Picture Supplied: The late former Greater Taung Local Municipality speaker, Deliwe Zethi
By REGINALD KANYANE
Heartfelt condolences continue to pour in after the passing of the Greater Taung Local Municipality speaker, Deliwe Zethi. South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West described Zethi as a community builder and a courageous leader.
Zethi (53) who served as SANCO Regional Executive Committee member in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District succumbed to cancer sickness earlier last week.
SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “Zethi was a women’s rights activist and a versatile civic movement leader. We are saddened by her death and we will dip our revolutionary banner in her honour.
“She was not just like an ordinary comrade, but a rare breed of a true revolutionary cadre, a fountain of wisdom who served the movement with passion, unwavering loyalty, and dedication.”
Sebegoe said Zethi’s political track record speaks volumes and attests that her death is a colossal loss because she has made an indelible mark with her selfless contribution. He further said Ma-Z as Zethi was affectionately known in the political arena, was an embodiment of the revolutionary alliance.
“She had selflessly served African National Congress and Mass Democratic Movement structures in various capacities including the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati ANC Regional Executive Committee for four terms, the SACP District and Provincial Executive Committees.
“Her long battle with cancer was never a stumbling block to continue the struggle against the triple oppression of inequality, unemployment and poverty. Even throughout her hospitalization when death stared her in the face, she never gave up and hoped that one day she will be discharged and continue championing the cause for the vulnerable and voiceless in our communities,” said Sebegoe.
F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti shared the same sentiments. Moeti who served as Zethi’s Personal Assitant said she was a struggle icon and a great leader that represented women very well in many structures.
“She has left footprints in the Home Affairs Local Forum including many stakeholders. I was personally happy to have served in her office as her Personal Assistant (PA) from September 2013 to February 2015.
“As her PA, she was focused and had the interest of the people at heart. Many people will attest to that. Zethi has put the Greater Taung Local Municipality on the map in terms of public participation as our council occupied the second place in the North West after Bojanala District,” said Moeti.
The film industry continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of the economy in South Africa. According to research, the industry contributes R2.5 billion a year to the Gauteng economy and 80% of over 150 registered producers in South Africa are based in Gauteng.
Now, the National Film and Foundation (NFVF) have cast it’s net wider and partnered with integrated marketing and communications company, Gateway Media, and a creative film hub, Leaders in Motion Academy (LIMA) to conduct a four-day workshop in the North West province.
A seasoned actress, Nolo Phiri who is the Project Manager said: “The film and television space is one that increasingly grows with time. It carries legendary creative and produces state-of-the-art filmmakers who are dedicated to conceptualizing the filmmaking process.
“The fast-paced and innovative industry also calls for an opportunity to bring in new talent and perspective. Integrated marketing and communications company, Gateway Media; creative film hub, Leaders in Motion Academy (LIMA) and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) have partnered to host a 4-day production master class, in both Rustenburg and Mahikeng respectively.”
Phiri said the exclusive workshops will be led by actors Thato Molamu, Neo Ntlatleng, and Ayanda Sithebe among other industry leaders. She added that they will introduce a theoretical and practical curriculum for those that have an interest in creative storytelling.
“Scriptwriting, directing and film production will be some of the modules that are explored ahead of completing the end-to-end process of the filmmaking class. There exist a great number of untold stories that deserve to be told.
“Filmmaking is one of the most powerful forms in which rich content can be created and molded to entertain, inform and have your story heard. The upcoming master classes are designed to educate, empower and challenge those who want to grow in the field of Film and Television,” said Phiri.
She further said the master classes aim to connect and give access to creativity by up-skilling and providing relevant and comprehensive training. Phiri said entries are now open from the 23 to the 26 March for aspiring TV and film producers in Rustenburg and from the 5 to the 9 April for those in Mahikeng.
Meanwhile, the North West Tourism Board launched Film Festival in Taung late last year. North West Tourism Board CEO, Advocate Mothusi Tsineng said there are beautiful destinations across Taung that filmmakers can make use of.
“Our package won’t discriminate against anybody, whether you are a domestic or international filmmaker. Anybody who has an interest will be accommodated because to us, this is more than anything than economic development.
“There are areas here in Taung that you will go to and be amazed at. There are beautiful landscapes at Taung Dam. You can also go to Dinkgwaneng and take an aerial shot, they are very beautiful too. So, anybody who could see that would want to come and do their movies here,” Tsineng said.
The Tourism Board said it is in the process of building a film school so that would assist in upskilling locals to benefit from these tourism attractions.
Northern Cape will finally have Special Investigating Unit (SIU). This comes after the announcement by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola.
Lamola said Northern Cape was the only province without the SIU provincial office and it was serviced by Free State, North West and Western Cape.
“The Northern Cape Provincial Office forms part of the new SIU strategy, which focuses on implementing business process improvements that are result driven. The strategy places emphasis on the positive impact of the SIU work.
“This will also improve our turnaround time of investigations, reach the expected legal outcomes and ensure the implementation of SIU outcomes and recommendations,” he said.
The SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said: “The SIU is an independent forensic and litigation agency established by the President in terms of the Special Investigating Unit and Special Tribunal Act, Act 74 of 1996, to investigate serious malpractice, corruption, malfeasance and maladministration.
“This is in relation to the administration of State institutions, State assets and public money as well as any conduct which may seriously harm the interest of the State and the public.”
The opening will take place at Mittah Seperepere International Convention Centre in Kimberly at 10am on Thursday.”
TWO suspects aged 33 and 35 arrested for being in possession of illegal gold-bearing material and ammunition. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the police received a tip-off and went to a certain house in Kanana Township, near Orkney on Wednesday where they conducted a search.
“The police found seven 9mm live ammunition and gold-bearing material worth R1.2 million. They further seized more than R300 000 which was found in possession of the suspects. Meanwhile, both suspects are expected to appear in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court soon.
“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has taken over the investigation of the case. North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police for the success and reiterated that they will continue to act strongly against those who commit illicit economic activities,” Mokgwabone said.
It’s all systems go for the ANC North West to elect its new leadership. This comes after the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) co-coordinator, Hlomani Chauke announced during a media briefing in Rustenburg on Sunday that they have adopted a revised roadmap towards the ANC North West Provincial Conference.
The ANC in the province experienced political turmoil three years ago and that led to the disbandment of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) under the stewardship of Supra Mahumumapelo who was the provincial chairperson and also served as the North West Premier at the time amid malfeasance allegations.
The ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) took a decision to disband the structure, however, Mahumapelo challenged that decision at The South Gauteng High Court. The High Court subsequently ruled in Mahumapelo’s favour saying the decision to disband the PEC was unlawful.
Now, Chauke said the roadmap outlines key tasks and activities to be executed as part of the preparations for the provincial conference.
“These tasks include the appointment of Interim Branch Committees (IBC’s), political support to Interim Regional Committees (IRC’s), full implementation of the New Online Membership System, training of branches on new systems, and guidelines for conferences.
“It also includes the appointment of Scanning Agents for purposes of implementing the
Electronic Evidence of Attendance System (EAS) at all branch meetings, convening of preparatory Branch General Meetings (BGM’s), arranging for elective Biennial Branch
General Meetings (BBGM)/ Branch Conferences, Induction of Branches and implementation of Branch Program of Actions,” he said.
Chauke further said in the last four days, they have conducted the regional briefing sessions with all their IRC’s on conference preparations and their regions are now finalizing roadmaps towards regional conferences. He said these regional roadmaps will give an indication of the possible dates for respective regional conferences.
“Over this long weekend, we are convening meetings with representatives from all our Interim Branch Committee (IBC’s). From 20 March until 21 March 2021, we are meeting our IBC’s in Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Dr Ruth Mompati Regions whilst Bojanala is planned for 21 March until 22 March 2021.
“The session with IBC’s in Ngaka Modiri Molema is planned for 22 March
2021. The aim of these sessions is to, amongst others, to inform IBC/BEC Members about the adopted road map to the provincial conference, present the branch membership statistics and start to work on reconciliation of membership statistics,” he said.
Chauke added that sessions include familiarizing IBC/BEC members with guidelines on branch/regional/provincial conferences, receive an update on the status of the IBC/BEC and where necessary propose improvements,” said Chauke.
He said they will also provide training for branch co-ordinators and Scanning Agents to ensure that branch coordinators can access New Online Membership system and be able to print membership lists and develop plans to encourage members to check their membership status in the membership list.
Chauke said they will also ensure that they start a process of resolving membership challenges such as members in good standing but not on the list that are captured, develop branch (IBC/BGM/BBGM) programme with the IBC and dates for branch members meetings.
“Based on the reports received yesterday from the two regions (Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Dr Ruth Mompati Regions), we are satisfied that ANC members in the North West are determined to work towards a successful and historically significant provincial conference.
“We will be publicizing the dates and venues of all Branch General Meetings scheduled to take place in the next two weeks and we urge all ANC Members to fully participate at these sessions. All these activities and key tasks once they are successfully implemented and with lockdown restrictions slightly relaxed, we plan to convene the ANC North West Provincial Conference on the 25th – 27th June 2021,” said Chauke.
A 17-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested in connection with murder. North West police spokesperson, Lt Colonel Amanda Funani said the atrocity took place at Matolong village in Taung on Saturday.
“The police in Taung have registered a case of murder after a 19-year-old man was allegedly killed on Saturday at Matolong village outside Taung. According to information available at this stage, the victim and the suspect who is brothers visited a local tavern on Friday during the evening and came back home in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“It is alleged that a fight ensued between the two brothers, because of money that they were supposed to be shared amongst themselves. It is further alleged that the parents tried to stop the fight, but the two brothers left the house and continued with their fight on the streets,” Funani said.
She alleged that a 19-year-old brother was found with a stabbing wound on the stomach and died on the scene. Funani further said the suspect (17) is currently under parental care and was dealt with according to the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008. Funani said an investigation into the matter continues.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and asked community members to solve their differences in a harmonious way and not result in violence.
Picture: North West Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi said has noted the Presidential Proclamation regarding the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in accordance with the signed Proclamation 21 of 2021 and the Special Tribunal ACT, 1996 (ACT No. 74 of 1996) to investigate malfeasance allegations at his department.
This comes after President, Cyril Ramaphosa authorized the SIU to investigate serious malpractice, corruption, malfeasance, and maladministration in relation against the administration of the department.
“We wish to welcome the investigation and its scope, commencing as it were, from 1 January 2016 to 12 March 2021. It is my view that such an investigation by the SIU will provide a full picture of the governance state of the department.
“Hopefully this will assist with the recommendation towards corrective steps necessary to ensure that such occurrences never recur. It is our wish that such an investigation assist in substantiating and/or refuting other findings already in our possession, such as the Preliminary Investigation Report by the National Treasury,” he said.
Molapisi said he is committed to offering whatever support the Investigators require to fulfill the directive of the President of the Republic. He added that all employees of the department are also directed to subject themselves to interviews and avail whatever information that will be needed by the SIU.
“The executive leadership of the province has committed to prioritising the investigating of historical unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure and to combat any form of corruption,” said Molapisi.
SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said: “Ramaphosa has signed a Proclamation R21 of 2021 authorizing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate corruption, malpractice, and maladministration in the department and to recover any financial losses suffered by the department.
“The proclamation authorizes the SIU to look into transactions that took place between 1 January 2016 and 12 March 2021, the date of proclamation. The SIU is also authorized to look into transactions that took place after the date of the proclamation, which is relevant to, connected with, incidental, or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated.”
He further said the SIU investigation in the department will focus on the procurement of or contracting for works or services by or on behalf of the department relating to project management for the Transport Infrastructure Directorate of the Department.
Kganyago added that they will further spread their investigations into the rehabilitation of flood-damaged road infrastructure in the North West and the installation of perimeter fencing at the Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort.
“There were alleged payments which were made in respect thereof in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective, or contrary to applicable legislation and instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury, and any related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State.
“We will also investigate any unlawful or improper conduct by the employees or officials of the department or applicable service providers, or any other person or entity in relation to the allegations,” he said.
Kganyago further said the SIU will exercise all its legislative powers to subpoena, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath during the investigation.
Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial Chief Whip, Freddy Sonakile said: “We welcome the SIU investigation into allegations of malfeasance in the department. The DA has been vocal about the ongoing malfeasance that includes the irregular expenditure of R1.7 billion incurred over the past three financial years and not investigated.
“What is of concern is that in 2018 the former President, Jacob Zuma signed a proclamation authorising the SIU to investigate the department after it was embroiled in a number of corruption allegations which included the multi-million tenders for scholar transport and the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).”
Sonakile said the report was sent to Zuma to act on its findings, but no further action was taken. He further said they hope that this investigation ordered by Ramaphosa will yield results this time around and not turn out to be another fruitless exercise.
“The DA will monitor the investigations by the SIU to ensure that all irregularities are exposed and that those found guilty, are held accountable,” he said.
In the last few months, we have had to bid a sad farewell to two of our country’s most respected traditional monarchs.
This week, the Zulu people will lay to rest His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu who reigned for half a century. In January, the Bapedi people buried Kgoshikgolo Thulare Thulare III, who passed away less than a year after his inauguration.
With their passing, we have lost champions of the preservation of our heritage, and revered custodians of the histories of their respective peoples.
At the same time, they were vital players in rural development, and were committed to driving programmes to uplift the material conditions of their people.
With the advent of democracy in 1994, it was a priority of the new government to restore the integrity and legitimacy of traditional leadership in line with indigenous law and customs and subject to the Constitution of the Republic.
The institution of traditional leadership continues to play an important role in the lives of millions of people around our country, especially in rural areas. Traditional leaders support and drive development in their communities.
Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the debate on the opening of the National House of Traditional Leaders, which was concerned with the most pressing issues currently facing the country.
What was particularly refreshing about the robust engagement was that traditional leadership has a keen appreciation of the difficult economic conditions facing our country, and want to be part of addressing the many challenges of underdevelopment and poverty in their areas.
I have consistently said that our economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic must be inclusive, and that nobody must be left behind.
The success of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan rests on forging strong partnerships between not just government, business and labour, but also with traditional leadership and other societal formations.
A constant refrain from participants in the debate last week was that they do not want to be dependent on handouts or for their communities to perpetually look to government for financial assistance.
They want to be provided with the necessary support, training and enabling environment to allow rural communities to be self-sufficient.
They want to bridge the urban-rural divide in access to government services and private sector resources.
What they would like to see is for rural areas to become centres of economic activity, industry and employment opportunity. This mirrors the aspirations of the District Development Model, which was launched in 2019.
Traditional leaders are well positioned to ensure that district plans are informed by and respond to the real needs of communities and that they reflect the lived reality in rural areas.
Just as the District Development Model supports localised programmes that focus on the needs, strengths and opportunities in specific areas, traditional leaders have pioneered their own approach to local economic development.
They have developed the InvestRural Masterplan, which was launched in North West last month. It is greatly encouraging that traditional leaders have rallied behind the plan and want to work with local authorities to ensure it is a success.
During the debate in the National House of Traditional Leaders it was proposed that a major success factor for the InvestRural programme is that traditional structures are trained, strengthened and capacitated.
A number of participants outlined economic plans that are already in advanced stages of development. These range from agricultural projects to bioprospecting to renewable energy.
What was evident is that the institution of traditional leadership understands that professionalisation is necessary for rural businesses in the form of SMMEs and cooperatives to become part of the mainstream economy.
The traditional leaders who spoke presented their vision of ‘developmental monarchs’, who see themselves as not just custodians of heritage but also as drivers of economic prosperity and progress. They have identified several projects and economic opportunities that will create jobs and improve livelihoods in rural areas.
Traditional leaders have also expressed their willingness to play an active part in the land reform process. Since 2018, traditional leaders have made around 1,500,000 hectares of communal land available for development, and it is hoped this will increase in future.
To develop a coordinated and sustainable strategy, we have agreed to hold a Presidential Land Summit in the next year. This will discuss pressing issues around land reform and its impact on communal land, much of which is located in rural areas.
The tone of the debate in the National House was a fitting reflection of a climate in which economic recovery is foremost among our considerations. At the same time it was a promising signal that traditional leaders appreciate their role in being part of the national recovery effort through being proactive and innovative.
The most fitting legacy of great leaders is that the seeds of development they sow during their tenure grow into mighty trees that protect and shelter their communities for posterity.
As we work together as a country to rebuild our economy, we will continue to count on the support of the institution of traditional leadership, which is an inextricable part of our past, our present and our future.
North West Public Works and Roads department continues to be marred with fraud, malpractice, and corruption allegations. This comes after President, Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate the department for any illegal transactions that took place from January 2016 to 12 March 2021.
SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said: “Ramaphosa has signed a Proclamation R21 of 2021 authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate corruption, malpractice and maladministration in the department and to recover any financial losses suffered by the department.
“The proclamation authorizes the SIU to look into transactions that took place between 1 January 2016 and 12 March 2021, the date of proclamation. The SIU is also authorized to look into transactions that took place after the date of the proclamation, which are relevant to, connected with, incidental, or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated.”
He further said the SIU investigation in the department will focus on the procurement of or contracting for works or services by or on behalf of the department relating to project management for the Transport Infrastructure Directorate of the Department.
Kganyago added that they will further, spread their investigations into the rehabilitation of flood-damaged road infrastructure in the North West
Province and the installation of perimeter fencing at the Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort, and payments which were made in respect thereof in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective, or contrary to applicable legislation and instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury, and any related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State.
“We will also investigate any unlawful or improper conduct by the employees or officials of the department or applicable service providers, or any other person or entity in relation to the allegations.
“The SIU will exercise all its legislative powers to subpoena, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath during the investigation. We are an independent forensic and litigation agency established by the President in terms of the Special Investigating Unit and Special Tribunal Act, Act 74 of 1996, to investigate serious malpractice, corruption, malfeasance, and maladministration in relation to the administration of State institutions, State assets, and public money as well as any conduct which may seriously harm the interest of the State and the public,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Constituency Head in the Greater Taung Local Municipality and Member of Parliament (MP), Sello Seitlholo once accused the department of re-graveling the D201 road that links Pampierstad and Matlapaneng for a whopping R40 million instead of building a proper road. Seitlholo alleged that the ANC government wasted R40 million on re-graveling a road those residents cannot use when it rains.
“In July 2020, the DA wrote to MEC Oagile Molapisi regarding the tender process followed on the re-graveling of road D201. The tender for the re-graveling of the road was awarded to Lebo Tebo Trading despite the company not appearing on the tender bid document.”
“The DA raised concerns over allegations that the company belonged to a prominent ANC member in Taung. The said company had previously also received an R40 million tender contract for the construction of Sedumedi Primary School,” he said.
Seitlholo added that nearly seven months after writing to Molapisi, the DA is yet to receive a formal response from him regarding the tender and D201 road. He said they will once again write to Molapisi requesting him to call an urgent meeting with the affected communities to address the blatant disregard that his department has shown to them.
The North West Public Works and Roads department spokesperson, Matsube Mfoloe failed to respond to our media questionnaires that were sent to him by TDN almost three weeks prior to publishing the previous article.
Fraud and corruption allegations may be reported via the following platforms:
Picture: Former Executive Mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Boitumelo Mahlangu
By REGINALD KANYANE
Former Executive mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Boitumelo Mahlangu is heading to the North West High Court to challenge the decision to remove her as the executive mayor.
The embattled Mahlangu was ousted from her position through a motion of no confidence two weeks ago where Kgalalelo Sereko was elected as the new executive mayor.
According to court papers filed by Mahlangu, she informed the municipal speaker, Lorato Moagwe about her decision through lawyers. She accused Moagwe of holding a virtual council meetings using Zoom link as the media platform, instead of the Microsoft Teams that have been purchased by the municipality.
The matter is expected to be heard on Thursday.
“By now, you should be aware that I have approached the High Court to challenge my removal from Office as the Executive mayor, amongst others, have also challenged the usage of Zoom as the official link for council meetings.
“Therefore, I object to your unilateral decision to convene council meetings using Zoom platform and also the repetitive special council meetings which I find to be strange and unwarranted because important service delivery items that were to be tabled at the council on 25 February 2021 as emanating from the previous mayoral committee are ignored and not prioritised,” she said.
It is alleged that the virtual council meeting that was convened where Mahlangu was removed, did not reach a quorum. However, Moagwe refuted the allegations and said 18 out of 32 councillors were part of the meeting.
The municipality responded to Mahlangu’s letter through their lawyers too. Attorney Tumelo Sifumba said: “The above subject has reference and we have been instructed by our client, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and others, to cause this correspondence to your good self.
“We advise that we are not in a position to file our client’s answering affidavit today at 4pm as envisaged, the delay is occasioned by our client relocating to new offices and consequently we have not been able to collate all the requisite documents to be annexed to the answering affidavit.”
Sifumba said in pursuant to the above, their client request indulgence to file their answering affidavit on the 10th instant at 10′ clock in the morning. He further said they advise that they were not opposed to the application being heard on 11 March 2021 later during the day to allow Mahlangu’s lawyers to file their replying affidavit if any.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor at the municipality, Coenrad Herbst wrote a letter to Moagwe stipulating that they were not part of the virtual council meeting where Mahlangu was removed.
Herbst said: “The notice you issued has 3 items that council cannot discuss and take legal binding resolutions if the meeting of 25 February 2021 did not quorate, thus will have financial and other implications, and you will be held personal responsible as Speaker of the municipality.”
