By BAKANG MOKOTO

Many learners across the country, especially in deep rural areas, continue to suffer during this winter season as they are forced to go to school either without shoes or wear worn-out shoes to protect themselves from the cold breeze.

Also, some female learners suffer double challenges as they mostly miss out on school every month because of menstruation. Now, community members in four villages such as Maganeng, Ntswanahatshe, Moretele and Khaukhwe near Taung, came together and donated over 150 shoes and 100 sanitary towels to underprivileged learners at Moitsemang Primary School in Maganeng, Moncho Primary School in Khaukwe, Motlhamare Primary School and Jerry Mahura High School in Ntswanahatshe.

Philanthropist and social activist, Mothusi Dikwelane who is the coordinator for the project said, they have realised that there was a need for school shoes and sanitary pads at these schools. Dikwelane further said even though menstruation is a natural phenomenon, female learners often do not have enough money to buy sanitary pads.

“As community members, we have realised that there is a need of school shoes and sanitary pads for some learners, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. So, we met and started a campaign to assist them.

“We are grateful because we managed to get something even though it was not enough. Eish, there is a serious challenge at Moncho Primary School. Some learners there are in disarray and you could see that they need more than shoes and sanitary pads,” he said.

Dikwelane pleaded with community members and business people to support their campaign, so that they can assist as many learners as possible. He said some adolescent girls are struggling to buy sanitary pads and resorted to rags, socks, even newspapers and that is not good for their hygiene.

“We know that talking about menstruation might be regarded as a taboo in many cultures, but what young girls are experiencing is a shame and embarrassment. Principals at these four schools welcomed the donations and applauded those who contributed.

“So, we need to work together to ensure that they get resources to manage their menstruation hygienically. This does not just affect their education, but some of them ended up dropping out of school because of this,” said Dikwelane.

He said the campaign was led by Othusitse Thabo Moroka as the chairperson, Fredah Mosepele as Secretary, Keitheng Kodisang as the Deputy Secretary including himself as coordinator through the help of the community at large.

Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) president, Thabang Mokoena said: “We have not engaged the Department of Basic Education (DBE) regarding the provision of sanitary towels to female learners in schools. However, we understand that there is a shortage of sanitary towels in most schools.

“So, we are still going to approach them and ensure that every female learner in school gets them. We also want to call on private companies to come on board and have a positive contribution towards social responsibilities across villages they operate in.”

Mokoena said most parents are working in various private companies, but these companies tend to turn a blind eye in assisting the same communities. He said Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) is crucial for community development.

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By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

North West Premier, Bushy Maape said the province is now in a better position since the invocation of Section 100 1 (a) (b) by the national government in 2018.

Maape, who tabled the Office of the Premier’s budget for 2022/2023 financial year, said this has been shown through performance reports of various departments since last week and was further demonstrated through the performance report of his office.   

“It is my privilege to table before this esteemed House for appropriation, the 2022/23 budget for Office of the Premier. The administration     will be allocated R114.825m, while the institutional development will receive R251.097m.

“The policy and governance will be allocated R106.589m and the total will be to the tune of R472.511m. In February 2022, Cabinet approved the Inter-Ministerial Task Team’s (IMTT) plan for a phased exit. This decision was communicated to the National Council of Provinces by the Convenor, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on 23 March 2022,” he said.

Maape further said no opposition was raised by the NCOP with regards to the decision of cabinet to support the phased exit started on 31 March 2022. He added that it is expected that all departments under section 100(1)(b) will complete their exit activities by the end of June 2022.

“A detailed hand-over report will be submitted to the Minister responsible for each department as well as the coordinator, who is the administrator in the Office of the Premier.

“Amongst the issues to be included in the report, will include the achievements and progress made to address the reasons for the intervention, outstanding matters, issues of concern and recommendations to address lessons learnt, progress against the original implementation plan, as submitted to the NCOP in the 5^th administration,” said Maape.

He said the report will also include a list of directives to be issued to the provincial executive to address outstanding priorities and areas vulnerable to regression, if required.

Maape said as part of the phased exit approach, they continue to carefully manage the transition and de-escalation of certain elements of the intervention, providing for the transfer of management and control of aspects of provincial administration previously assumed by national government departments since 2018.

He said the province is also working with the national government through the Inter-Ministerial Task Team led by Dlamini-Zuma to manage the transition and the eventual lifting of the intervention in a manner that does not erode and undermine the gains made by the province.

“We welcome the lifting of section 100, though we must say we are anxious and worried about it, as we understood and appreciated the need for such intervention on the part of the national government.

“As we build internal capacity to deal with these historical cases, the Office of the Premier is also working with Provincial Treasury to assist the provincial departments to address their own cases,” he said.

Maape said this strategy has been adopted in order to transfer knowledge and skills to officials and to solidify an engine of internal control in and across the province in order to rid the provincial administration of the negative image of poor financial management.

“I wish to report to this house that during the period under review, the Office of the Premier paid 96% of service providers within 30 days as prescribed with the under-performance translating to only R3.812 million from a total spending of R305 millions of allocated operational budget.

“The office spent 83% of its allocated budget and allow me to conclude by providing key highlights and justification for the appropriation we wish this house to make for the Office of the Premier in the 2022/23 Financial Year,” said Maape.

He said ICT Transformation Programme is budgeted at R116.8 million, while the provincial communication services are budgeted at R8 million and the bursary funding is budgeted at R4.4 million.

Maape said the review of the provincial spatial development framework is budgeted at R1 million.

“We will also increase the support of the Foundations such as Moses Kotane, Mama Ruth Mompati, JB Marks and Onkgopotse Tiro from R100 000 to R200 000 this financial year.

“Women and Rights of Children activities/intervention is budgeted at R1.1 million, disability and older persons’ activities/intervention is budgeted at R1.2 million, while mega and infrastructure programmes are budgeted at R1 million,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The residents said they have lost hope after the anticipated Old Age Home construction project worth R73.6 million in Pudimoe Township, near Taung is slowly ‘turning’ into a white elephant.

The state-run facility, which was constructed back in 2013, consists of 100 bed capacity, frail care unit, independent living unit, recreational hall, a kitchen, dining area, staff accommodation, laundry, gym and a TV room was expected to provide statutory services to the elderlies around the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region and the entire province. ty.

An HIV and AIDS Awareness activist, Motivational Speaker and Life skills & Health Coach, Neo Letlhogela said: “Most elderly people are vulnerable because they either stay alone or with their grandchildren. This exposes them to various crimes and danger as people know that they stay alone.

“We urge the North West Social Development department to ensure that the completion of the centre is imminent as it was also expected to create job opportunities, especially for the youth. Our senior citizens are the pillars of our communities, so it is important to acknowledge them and take care of them by ensuring that they remain safe and well looked after during their twilight years.”

The Re Aga Taung Civic Organisation chairperson, Modisaotsile Lebitse shared the same sentiments. Lebitse said crime is rife in that part of the world and the department needs to take that into consideration.

“It is entirely up to us to be devoted to helping our older people. Sometimes our elderly people continue to be abused by their grandchildren either emotionally, financially and physically for their own social grants. 

“We call on the department to complete the structure because some of elderly people stay alone, not because they want to. Sometimes their children are working far away from home and they are left vulnerable. So, the centre will assist in ensuring that they get decent care,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said: “I would like to put it on record that the Taung Old Age home has not turned into a white elephant. The official opening of this centre has been delayed due to some structural defects.

“Secondly, the heavy storms damaged the roof of the centre twice in November 2021. So, the department has since postponed the opening of the centre in order to conduct a comprehensive structural assessment in line with Occupational Health and Safety Act.”

Siko further said the second state-run old age home after Sonop, which is situated in Madibeng was established in Taung following reported incidents of vulnerability of older persons in the district. He added that the facility was established in line with the White Paper on social welfare services, which advocates for transformation and equitable distribution of resources among elderly people.

“The department is working around the clock to open the old age home in the first quarter of 2022 financial year, albeit the procurement challenges that were brought by Constitutional Court ruling on Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act and subsequent National Treasury advisory on procurement of goods not exceeding R30 000,” concluded Siko.

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By SAFA  

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is scheduled to announce the final squad to take on Morocco in the capital Rabat on 9 June 2022. The announcement will take place at 12pm on Thursday at SABC Radio Park and will be broadcast live on SABC 1.

The Bafana Bafana versus Morocco match will take place at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the North African country’s coastal city of Rabat.

South Africa is in Group K, which includes Liberia, while the fourth team, Zimbabwe, is suspended from international tournaments and won’t participate in the qualifiers. Last week, Broos announced his provisional squad of 37 players and will name his final list on Thursday before the team goes into camp.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Some of enraged street hawkers who were evicted yesterday and today at Taung Taxi Rank including town, accused the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) of being discourteous. This comes after the municipality implemented the court order to evict ‘illegal traders’ and demolished their shacks.

One of the illegal traders who refused to be named for fear of reprisal alleged that the municipality never gave them an alternative, instead all stalls were allocated to municipal officials’ cronies. He said he had been trying to apply for a stall through the municipal Local Economic Development (LED), but his attempts were futile.

“As a street hawker, I have employed two people to assist me. And I also employ more people when the need arises. Now, my shack has been demolished because the municipality alleged that I have occupied the land illegally.

“I understand that some municipal officials alleged that our businesses contribute to crime, litter, loitering and uncleanliness in the area. However, I always make sure that I remove all traces of trading on a daily basis,” he said.

Another illegal trader shared the same sentiments. She said it will be in the best interest of the municipality to consider street vendors as entrepreneurs, because that will contribute positively to growth of the economy.  

“I am a hair-dresser and all my customers consider my business reliable, convenient and competitive compared to others. I have been trying to apply for a stall, but I was sent from pillar to post by municipal officials.

“Remember, the informal economy contributes immensely to Taung’s revenue. So, I would like to urge the municipality to ensure that there is a close cooperation between them and us.  This will create a better understanding because not all occupations are undertaken by choice,” she said.

She said, there are personal, economic and social factors influencing participation in any occupation, so a comprehensive approach is needed when appraising them.

Meanwhile, the municipal mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe said, even though the municipality aims to promote sustainable workplace democracy, the fundamental problem is those who do not adhere to the municipal by-laws. Gaoraelwe further said everything should be done in accordance with the institutional framework through which the law is applied.

“As the municipality, we have obtained a court order to evict illegal hawkers at the Taung Taxi Rank and around town. In the past, the municipality did analysis and identified 52 illegal hawkers in the vicinity.

“These hawkers were rendered illegal because of the municipal by-law that we have in place. We implemented by-law 8 of 2005, which is called Street Trading and Control and by-law 2 sub-section 18, which says no person shall do business as a street trader, except with a prerogative permission of the municipality and in accordance with conditions set out in the permission,” he said.

He further said, as the municipality, they realised that there were illegal shacks mushrooming in town and taxi rank. Gaoraelwe added that some buildings were allegedly extended by makeshift shacks.

“The municipality’s Local Economic Development (LED) previously had a consultative engagement with these illegal hawkers and urged them to follow procedure, if they want to trade as hawkers. However, no one from them showed any interest and came forward.

“We gave them a notice on 17 February 2022, informing them to vacate their illegal stalls within seven days, but they did not heed to the call. So, the municipality applied for a court order to evict them,” he said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The six accused who were nabbed for allegedly defrauding the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality over R2.5 million released on R5000 bail each. Nkhensani Ndengeza (45), Mabaso Nazo (39), Rotshidzwa Khazamula (37), Vuyelwa Matshangaza (38), Mangaliso Matshangaza (37) and Lazarus Matshangaza (43) who are facing fraud, corruption and money laundering case, briefly appeared at the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

The Hawks spokesperson, Col Katlego Mogale said, the probe of the accused emanates from the VBS mutual Bank scandal investigation, wherein investigators noticed suspicious transactions on the account of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Municipality.

“The probing allegedly revealed that between 2017 and 2019, money was allegedly continuously deposited from the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Municipal accounts into the accounts of three municipality officials.

“One of the three officials who has since left the municipality would allegedly routinely make payments into the bank accounts of his wife and brother. He reportedly also routed more funds into an account belonging to a woman in Johannesburg allegedly under the guise of a tender that was awarded. The woman would subsequently send the money back to him,” Mogale said.

She said the six suspects were arrested simultaneously in Johannesburg, Vryburg, Orkney and Klerksdorp respectively on 24 May 2022. The matter was postponed to 1 August 2022 for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya expressed his gratitude for a job well done to both the investigation and prosecution in ensuring that these suspects are brought before court.

“No efforts will be spared in ridding the country of corruption and related activities,” Lebeya said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

FIVE suspects aged 37 and 45, who were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Unit, the Hawks for fraud, corruption and money laundering to the tune of R2.5 million are set to appear at the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, while the sixth suspect is still under police guard at the hospital where he was arrested.

The Hawks spokesperson, Col Katlego Mogale said the probe emanates from the VBS mutual Bank scandal investigation, wherein investigators noticed suspicious transactions on the account of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Municipality.

“The probing allegedly revealed that between 2017 and 2019, money was allegedly continuously deposited from the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Municipal accounts into the accounts of three municipality officials.

“One of the three officials who has since left the municipality would allegedly routinely make payments into the bank accounts of his wife and brother. He reportedly also routed more funds into an account belonging to a woman in Johannesburg allegedly under the guise of a tender that was awarded. The woman would subsequently send the money back to him,” Mogale said.

She said the six suspects were arrested simultaneously in Johannesburg, Vryburg, Orkney and Klerksdorp respectively on 24 May 2022.  

Meanwhile, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya expressed his gratitude for a job well done to both the investigation and prosecution in ensuring that these suspects are brought before court.

“No efforts will be spared in ridding the country of corruption and related activities,” Lebeya said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Three men aged 22 and 36, who are accused of selling drugs were allegedly burned to death by irate community members in Ga-Mokgopha Section in Morokweng village, near Ganyesa on Tuesday. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, some community members went to a rented house, where three men were staying and allegedly pelted it with stones.

“In the process of escaping the attack, the victims allegedly stabbed and injured some of the attackers. The group then chased and caught the men who were accused of dealing in drugs. They were then taken back to the house, which was eventually set alight with the trio inside.

“The victims were burnt to death and as a result, a case of kidnapping, murder and arson was registered. The investigation into the matter is still underway and no arrest thus far. The police remain on high alert following this atrocity,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said, the police are maintaining presence in the area to restore order. He added that community members are urged to remain calm and work with the police through Community Police Forum (CPF) to ensure that those who are behind these appalling acts are brought to book.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said: “I am perturbed by the incident. What happened in Morokweng is inhumane and it is totally unacceptable.

“This must be condemned as no human being should be subjected by another to any kind of brutal attack, irrespective of the nature of the accusation. I would like to reiterate that taking the law into one’s hands is unlawful and those who are perpetrating such acts, will be dealt with accordingly.”

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The newly-appointed executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae “Sense” Maje aims to change the bad image of the municipality. This comes after councillors and municipal officials at the embattled municipality, embarked on a four-day session of strategic planning in Parys recently.

“The aim of this initiative is to look into the mission and vision of the institution in order to ensure that they are still relevant. It is about time that negative images and practices associated with the municipality are rooted out for its own credibility.

“The municipality has the necessary internal capacity to live up to the point of reference and realise its intended objectives. However, we have become the laughing stock in the province for some time now,” he said.

Maje further said the municipality will improve on its provision of clean and drinkable water including sanitation. He added that the employees play a crucial role in ensuring that the municipality becomes ‘a force to be reckoned with’.

“We need to ensure that the employees bring back the decorum of this administration by ensuring that the work ethic of our personnel is brought back to where it is supposed to be. Working together with both internal and external stakeholders, we are going to root out maladministration and corruption that hindered us from returning to our former glory.

“To this effect, the new administration will continuously engage with all unions represented in this municipality such as SAMWU and IMATU. We need to ensure that their members adhere to the code of conduct as aligned in the Municipal System Act and the Disciplinary Collective Agreement,” said Maje.

He sent a stern warning to employees against being involved in any corruptive activities. Maje said these wayward actions will further derail the municipality on its mission to improve the lives of the masses.

The municipality was considered to be dysfunctional and listed as one of the worst performing municipalities in the country.

“If there is anyone among us, who still thinks or has a wayward illusion that things are going to remain the same, I urge them to reconsider their decision. Please, make a meaningful contribution towards the realisation of the aim and objectives of the new administration or make way for those who are prepared to do so.

“There is a need for the government to create a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment and create an environment, which people can live a better life. We have set ourselves a target to create jobs and combat poverty based on the economic and reconstruction programme,” he said.

Maje added: “I must also highlight that the government has put in place measures to unleash the potential of small businesses, micro businesses and informal businesses. I believe that economic recovery from the devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic should be geared towards supporting SMMEs in this district.

“This will create the much needed income and job opportunities. We must continue to engage with our social partners through the District Development Model (DDM) approach as part of the social compact process to achieve the municipality’s desired objectives,” concluded Maje.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Bribery and corruption has been flagged as the major threats to Small Medium and Macro Enterprises (SMMEs) especially in deep rural areas. This was highlighted during the recent visit of the Small Business Development deputy minister, Sdumo Dlamini in Taung.

Dlamini embarked on a roadshow to engage with small business owners and co-operatives to discuss economic growth and job creation opportunities.

However, some small business owners said, lack of access to finance and markets has severely affected them.

One of the small business owners, Xolani Nkonyana said: “Corruption and bribery are the major impediment to our business growth. I am running the only black-owned annual horse-racing event in the North West. However, I do not receive any support from the department because we are from Taung.

“The department was financially supporting the Bray annual horse-racing event, but stopped after they realised that the event is white-owned. I am running the same event, but I cannot be supported because it’s me.”

Nkonyana further said corruption and bribery shut them out of opportunities or forced them to part with their hard-earned money. He added that it hampers them to become self-sufficient and sustainable too.

Goitseone Matubako from Dryharts village, who runs an organic farm, shared the same sentiments. Matubako said the government has put some clauses that make it difficult for small business owners to get funding. He said their applications for funding continue to gather dust in the offices of some officials without any responsive measures.

“The bad services we receive from some officials demoralise entrepreneurs and delay the process. How possible that  we continue to apply for funding, but with no positive outcomes. It is heart-breaking because even some officials never have any decency to inform us why our applications were turned down,” he said.

North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Kenetswe Mosenogi said: “This is not the first time meeting here, last time we were in Tlakgameng with the department and it is important that we bring services like this to our local area.

“We opened funding last year for SMMEs between R100 000 and R200 000, however, we only received 2000 applications across the province and 18 of them came from Dr Ruth Segomotsi Monpati. This is one of the poorest regions in the province, so I requested the department to re-open applications only for the region.”

Mosenogi encouraged those who are interested to apply again. She said food security is needed here and the government cannot combat unemployment alone.

“The SMMEs play a crucial role and contribute 22% of the turnover. The SMMEs generate 10 million jobs, so we are encouraging everybody to start with the little that they have, so that they can create more jobs.

“Opportunities are available, but the difficulty is the access to information. Now, the national government has established a portal and many of us do not make use of it. So, we encourage you to register your companies, so that you can receive assistance as the government supports only those companies that are registered,” said Mosenogi.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Small Business Development, Sdumo Dlamini said there is a high rate of unemployment, particularly among the youth and women. Dlamini said they have engaged into a consultative meeting with other stakeholders, where SMMEs and cooperatives raised their challenges that they are facing.

“They have raised the difficulties they are facing and sharply raised the matter of corruption. They alleged that the corruption is at the centre of delaying them to get opportunities to run their services,” he said.

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