible. If there is any good Samaritan out there, please help us with transportation and to build a refined area for Paballo to play during the day.

“He was admitted to Dr George Mokhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa near Pretoria. Now he is getting treatment from the hospital, but doctors said there is nothing they could do to stop the cancer from spreading to other parts of his body. Paballo underwent an operation two weeks ago in which doctors removed his left eye,” the mother said.

Unemployed Sarah said they are faced with financial constraints as Paballo’s father is a taxi driver and does not earn much. Her wish is to take Paballo to specialists at private hospitals, but that would be too expensive.

“It is so difficult to see you child suffering on a daily basis, but you feel helpless. I could see that my son is staring at his death and it’s just a matter of time. But I still have hope and believe that he can beat cancer. My son cannot even attend school because of his condition and this affects me emotionally,” Sarah said.

A dermatologist at Tshepong/Klerksporp Hospital, Olehile Kgabale, said Xeroderma Pigmentosum is a skin disorder caused by the defect in the DNA excision repair mechanism, leading to marked sensitivity to ultraviolet and multiple skin cancers.

“All these disorders present with varying degree of photosensitivity in infancy or childhood. In each instance, the differential diagnostic considerations include most of the disorders, depending on the associated findings such as premature aging or mental retardation. In photosensitivity in infants, erythropietic porphyria and other forms should be excluded at birth, neonatal lupus erythematous must also be considered,”
Kgabale said.

He added that even though the disease is incurable, those who are affected must avoid being exposed to the sun.

“Those children who are born with the Xeroderma Pigmentosum cancer are called Moon children. They can only be able to play under the mild environment, but if they get into conduct with the sun, their skin cells will be damaged by the sunlight. The lifespan for them is between 20 and 25 years,” he said.

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

North West MEC of Culture, Art and Traditional Affairs (CATA) department, Ontlametse Mochware said African Day need to be celebrated across all spheres of the continent. Mochware said this will encourage many people to love and preserve Africanism without any fear.

She was addressing community members at Sekhing village, near Taung on Friday during African Day celebration.

Different countries were well-represented and showcased their cultural attires.

“It is imperative to celebrate this day because it means a lot to us. The day reflects on what it means to be an African. We need to appreciate and embrace our socio-economic challenges and ensure that we have better ways to address them.

“We need to know that we are different either according to our culture, heritage or economy. However, we need to face our challenges head-on. The current leadership and the communities across African continent must work together to ensure that there is economic growth,” she said.

Mochware further said her department will work together with North West University to ensure that more students study Indigenous Knowledge System course. According to the university, only fewer students embark on Indigenous Knowledge System faulty and this brings concern.

The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa also joined the African continent and the world in wishing Africa a speedy rise to prosperity and meaningful development of its entire people.

In a joint statement to mark Africa Day, National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) chairperson, Thandi Modise said.

“The time for Africa’s awakening as a giant in the world in many respects has come and no effort should be spared in driving the collective advancement of the people of Africa. Africa Day is observed across the continent to celebrate the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, later remodelled and renamed the African Union, to drive an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa with all its peoples at the centre of such fundamental change.

“The collaboration of liberated African countries and the liberation movements in the struggle against colonialism and apartheid took 31 years to free all African countries. Africa Day is also an opportunity for us to celebrate our majestic past, our common heritage and the values of Ubuntu, which include common humanity, mutual respect, caring and protection, which lie at the heart of this heritage. Advancing these ideals involves resisting those practices that undermine the values of our common humanity and result in destabilisation and impoverishment of our continent.”

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