By OBAKENG MAJE

The African National Congress in the North West has called for thorough investigations after the house of the North West MEC for Cooperative, Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Lenah Miga was gutted by fire at Makhubung village near Mahikeng on Wednesday night.

According to the Mahikeng Fire Station station commander, Michael Matlawe, people who were in the house at the time allegedly said the fire started in the part of the house where their bedrooms are situated.

“The family noticed a huge flame while they were watching television in the lounge, but they were fortunate enough to exit the house in time without suffering any injuries. The Mahikeng Fire Services was alerted by the incident at around 8:18pm.

“They immediately dispatched to the scene with their fire engine and managed to contain the fire. However, some parts of the house were completely destroyed, while the main structure also had some fire damage,” Matlawe said.

ANC IPC spokesperson, Kenny Morolong said: “We have learnt with utter shock an incident of a fire that broke out at the private residence of Miga. The ANC wishes members of her family, who were inside the house a speedy recovery after they were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

“We call on law enforcement agencies to conduct a speedy and rigorous investigation into this incident.”

North West Premier, Bushy Maape also shared the same sentiments. Maape said he is pleased that despite this unfortunate incident, no life was lost and there were no injuries sustained by any of the occupants when the house caught fire.

Meanwhile, Miga spokesperson, Tsholofelo Mathibedi said Miga has been shattered by the incident.

“You will remember that a few years ago, Miga’s car was torched and now is the house. However, even though she is devastated, she still believes that justice will prevail. She was also grateful that no one has sustained injuries and her family members evacuated the house unharmed,” said Mathibela.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 22-YEAR-OLD boy is expected to appear at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). This follows a boy seen on a video that went viral on various social media platforms, kicking a girl (16) impenitently.  

North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sergeant Tryphosa van Rooyen said the incident took place at Huhudi Township near Vryburg on 22 November 2021 at around 6:45pm. 

She said a case of Assault GBH was opened at the Huhudi Police station.

“It is alleged that the 16-year -old victim was at her parental home when she went outside to close the gate. The victim was met at the gate by the suspect who started to assault her.

“The suspect ended up kicking her whilst his friends were looking on. The victim managed to run into her home when the suspect was distracted. The suspect was arrested on 24 November 2021 and is due to appear in court soon,” said van Rooyen.

She said an investigation is underway to determine what the cause of the despicable actions was.

Meanwhile, the Young Communist League of South Africa YCLSA in Naledi Sub-District condemned the incident. The YCLSA Naledi Sub-District coordinator, Vuyani Mayedwa said: “We are saddened by the recent on-going circulating video of a young boy brutally assaulting a teenage girl.

“As the YCLSA, we would like to assure the community of Naledi that we’ll not rest until the victimised girl finds justice because it cannot be correct that in the mist of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we find ourselves dealing with the arousal of another pandemic which is GBV.”

He further said the YCLSA challenges and condemns the barbaric behaviour of perpetrators of GBV as the country approaches 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Development Ms Lindiwe Zulu and the North West MEC of Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa will join hands with Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mine to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign in Swartklip.

North West MEC for Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said the event forms part of Minister Zulu’s 16 Days of Activism Programme, which is commemorated from 25 November to 10 December 2021 under the national theme: “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke-Moving from awareness to accountability”.

“The recent quarterly crime statistics released by the Minister of Police, Gen Bheki Cele show once again the unacceptably high levels of crime against women and children, with almost 10 000 people brutalised and sexually violated within a period of three months.

“Of major concern is that these violent crimes are perpetrated by people that survivors and victims know and trust, and happen in their own homes. The formal programme will be preceded by a walk against GBVF organised by Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mine and ACT Now, a Non-Profit Organisation established by concerned men to fight the scourge of GBVF in South Africa,” he said.

Siko added that after the formal programme, Zulu and Moiloa will visit the bereaved family of the latest victim of GBV in Mabodisa Section, Moruleng Village. The victim’s mutilated body was recently found in a refrigerator in Soweto, Gauteng.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The inauguration of the municipal council for the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality will take place on Friday. This comes after the municipal council inauguration meeting was adjourned indefinitely on 23 November 2021 due to failure of the Mamusa Local Municipality council to send its representatives.  

Mamusa Local Municipality council meeting was marred with disruptions after some of ANC councillors voted with opposition parties and elected the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Olebeng Mogorotsi as the municipal speaker.

However, the council meeting was finally convened during the late night on 23 November 2021 and ANC councillor, Seitebaleng Chelechele was elected as the new mayor.

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality acting municipal manager, Collen Colane who chaired the meeting said: “We will adjourn the council meeting because the Mamusa Local Municipality has not sent its representatives to the district. So, we will adjourn to allow them the process to convene their council meeting.

“This is in line with the Municipal Structures Act. Remember, the district council has 14 days to convene after the last of the local councils has appointed its representatives to the district council,” Colane said.   

Former ANC regional secretary in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Gaolatlhwe Kgabo is expected to be elected as the executive mayor, while Kgalalelo Sereko is expected to ascend to the municipal speaker position. 

The former executive mayor, Elvis Tladinyane is expected to resume his municipal duties as the Chief Whip.   

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape applauded all municipalities after convening its councils without hindrance. Maape said municipalities have this week been hard at work to set up new councils following the 2021 Local Government Elections.

“This process has unfolded smoothly in the province and I want to congratulate all the elected public representatives in this important sphere of government. The councils have now elected the mayors, speakers and whips and the most important task of service delivery to the communities should commence immediately.

“We want to assure all councils the support of the provincial government in their efforts to roll out services to citizens. To this end, we will next week convene the Premier’s Coordinating Council which is attended by all mayors in the province,” he said.

Maape further said the Premier’s Coordinating Council is expected to focus squarely on service delivery issues in municipalities across the province. When he was elected as the Premier of the North West in September 2021, Maape committed to prioritising service delivery and job creation.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A-36-YEAR-OLD policeman has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with a R12 000 fine for negligent loss of a firearm by the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court near Rustenburg.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Constable Fortune Godwin Moemise’s conviction emanated from an incident in which he forgot his service pistol at his girlfriend’s place on 20 August 2020.

Mokgwabone further said a friend of Moemise’s girlfriend took the firearm, allegedly used it to commit attempted armed robbery and attempted murder.

“The friend was arrested and separately charged for attempted armed robbery and attempted murder as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Moemise from Rustenburg Detectives, was fined R12 000 or sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.

“However, the half of which is suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of contravention of provision of Section 120 (s) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000) during the period of suspension,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has welcomed the sentencing of Moemise. Kwena also warned members to ensure that their equipment is kept safe and in accordance with the prescripts.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The newly-elected mayor of the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Tumisang ‘Daddy’ Gaoraelwe (40) said he is meticulously prepared to ‘steer’ the municipality to the right direction. Gaoraelwe was sworn-in as the new mayor during the municipal council inauguration meeting at Sebitlwane Special School in Lokaleng village near Taung on Monday.

“I am grateful to be elected as the new mayor. It is our aim as the new cohort to play a crucial role in ensuring that we implement laws and policies that can greatly impact on how the municipality is run.

“So, as a political head, I believe this position can be both challenging and rewarding but requires an individual who is vigorously prepared for all what a political life entails. I believe I was born with the zeal of activism in me,” he said.

Buoyed Gaoraelwe who joined politics 16 years ago, said he equally grasped his enthusiasm to become a politician from his late brother, Goitseone Christopher “Jukie” Gaoraelwe who was a member of ANC MK (ANC military wing).

Jukie Gaoraelwe went to exile in 1989 and trained in Tanzania until he lost his life in 1995 back in South Africa.

“So, ordinarily, someone in the family had to take the baton. I started participating in politics during the time of “The downfall of Bophuthatswana ” era. I was only doing standard 6 at Olihile Mancwe Middle School in Pampierstad Township, which falls under the Northern Cape Province now.

“Due to the political milieu of the time, there was a student revolt and we were roped-in by older students to join the Congress of South African Student (COSAS),” said Gaoraelwe.

He further said they were given the understanding that all sectors of the community including political youth formations have to play part in the political transition, which was the national agenda at the time.   

A political activist, an academic, a creative artist at heart and a father of four said, he is a proud member of the ruling party and dedicated his life to fight for the cause.

“I am the 10^th child and last born in the family. I am the proud son of Kelebilemang Iris Gaoraelwe (Mankuroane-Maiden Surname) and Kgomotso Albert Gaoraelwe. I have occupied various leadership positions within the ANC and outside.

“It gives me a great pleasure and privilege to have been chosen among many by my organisation to lead the municipality. However, as I ascend to this position, I am deployed by the ruling party to ensure that we unite all people of South Africa, Africans in particular, for the complete liberation of the country,” said Gaoraelwe.

He said under his stewardship, he will ensure that people are in charge of their developmental aspirations. Gaoraelwe said the ‘plan of action’ for any municipality is the five year strategic document called the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) that is informed by the Community Based Planning (CBP), which is the communities consolidated priorities in regard to development.

Gaoraelwe’s Academic Qualifications

Honours Degree in Public Administration (Mancosa 2021)

B.A Degree in Conservation Tourism and Sustainable Development (2010 NWU)

Higher Certificate in Local Government (2018)

Matric (Batlhaping High School-Taung 1998)

Political career

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By OBAKENG MAJE  

It may be tough to be the next Floyd Mayweather or Canelo Alvarez. However, 25 young boxers who will be representing the North West province under the auspices of the South African National Amateur Boxing Organisation (SANABO) say they got what it takes.

Young boxers aged between 12 and 18, will be performing at Gqeberha in the Easten Cape during December 2021.

North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said she believes that these younger boxers will put out a ‘stellar performance’ and put the North West on the map.

“These boys and girls will be competing in the cadets (12 – 14 years) and juniors (15 and 16 years) from 14 to 18 December 2021. In the last encounter back in 2019, the North West scooped overall second place in cadets and third in juniors.

“They also romped home with the Boxer of the Tournament Award, through Olona Kolo. 

The North West boxers were chosen from a provincial tournament that took place last Saturday in Rustenburg, where all four districts were represented,” Tlhapi said.

According to the department, the event comprised 28 bouts among young boys and girls, vying for a ticket to the coastal city. Tlhapi further said the tournament in Rustenburg and the provincial selections mark important milestones in their quest to bring boxing back to life in the province.

“Rustenburg was the second in a four destination series of tournaments to revive boxing in the province. The first one was in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda. Beyond the national event, we are setting our eyes on the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Ngaka Modiri Molema Districts.

“We wish our boys and girls well in their quest for glory in the Eastern Cape. Given the size of our province, one could safely say they punch above their weight. We all hope they will keep or even improve on the high standards they set in Limpopo two years ago,” she said.

Tlhapi added that through them, they hope to produce boxers in the calibre of the late Norman ‘’Pangaman’’ Sekgapane.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 22-YEAR-OLD woman is expected to appear at Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 22 November 2021 for murder. North West police spokesperson, Lit Colonel Amanda Funani said there was a commotion between the suspect and her cousin (42).

Funani said the atrocity took place at Amalia on 20 November 2021.

“According to allegations, the victim was visiting his mother’s residential place and found the suspect eating. They allegedly had an argument and the suspect took out a knife and threatened to stab him.

“However, the victim’s girlfriend managed to intervene and grabbed the knife from the suspect. The victim and the suspect were then left alone. The victim arrived a while later at his residential place which is three houses away from her mother’s residence and told his girlfriend that the suspect stabbed him on his upper body,” she said. 

Funani further said an ambulance was called, but the victim died before he could be ferried to the nearby hospital. She added that the police were also summoned and the suspect was arrested and charged with murder.

The motive for the murder is still unknown and investigation into the matter continues.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and lauded the police for their quick response that led to the arrest and detention of the  alleged perpetrator.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The North-West University (NWU) Council has appointed Prof Sonia Swanepoel as the new deputy Vice-Chancellor for Community Engagement and Mahikeng Campus Operations on 18 November 2021, where she will serve a three year term.

The university’s website said: “As an industrial psychologist, Swanepoel has extensive knowledge and experience in various areas of teaching and learning, research and innovation, community engagement and management.

 “She has been serving as acting deputy vice-chancellor for Community Engagement and Mahikeng Campus Operations since May 2021. Before that, she was executive dean of the NWU’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences for four years.”

According to the website, Swanepoel has also previously served as the executive dean of the former Faculty of Commerce and Administration in Mahikeng.

“Before joining the NWU eleven years ago, she was a consultant for Synergy Labour Consulting and held various positions at the Tshwane University of Technology, including that of dean and head of department.

“She was also a lecturer, senior lecturer and principal at Technikon Pretoria from 1982 until 2003. Swanepoel holds BCom and BCom Hons degrees in Personnel Management, and MCom and DCom degrees in Human Resources Management from the University of Pretoria,” said the website.

Swanepoel is part of various professional organisations, including the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the Psychology Association of South Africa for Industrial Psychology.

She was the chairperson of the higher-education committee of the South African Board of People Practices (SABPP) from 2011 to 2015. In addition, Swanepoel was a SABPP board member until 2015 and is a chartered human resources professional of this organisation.

“Swanepoel has presented many articles at conferences and published various articles in accredited journals, as well as in other journals and reports. Through her guidance and mentoring, nine students have obtained their PhD degrees and 16 their master’s degrees.

“The NWU Council congratulated her on her appointment and expressed full confidence in her ability to lead the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus and, as part of the executive management team, the broader university, to even greater successes,” said the website.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The residents of Maphoitsile village near Taung welcomed the appointment of Tshepiso Seth Mvula as the new principal for Maphoitsile Primary School from January 2022. This follows the resignation of the embattled school principal, Kgotlaetsile Maboitshege.  

Maboitshege was removed from the school in June 2021 after he allegedly sexually assaulted a Grade 6 learner. It is alleged that Maboitshege sexually violated a learner by touching her breasts and private parts without her consent. 

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) and community members picketed outside the school calling for his removal. SANCO branch organizer, Lucky Tidikwe said then that they have engaged in a consultative meeting with the department and they were happy that Maboitshege was finally removed.

“The learner reported this matter to her grandmother who is her guardian. However, nothing was done to address it even though the parent went to school to report it. What Maboitshege did was wrong and surprisingly, more than five female learners also came forward with the same allegations.

“Imagine, the same teacher who taught us many years ago. He was supposed to regard these children as his granddaughters. It is clear that our learners are not living in a safer environment here. We have also advised the parents of the learner to go and open a criminal case with the police,” Tidikwe said.

Meanwhile, the North West Education Department spokesperson, Elias Malindi said: “Yes, Mr Mvula has been transferred to the school and he will resume his duties as the new school principal in January 2022.

“Mr Maboitshege has resigned and his sexual assault matter has long been submitted to labour in the department. Mr Mvula is an experienced principal and we believe he will make a positive impact at the school,” Malindi said.

Mvula is currently the principal at Mokgareng Secondary School in Mokgareng village, Taung.

Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati also welcomed Mvula’s appointment. F4SD regional spokesperson, Mika Moeti said: “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the department. Actually, they have transferred the right person who possesses great qualities of leadership.

“Mr Mvula is a visionary and he has done well in his career. So, we believe that he will steer this ship to the right direction and develop great leaders of tomorrow. What I like about this is that he is also from this community.”

Mika concluded that Mvula will work diligently to ensure that teachers are equipped to be able to be great leaders in the classroom.

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