By OBAKENG MAJE

Service delivery at Phokwane continues to be affected after municipal workers embark on a week-long unprotected strike. This comes after the embattled Phokwane Local Municipality failed to pay their September salaries.

Now, residents in the area call for the Northern Cape Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA)’s intervention.  

One source said: “We urge the COGHSTA department to disband the municipality. The infights between the mayor, Chief Whip and the acting Municipal Manager continue to affect service delivery and plague the municipality in disarray.

“Nothing has changed since the new leadership ascended to the helm hence we call for an overhaul. These people do not care about service delivery, but instead, they put their own interests at the forefront.”  

It is alleged that mayor, Olebogeng Tumodi and the Chief Whip, Remaketse Selogilwe forcefully took the key of the acting Municipal Manager, Kealeboga Gaborone’s office. This allegedly caused her not to pay the salaries of the municipal workers.

Now, municipal workers allegedly poured faeces at the reception and blocked the entrance of the municipality with refuse bags.

The Democratic Alliances (DA) councillor at the municipality, Annette van Wyk said they are concerned about the lack of service delivery.

“The DA will now make good on our threat to lay criminal charges against the municipality in respect of NEMA 107 of 1998 Section 49A (1) in an effort to enforce some kind of accountability.

“No amount of criminal charges, however, will make up for the inherent inefficiency within Phokwane, where ANC-infighting continues to thwart service delivery. This has already been demonstrated by numerous failed government-driven interventions in Phokwane,” van Wyk said.

She further said the failure of the municipality to fix an affordable and easy to repair sewerage spill that is wreaking devastation on homes, schools and businesses in Jan Kempdorp, has again raised concerns about the ANC-run local government’s internal instability and poor financial state.

“The sewerage situation at the silos remains intolerable. Sewage continues to seep into boreholes, with at least two already contaminated with E. coli. Sewage in the road is already pushing up into houses in Andalusia Park and in a house at the “Lande”.

“Businesses, school and a creche in the industrial area are also badly affected. The DA further previously reported that two bodies have been found in the sewage that has dammed up at the silos,” said van Wyk.

Meanwhile, Tumodi said: “We have noted in dismay the ongoing unlawful demonstration by employees from the beginning of the week. As much as we are disappointed by the actions of our employees, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to timeously resolve the impulse.

“There is ongoing engagements between the employer and recognised stakeholders to expedite the resolve (sic). We wish to confirm that salaries of employees will be paid on time, other outstanding payments will be facilitated as a matter of urgency.”  

Tumodi added: “We wish to implore our employees to desist from engaging on unlawful strike and afford the leadership of the institution to resolve all concerns. We wish to express our utmost apology for any inconvenience caused, together we shall build a better society.”

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By STAFF REPORTER

Three suspects were arrested for business robbery at Tswelelang Location near Wolmaranstad on Tuesday. 

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Tshepang Boikanyo (22), Mosimanegape Malcolm Mokhutswane (33) and Katiso Mothupi (24) accosted a tuckshop owner (33) and threatened him with a knife.

“The trio allegedly overpoweredr shop owner in his shop at Tswelelang Location. The tuck shop owner was closing his shop, when the suspects grabbed him and held a knife against his neck. 

“They allegedly ransacked the place and took an undisclosed amount of cash before they fled the scene on foot,” Myburgh said. 

She said, however, the police managed to trace and arrest them shortly after the incident. 

 Myburgh further said the suspects were remanded in custody after they appeared at Wolmaranstad Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. She said the case was postponed until 22 September 2021 for formal bail application. 

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By OBAKENG MAJE

One of the patients who were admitted at Christiana Hospital has died. Monnaotsile Jacob Dire (52) from Khudutlou village near Taung was one of 22 patients who were ferried to nearby hospitals and Community Healthcare Centres (CHCs) after the hospital that was under construction engulfed by fire.

Now, Boitumelo Motswakae who is a nephew to the deceased said they believe that Dire who was transferred to Taung District Hospital, might have suffered from smoke inhalation and died.

“My uncle had swollen feet and we transported him to the hospital where he was admitted. However, on 8 September 2021, we received a call informing us that he has been transferred to Taung District Hospital after a blaze of fire ravaged the hospital.

“We received another call later on while we were preparing to go to the hospital to visit him telling us that he had passed away. What surprised us, the official who was on the phone instructed us to wait for three days before we could come to the hospital,” Motswakae said.

He said he went to the hospital to get more details the following day. Motswakae said he spent almost four hours at the hospital waiting to be assisted after being sent from “pillar to post.”

“There is something sinister about the cause of my uncle’s death. I was heartbroken seeing him in such a state. He was admitted to the COVID-19 unit even though he was negative, so we want to understand.  

“The hospital also refused to tell us what was the cause of his death. As a family, we suspect that he might have been killed by smoke inhalation from Christiana Hospital. So, we need answers,” Motswakae said.

However, the North West health department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane refuted Motswakae’s allegations.  

“The department wishes to state categorically clear that the patient was not admitted on a COVID-19 positive ward. He was, however, admitted as a COVID-19 suspect because he had general body weakness, shortness of breath, and low blood sugar.

“Patients who are COVID-19 suspects cannot by any means be admitted in the same ward as those who are positive, but they cannot be admitted in the same ward as those who are negative, while their status is not yet known,” he said.

Lekgethwane further said Dire was admitted at the PUI ward and managed there while waiting for results. He said the COVID-19 PCR test was collected at 12H50, but sadly the patient passed away at 19H49 the same day.

“The results of the patient came back negative on 10 September 2021 after the patient had already passed away. The patient had a lot of complications coupled with uncontrollable sugar levels and this made his organs not respond to treatment.

“So, his death was not caused by smoke inhalation because all patients at the hospital were evacuated on time,” he said.

Dire will be buried on 18 September 2021.

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By STAFF REPORTER

Former SABC reporter, Sello Tatai was appointed as the North West Premier, Bushy Maape spokesperson. Maape said in a statement that Tatai comes with a wealth of experience in the media and communications fraternity.

“He is a former senior television journalist with a career spanning close to a decade. Tatai holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, African Literature, and Media Studies from the University of Witwatersrand, an Advanced Certificate in African Political Economy from the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute (TMALI).

“He is currently pursuing his Post-Graduate Degree in Public Administration with the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA),” he said. 

While excited at his new responsibilities, Tatai succinctly avers that given the rurality of the province, communications must play a developmental role. He said this must encapsulate informing and educating the people of the North West about various government programmes and plans in fighting the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and income inequalities.

“The North West story must also include profiling the majestic tourist destination sites that the province has to offer, the heritage and culture through music, arts, literature, and preservation of oral history.

“The re-imaging of the province is therefore of critical importance in luring investment to the shores of the province while creating socio-economic opportunities for the youth, women as well as emerging and small enterprises. The communication of the province must be seen propagating for this trajectory,” said Tatai.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Reivilo- A 47-YEAR-OLD teacher from Tshepang Thuto Primary School in Reivilo is expected to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 30 September 2021 for allegedly assaulting a Grade 7 learner with sjambok.

According to the learner’s parent, Mogomotsi Jacobs, the teacher assaulted Refentse Jacobs (12) on 23 August 2021 after he accused him of stealing a memorandum. Jacobs said she reported the matter to the school, but the North West education department ignored her.

“I was surprised when I bathed my child and saw some bruises on his hand. I asked him what had happened and he said the teacher has beaten him up after accusing him of stealing a memorandum.

“I was confused because even though my son did not attend school that day, he went to his friend and borrowed the memorandum so that he could do his homework. He requested money to go and make copies of the assignment and did his homework as required,” Jacobs said.

She said according to her son, the teacher was surprised to see him handing over homework when he requested it because he thought her son did not do it. Jacobs alleged that then the teacher accused her son of stealing a memorandum and assaulted him.

“My son tried to explain and reason with him that he did not steal anything, however, he was assaulted nonetheless. I launched a complaint with the school, but nothing was done. So, I decided to go to the police station and open an assault case because it is not the first time the teacher accused of beating learners,” said Jacobs.

North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “We can confirm that a case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm was opened at Reivilo Police Station. A suspect was charged and will appear before court for his first court appearance on Thursday, 30 September 2021.”

Meanwhile, the North West education department spokesperson, Elias Malindi said corporal punishment is against the law and has been prohibited in schools. Malindi further said the matter is under investigation and a disciplinary hearing will be conducted soon.

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By STAFF REPORTER

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said a stock-theft case against Boniwe Marcia Dichaba (39) was struck off the roll because there is no prima facie case against her for now. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Dichaba was arrested for stock theft in Mokassa 2 near Taung on 10 September 2021.   

“A stock theft incident was reported after a cow and three calves were recovered after the trailer that was transporting them overturned. The police were summoned to the scene and arrested Dichaba as she could allegedly not account for them(cows).

“Police also managed later to identify the rightful owners of the cows. The suspect appeared in court on 13 September 2021 on a charge of stock theft. The police investigation is continuing,” she said.

However, NPA regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “The matter was not enrolled on the court roll because there is no prima facie case against the accused for now, but police will conduct further investigations.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 36-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said Alfred Sphiwe Dlamini was apprehended on 12 September 2021, after he handed himself over at the Hebron Police Station.

“Initial investigation led the police to a shack in Itireleng Section in Hebron, where the body of Lebogang Mahlabahlaba Mokonyane (33) was found under the bed with a stab wound on her neck.

“According to the accused, the tragic incident happened on 11 September 2021 morning. Dlamini briefly appeared at the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 23 September 2021,” Myburgh said.

Meanwhile, North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said: “We are saddened by this atrocity. We request the community to resolve their differences peacefully rather than resorting to violence or seek professional assistance from social workers and other professionals.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE  

North West Premier, Busy Maape said the province has many semiarid areas but they will ensure that communities receive indispensable services including provision of water. Maape along with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu embarked on an oversight visit to Brits Water treatment plant on Friday.   

“The municipality will expedite all processes in bringing about change in this project. This is done in the interests of our communities. I further commit that all relevant authorities will move with speed in adhering to the set-out the deadlines.

“This is part of a broader plan which encapsulates expediting provision of services to communities. The municipalities are strategically positioned to accelerate provision of services to the people of the province and this will top the agenda of my administration,” he said.

Maape further said they are duty-bound to respond to challenges of service delivery in the province. He added that as per the dictates of the constitution municipalities are legally obligated to carry this constitutional imperative.

“We are confident that the completion of the project will bring much-needed relief to our people. We will be monitoring progress from the province to make sure that actions agreed upon are implemented.  

“We made an oversight visit to assess its status and develop a remedial action plan to respond to challenges bedeviling provision of water services in this municipality. In the recent past, several concerns have been raised by residents with regards to the poor quality of water provision by the municipality,” said Maape.

Meanwhile, Mchunu who was accused of using this activity for ‘electioneering’ said: “It is a coincidence that the ministry’s appointment and subsequent assumption of duty in relation to the provision of water and sanitation services and intervening in the problems which persist, is being perceived by some as electioneering on behalf of the governing party and not viewed as part of us actually carrying out the constitutional and legislative mandates of the department.

“Having read the views expressed on various platforms, including print and social media, what was interesting to note was that these lofty comments emanated from individuals who have full and unrestricted access to clean water, rather than those without any or restricted access to water.”

He said it has also been opined by some individuals, that the non-delivery of water is not as a result of water shortages, but rather as a result of serious mismanagement that plague municipalities.

Mchunu said they acknowledge and confirm that there are challenges in municipalities, for example, the City of Tshwane in relation to the water issues in Hammanskraal, in which they are currently intervening.

“In respect of these management challenges and the non-delivery of water and sanitation services, we have intervened, interacted with municipalities outside of and as part of our provincial visits and have reached consensus on a way forward in most respects.

“What we do emphasise during our engagements is that, whilst we acknowledge the role played by the municipalities as water services authorities, we will not allow their inefficiencies to impede on the delivery of water and sanitation services to the citizens of South Africa,” said Mchunu.

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By STAFF REPORTER

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) has urged people to continue to adhere to COVID-19 regulations. This comes after the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa put the country on the adjusted Lockdown level 2 on Sunday evening.  

SANCO national spokesperson, Simon Skhosana said in a statement that they welcome the lowering of COVID-19 restrictions, however, they caution against irresponsible behaviour particularly in the run-up towards the 2021 Local Government Elections on 1 November 2021.      

“Vaccine hesitancy remains a major obstacle towards herd immunity which will guarantee economic recovery and a return to some form of normalcy. Public education and mobilization to ramp up vaccination rollout must therefore be intensified to counter myths and conspiracy theories particularly among men.

“We implore various political parties not to run ahead of themselves in their quest to speedily mobilise voters through mass gatherings while compromising the lives of the targeted voters. Those who do so would not be deserving of anyone’s vote,” he said.

Skhosana highlighted that non-surgical intervention such as wearing of masks, observing social distancing, and regular washing of hands or sanitizing must be religiously followed to curb infections.

He also urged unregistered and first-time voters to make use of the 18-19 September 2021 final weekend voter registration to register for participation in the crucial elections.

“None should miss the opportunity to exercise their hard-won democratic right to vote for candidates of their own choice who will advance their wishes and aspirations. All of us must go out there and ensure that our addresses are correctly captured on the voters’ roll.

“Communities must not be intimidated by those who are desperate enough to resort to political killings and public violence when they are not nominated as councillors. Barbaric acts of violence such as the drive-by shooting that claimed the lives of three women in KwaZulu-Natal have no place in democratic processes,” said Skhosana.

He further calls on communities to reject such heinous and ghastly acts with the contempt that they deserve as well as assist law enforcement agencies to unmask the heartless perpetrators responsibly.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said: “South Africa is fast becoming a vaccination site. Over a quarter of all adult South Africans have received at least one vaccine dose and more than 7

million people are fully vaccinated.

“In the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and the Western Cape, more than 1 in 5 adults are now fully vaccinated. The total number of vaccine doses administered in the country now stands at 14.6 million doses.”

He said they are now administering a million doses every 4 to 5 days. Ramaphosa added that the government has secured sufficient vaccines to vaccinate the entire adult population, and the supply of vaccines is no longer a constraint.

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