By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The inaccessibility and immobility have been the ‘order of the day’ for the communities using the feeder D201 road between Motsweding and Matlapaneng villages. This comes after the alleged, R40 million gravelled road was washed away by floods caused by torrential rains recently.

One of the community leaders, Emmanuel Tong said they have requested a tarred road from the North West Public Works and Roads department, but it seems the department chose not to adopt a qualitative research approach.

“We have been struggling for the past 26 years and our grievances fell on deaf ears. What needs to be done is to improve the level of services. How can the department re-gravel the road for R40 million, while they could have opted for tarred road?

“The department promised that they will ensure that the road will be in the improved surface conditions while making a plan to construct a proper usable tarred road. However, the road is now in disarray and it has not been appraised for a long time,” Tong said.

He further said poor access to the road affects the cost of living, the well-being of the people involved and life in general. Tong added that indeed, transportation in rural areas tends to be expensive, unsafe, and crowded due to lack of quality and accessible roads.

“The lack of efficient transport on feeder roads results in situations where many of the road users are not able to access health, economic, educational, and other social needs. Reasons adduced for this worrying situation are quite puzzling. So, we urge the department to take us seriously,” said Tong.

Another resident from Motsweding village, Norah Dipholo shared the same sentiments. In a letter, Dipholo said the road is disastrous and that affects the livelihoods of the community.

“We do not have access to the road especially due to the heavy rainfalls and floods. Our government is not doing anything since I know the road has been like this.

“No efforts to construct (erect) tarred road and this road links Mokasa 2 and Pampierstad.  I have been following all the activities on the Motsweding Facebook page and my heart is saddened by how the money is been spent to re-gravel the road, instead of putting tarred road,” she said.

Dipholo added that during the festive season, the road was only re-gravelled, which cost R40m. She said it surely shows that the government funds are being misused and the community of Motsweding is suffering.

“We would really appreciate an investigation on tenders given to construct (erect) our road. Please follow the Facebook page to see all the concerns of the community and to gather more information regarding the matter,” said Dipholo.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Constituency Head in the Greater Taung Local Municipality and Member of Parliament (MP), Sello Seitlholo said: “The D201 road from Pampierstad to Matlapaneng has been washed away and is completely inaccessible to motorists due to the recent torrential rains. Instead of building a proper road, the ANC government wasted R40 million on re-gravelling a road that residents cannot use when it rains.

“In July 2020, the DA wrote to MEC Oagile Molapisi regarding the tender process followed on the re-gravelling of road D201. The tender for the re-gravelling of the road was awarded to Lebo Tebo Trading despite the company not appearing on the tender bid document.”

Seitlholo further said his party raised concerns over allegations that the company belonged to a prominent ANC member in Taung. He added that the said company had previously also received an R40 million tender contract for the construction of Sedumedi Primary School.

“We also raised concerns from community members who informed the DA that they wanted a properly tarred road instead of a re-gravelled road. Community members complained that they were not informed of plans to re-gravel the road and there was no public participation process to allow them to add their inputs regarding the project.

“Nearly seven months after writing to Molapisi, the DA is yet to receive a formal response from him regarding the tender and D201 road. The DA 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,” he said.

Seitlholo said Molapisi must also account for why his department allegedly awarded a tender worth R40 million towards the re-gravelling instead of building a proper road that the community can use. He further said Molapisi must provide clarity on how Lebo Tebo Trading was awarded the tender to re-gravel the road without appearing on the top five list of bidders.

“He must also provide us with an adjudication report and a list of contracts awarded to Lebo Tebo Trading. Should the MEC fail to provide this information, the DA will refer this issue to the Public Protector for further investigation,” said Seitlholo.

North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro said the information gathered following the inspection and assessment of the damaged roads and other infrastructure in the Greater Taung Local Municipality following heavy rainfall and floods will be presented to the National Government to consider declaring the area the State of Disaster.

“National, provincial and internal roads, including those which were under construction, have been affected. We will be meeting once more as three spheres of government to secure the budget and restore damaged roads.

“There’s no doubt that funds are limited because most funds were directed towards tackling the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we will ensure that we rescue our people and the roads which were under construction will be restored as soon as possible through the Department of Public Works and Roads,” he said.

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Note: The North West Public Works and Roads department spokesperson, Matsube Mfoloe failed to respond to our media questionnaires that we sent to him almost three weeks ago.

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 37-YEAR-OLD man who serves as an interpreter at the Pampierstad Magistrate’s Court was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in Northern Cape on Tuesday.

The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Capt Nomthandazo Mnisi said between 2016 and 2017, Joseph Moroka allegedly contacted the suspect’ sister in a stock theft case and demanded a gratification of R2 500 in order to release him.

“In a separate, but related incident, Moroka also approached the suspect’s mother in a drug-related case and demanded a gratification of R1000 in order to release the suspect,” said Mnisi.

Moroka briefly appeared at the Hartswater Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and he was granted a R3000 bail. The case is postponed until 16 March 2021 for further investigations.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha urges entities to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations. This comes after he ordered the closure of the Wolmaranstad Post Office and the Home Affairs offices respectively because of their persistent failure to comply with COVID-19 regulations.

“The two institutions have been found to be consistent with non-compliance with COVID-19 regulations regarding social distancing, wearing of masks in public and sanitizing.

“In January, we also closed a supermarket in Zeerust near Lehurutshe and another store in Tlokwe. We have been visiting all regions across the province to raise awareness on COVID-19 and encourage public compliance to prevention measures and checking businesses for compliance to the regulations,” he said.

Sambatha further said they will continue to enforce compliance with COVID-19 regulations to prevent the further spread of the virus. He added that they will not hesitate to order the closure of any business or facility where there is a complete disregard to COVID-19 prevention measures.

“We have also committed to continuing with the compliance and awareness campaign drives to ensure to protect the community and individuals people from infection. Even though we are about to roll out the vaccine, it does not mean other prevention measures like social distancing, wearing of masks and sanitizing are to be abandoned.

“COVID-19 adherence remains key to prevent the spread of the virus. Vaccination should be considered one method of prevention. The wearing of masks in public is still mandatory and so is social distancing and sanitizing,” said Sambatha.

He said all residents are requested to comply with the regulations and South Africans must not expect the government to use the security cluster to remind them of their own personal care and health responsibility. Sambatha further said there is a need for all members of the community to continue to comply with the regulations to minimize the impact and spread of this contagious enemy.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

One person was killed when their light aircraft crashed on a farm outside of Koster on Thursday. ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring said the paramedics and the Provincial Fire Services arrived on the scene at 11:52am to find the aircraft’s smoldering wreckage in a field.

“Medics and Fire personnel searched the area for any patients. After some time, medics found the body of a man under a part of the plane. Unfortunately, the man had already succumbed to his injuries.

“Nothing could be done for him, and he was declared dead. The details surrounding this incident are unknown, but local authorities were on the scene for further investigations,” Meiring said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “According to reports, farmworkers alerted the farmer about the incident. The farmer ultimately informed the police who upon arrival at the scene, found only one person who burnt beyond recognition in the light aircraft.

“The victim’s identity is still unknown. The scene is currently secured by police for investigation by Civil Aviation.”

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By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Provincial Disaster Management Head, Jacky Rikhotso has encouraged motorists to avoid using the N18 road that links Taung and Vryburg because of flooding. This comes after the province has experienced torrential rains across all regions and covered most sections of the road.

“Tigerkloof and Brussels area on the N18 is reported to be flooded. Members of the Disaster Management Team in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District has been dispatched to all affected areas to provide the necessary assistance.

“Due to the continuing rainfall, flooding is expected in many areas across the province for the next few days. Motorists and pedestrians should avoid crossing flooded streams and rivers,” he said.

Rikhotso added that motorists are also requested to use alternative routes or cancel their trips until it is safe to travel. He further appealed to motorists to cooperate with our law enforcement authorities especially at the points of road closures.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

A 58-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to six years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court for sexual assault. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lt Colonel Dimakatso Mooi said Allan Charles Reed who was a teacher, was found guilty for assaulting a learner (12) back in 2015.

“The assault happened on 15 February 2015 in a classroom when the victim went to Reed for assistance as her teacher. Reed put his arm around the victim, kissed her, and put his hand inside the girl’s panty. The victim cried and ran away to report the matter to another teacher. 

“The matter was reported to the Police on 20 February 2020 and Reed was arrested on 23 February 2015. The accused was granted bail, although the state opposed it. On 3 February 2021, Reed was sentenced to six years direct imprisonment, two years suspended for five years,” Mooi said.

She further said the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will also be entered on the National Register of Sexual offenders. 

Meanwhile, the FCS Provincial Head in Northern Cape, Brigadier Nicky Mills commended the Kuruman FCS commander, Captain Caren Nel for her commitment and hard work which led to the incarceration of the perpetrator.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the North West calls for the disbandment of the North West Provincial Legislature. COSATU provincial secretary, Kopano Konopi said they have been disturbed by the inaction of the ANC to resolve the problems facing the provincial administration.

“There was a protracted battle between the ANC and its deployees on the filling of the vacancy of the MEC of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) following the death of Gordon Kegakilwe.

“The post was filled by the current incumbent, MEC Mmoloki Cwaile without the blessing of the party in the province and national. The alliance and the deployment committee of the ANC in the province were never consulted,” Konopi said.

He added that they have also learned with disappointment that the ANC MPLs in the NWPL have voted with the members of the opposition parties in electing the Chair of Chairs. Konopi said this conduct is the highest form of ill-discipline and drastic steps should be taken to correct the situation.

“It is clear the mandate of the ANC and voters has been abandoned. The federation is calling for fresh elections in the province because leaders are no longer willing to represent the party, but they represent their own jackets.

“COSATU wants to remind all the members of the ANC in the NWPL that they are all deployees of the movement. The ANC National Executive Committee needs to intervene before the situation gets out of hand,” he said.

However, many ANC branches across the province came out gun blazing and accused the ANC IPC of factionalism. Mamusa Sub Region Branches representative, Papa Jood said their branches were disgusted by the apparent temporary suspension of Aaron Mocwana and others on the basis of undisclosed allegations by the so-called unconstitutional IPC.

“The branches view this as a publicity stunt and a display of political anarchy by those who want to clinch unelected positions. We have long noted attempts by the IPC to remove those who do not dance to their tune nor crouch for crumbs of tenders. 

“The IPC has failed to remove mayors and municipal managers for the past twelve months and now they have turned their sight to attempting a coup in the NWPL and the caucus,” Jood said.

He further said the IPC cannot proclaim the dishonest prophecy of evidence that voting has taken place through secret ballot, unless it says it was present in those voting booths inside the Legislature. Jood further accused the IPC of double standards.

“The IPC once instructed councillors to work with the opposition to remove the troikas in different municipalities. So, it cannot be them who now today want to accuse members of the ANC for colluding with opposition because honestly, this is exactly their style.  

“The same people who are now MECs worked with opposition to remove Chairman, Supra Mahumapelo. The same so-called IPC coordinator, Hlomani Chauke was ready to vote with the opposition to remove President Jacob Zuma in National Parliament. Today he acts like an angel and a perfect comrade, so we cannot be fooled,” he said.

Jood said they will stop at nothing to expose this blatant factionalism and the hypocrisy that is done by this ‘monster structure’ that is busy eating the unity of the ANC in this province. He added that the IPC does not have powers to take such decisions of suspending the membership of any ANC members even expelling them because they serve at the behest of the NEC and the sooner they are disbanded the better. 

“Their meeting with the EFF plotting to remove North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro through a motion is known, and will be exposed even before it starts. It is our responsibility as the membership of the ANC as custodians of its constitution to protect and make sure that every rule is adhered to,” he said.

The ANCYL regional spokesperson in Ngaka Modri Molema, Wessel Morweng shared the same sentiments. Morweng said these excruciating developments are not only unfortunate, but they have a serious negative impact on the image of the glorious movement.

“The North West ANC IPC does not only possess a high level of insanity, but they have opted to turn our glorious organization into a circus of note. Their thoughtless conduct continues to reflect the type of leadership we have in the ANC North West continues to lead us into a serious political abyss.

“The harsh reality is that Chauke’s one-man show called the ANC North West IPC continues to cause more harm than good to the livelihood of the organisation in the province. It is evident enough that Chauke’s IPC is self-serving and has no regard for the ANC principle and constitution,” Morweng said.

He alleged that the ANC IPC structure lacks a serious organisational understanding as they are guided by personal feelings as opposed to the political understanding of running a big organization like the ANC. Morweng said as the ANCYL in Ngaka Modiri Molema region call on Mokgoro to continue doing his work diligently as he has been doing.

Meanwhile, suspended MPLs representative, Aaron Mocwana said they are challenging their suspension. Mocwana said the rule 25.4.3 of the ANC constitution gives the powers to any member of the ruling party who is facing any disciplinary hearing over allegations of misconduct to appeal, especially when such a member holds any public office.

“We have lodged an appeal to the ANC National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal (NDCA). That is how we have exercised that particular right through the constitution of the ANC for 2017 as amended.

“Now, we have made an appeal and we have denied all allegations levelled against us. We have also requested that the ANC IPC in the North West furnish us with proof of what they are saying because the voting was agreed on the 27 January 2021 in a virtually sitting,” said Mocwana.

He further said the NWPL Speaker, Sussana Dantjie could not conduct its business, but she utilised the rule 6 of the Standing Rules of the NWPL. Mocwana added that Dantjie adjourned the sitting, so that it could take place on 28 January 2021 through physical attendance and allow secret voting to take place.

“Now, when coming to the issue of who voted who and so on, it is highly impossible for us to the to be charged on that particular matter because voting was secret. Now, we require the IPC to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt,” he said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West University (NWU) has partnered with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) to support Team South Africa as a preferred provider in its preparation for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games.

According to the NWU’s Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) director, Prof Pieter Kruger, some of the services that will be offered include assistance with the understanding of the mechanics of anxiety and why the brain struggles with uncertainty.

Kruger said the centre has grown from strength to strength since its recent inception.

“The focus of the CHHP is on rendering comprehensive, quality, evidence-based services in the field of health and human performance, underpinned by neuroscience and cutting-edge technology.

“We will also help the athletes in exploring psychological challenges to Covid-19 that may affect their well-being and subsequently their performance. The principles we will be discussing are very much relevant to well-being, and to performance under pressure,” he said.

Kruger added that the latest achievement confirms the fact that they are a dynamic centre with serious intent and operating at the highest level. He said the CHHP will offer mental health screening and advisory services to all athletes, with a focus on improving well-being and performance.

“The process will commence during the first week in February and will allow all athletes the opportunity to attend the programme over the following two months. The CHHP was created at the NWU after combining the expertise of the Institute of Psychology and Wellbeing, the Institute for Sport Science and Development and the Institute for Biokinetics.

“Although the main aim would initially be to provide the athletes with evidence-based tools and techniques specifically for dealing with anxiety and uncertainty, the skills are equally applicable in a high-performance competition environment,” said Kruger.

He further said they will also be discussing the application of specific functional behaviours to support the athletes during difficult times. Kruger said the athletes will undergo a brief psychometric assessment prior to the commencement of the programme.

“This will allow the CHHP clinicians to adjust the programme content to the specific needs of the athlete. The CHHP will host nine workshop programmes to ensure that the entire 219-strong Olympic and Paralympic group gets an opportunity to undergo the training.

“The athletes will also be supplied with additional resources and referral pathways for those individuals who feel that they need more support after the programme. We look forward to collaborating with SASCOC and to supporting our Olympic and Paralympic squads to maximise their performance at the Games later in the year,” he said.

Kruger highlighted that the CHHP has an exceptional team of practitioners across the spectrum of health and human performance and he trust that they will be able to make a meaningful difference to the athletes.

The forthcoming Olympic Games are scheduled to take place in July of this year in Tokyo, Japan.

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