By STAFF REPORTER

The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) official, Moreotsile Olifant who serves as a Proportional Representation councillor (PR), is ‘facing’ allegations of fraud and corruption. This comes after some of the community members from Matsheng, Tlapeng and Manthe villages accused him of nepotism.

It is alleged that Olifant illegally appointed some individuals for Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs. The North West Public Works and Roads (NWPWR) needed 800 people for de-bushing and cutting of trees for three months.

A member of the ward committee in Matsheng village, John Sebico told Vaaltar FM that, he received numerous complaints from the members of the community regarding the matter.

“We can confirm that we have received numerous complaints from our community members who wanted to know the criteria used to hire people for these posts. However, as the members of ward committee, we were not aware of any appointments done by Mr Olifant until the matter was brought to our attention.

“What Mr Olifant did was wrong because he sows some divisions amongst our community. The country is faced with a high rate of unemployment and any job opportunity that arise needs to be given to the community equally. It is wrong to appoint people in dark corners without following proper procedures,” Sebico said.

Another community member in Tlapeng village, Abel Serasengwe shared the same sentiments. Serasengwe said there were individuals who were appointed from his area for those posts too.

“We are also aware that, there were people who were appointed in Tlapeng. Those people were called by a certain councillor to go to Manthe and sign contracts. We would like to condemn this behaviour and urge the GTLM to take critical steps against the councillor,” he said.

A resident from Manthestad, Kamogelo Chakane said: “I received a call from one of the community members asking me if I am aware that there are people who have been appointed for EPWP posts. However, I was not aware and I called the Baga-Maidi Tribal Authority office to check if they are aware of the matter.

“Unfortunately, the acting chief, Mr Mahumapelo was not aware too. I informed him that it is alleged that officials from the North West Public Works and Roads are making people sign contracts next to the Manthe Primary School. Indeed, Mr Mahumapelo rushed to the scene and found one of the officials from the department, Kabelo Chabaesele and tried to stop him, but he refused and drove away.”  

Chakane called on the municipality to take steps against that certain councillor who orchestrated all this because this was not the correct procedure to appoint people. He said normally, if there is any job opportunity, the relevant authorities should go to the tribal authority offices and urge leaders to convene a meeting, then appointments can take place.”

Meanwhile, the GTLM speaker, Ebusang Tladi told Taung DailyNews that he had received two letters of complaints regarding the matter. Tladi said he will then table the matter before the municipal council to make a decision.

“As the municipality, we will make sure that we get to the bottom of this. I also received few calls from our community members alleging that there is a certain PR councillor at Taung Mall who is hiring people for EPWP jobs.  

“However, I requested one person to send me prove regarding this, unfortunately, he said the councillor saw him while he was trying to take pictures of them, then they despaired. So, the council will make a decision whether to assemble an investigation team in the matter or not,” he said.

The North West Public Works and Roads District Director, Ntlogelang Tumelo told Vaaltar FM that they have already started with investigations regarding the allegations. Tumelo said he received the information from the GTLM speaker, Ebusang Tladi and the mayor, Nnyoko Motlhabane.

“The investigations are underway, but we have not found anything tangible thus far. We can confirm that it is the sole responsibility of the department to appoint people as far as EPWP job opportunities are concerned.

“In Taung, Mr Chabaesele is the one who is responsible for appointing people. Previously, as the department, we will go to the municipality and the tribal authorities if we wanted to appoint people. However, we experienced the delays regarding the names of the people who were supposed to be appointed, hence we created a database,” he said.

Tumelo further said they also informed the municipality and tribal authorities about that database. He said they requested them to submit all names of young people who are between the age of 18 and 35 and looking for job opportunities in the EPWP.

“In December 2020, we needed 800 people in the region. Those who need job opportunities in the EPWP can still come forward and be included in our database. As the department, our appointment processes take place at our offices, not in the streets,” said Tumelo.

He said the EPWP is one of the many programmes offered by the National Department of Public Works and aims to provide poverty and income relief through temporary work for the unemployed to carry out socially useful activities at the EPWP.

Olifant denied these allegations and said he would not comment further on the matter.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Sello Lehari said they will continue to ensure that people adhere to the COVID-19 regulations. Few people were fined for not wearing masks in Taung during a planned joint multipurpose law enforcement operation on Friday.

“We visited Taung taxi rank to do COVID-19 compliance enforcement and we also implemented a roadside station to check compliance as well as non-documented persons. The taxi rank visitation seeks to ensure compliance with COVID regulations as the country experience strain variant.

“Several public transport users were fined for not wearing masks in a multi-purpose joint law enforcement operation. Also taxi operators without operating permits and those with expired licenses found themselves at the receiving end of the unsmiling, but friendly law enforcement officers,” he said.  

Lehari further said the operation focused on Road Traffic Management Act compliance, taxi operators and permit compliance as well as COVID-19 regulations.

The Director for Permit and Operator Licenses, Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe said: “Ultimately, our aim is to ensure that there is absolute adherence. The department thereafter led interactive engagements with shoppers and commuters at the local taxi rank to encourage compliance with COVID-19 regulations.

“We encouraged for COVID-19 compliance. Impressively, over 90% of the taxis stopped, complied with their operating guidelines, and were also in their routes.”  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Provincial Commander, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena urged members of the community to comply with the Disaster Management Act Regulations as part of minimising the spread of the Coronavirus. Kwena said 1458 suspects were arrested in all districts through the Safer Festive Season/Operation “Tlotla Molao” since 28 December 2020 to date for various contraventions relating to the Adjusted Level 3 Lockdown regulations.

“The police have arrested 625 suspects for failure to confine to residences, while 661 suspects were being in a public place without wearing masks. Moreover, 115 suspects were also arrested for the sale, dispensing, and distribution of liquor.

“Police also arrested 52 suspects for failure to close cinemas, restaurants, and faith-based institutions on regulated time. Two suspects were arrested for carrying of more than 70% of the licensed capacity for long-distance travel by a bus or taxi service, while three people were arrested for exceeding the maximum number of customers and employees by a business,” Kwena said.

He also applauded the law enforcement officials for their hard work in ensuring compliance with the regulations. Kwena urged members of the community to be disciplined and on their own, comply with the regulations as part of minimising infections as the law enforcement will continue to intensely tighten the grip on those who disrespect the rule of law.  

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the North West province is 46451 with 35741 recoveries which translates into a 76.9% recovery rate and 703 deaths. The province now has 10007 active cases, of which 596 cases were identified in the last 24 hours.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Ten suspects were arrested by the Northern Cape police from Springbok Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit on Sunday. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brig Mohale Ramatseba said the suspects were arrested in connection with a contravention of the Nature Conservation Act.

“The suspects aged between 24 and 37 years, were found to be in possession of protected plants in Upington. The police confiscated 4230 conophytum calculus plants, 3040 conophytum pageae plants, 480 conophytum globosum plants, 755 Conophytum roodeae plants and 280 conophytum uniforme plants.

“The plants are estimated at R400 000 value and two vehicles, a Chevrolet bakkie and Toyota Corolla that were used during the commission of the crime were also confiscated by the police. The suspects are expected to appear at the Upington Magistrates Court today,” he said.

The Namakwa Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit commander, Captain Karel du Toit commended members of Upington Public Order Police, Kimberley Crime Intelligence and Upington Technical Support Unit for their assistance during the operation.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The newly-promoted football side, Mega Stars FC is a ‘beacon of hope’ for the community of Taung. Mega Stars FC coach, Keaobaka Makoloi could not hide his excitement after his side was promoted to the ABC Motsepe League recently.

“As Taung Mega Stars FC, we feel great and thankful to God for this achievement. Our players are in a jovial mood and excited at the same time. Plying our trade in the 2^nd division will be a great opportunity for our players to take their football careers forward.

“We all take great pride in seeing young people from our community achieving success in sport. It is our wish to see our players progressing from amateur football to the semi-professional phase. We believe that they will draw inspiration from other teams that have made it through in the past and became one of the best teams in the elite league,” Makoloi said.

He further said even though they came across some challenges, he is thankful for all the unwavering support they received from their fans, the people of Taung and North West at large.

“For the club to stay abreast, we have been trying to invite business people and our municipality to assist where possible with the financial muscle. Our main concern will be transportation, as we will be traveling across the province to honour our games.

“So far, we are yet to conclude the matter with our local and district municipalities, but the response is promising. We hope to get something concrete soon. We contribute from our own pockets thus far to ensure that the team is operational,” he said.

Makoloi calls on business people to invest in the team and assist them to fight their financial woes. He said the club has potential and they have disciplined, dedicated, and determined players and staff.  

“Taung Mega Stars FC was established in March 2011 and its achievement says a lot. Together, we managed to face-off those challenges and we are finally promoted. The current crop of coaches and management started working together in 2017.

“We went to the provincial playoffs in 2017 season, unfortunately, we lost through penalties. We did not lose hope and we regrouped to try once more. In 2018, we only managed to finish in position two. However, we are now happy that in our third season, we finally made it despite our financial difficulties,” said Makoloi.

He also applauded the Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Kgosi Nnyoko Motlhabane who assisted them with transportation during their regional and provincial play-offs.

Makoloi warned his players to remain level-headed and to remember that, this is only the beginning. He said they have made sure that the players and the staff respectively understand the mammoth task ahead of them.

“We always encourage our players including our staff to understand our ultimate goal, which is to reach the professional status as a club. We still have to work harder and there is no time to let our guts down.

“As a team, we have a vision and we need to continue where we left off. We need to show hunger and determination if we want to ensure our dream becomes true,” he said.

Meanwhile, the GTLM mayor, Kgosi Nnyoko Motlhabane shared the same sentiments. Motlhabane said that Mega Stars FC has potential and its achievement is a positive start in the right direction.

“We have taken a decision as the municipality to support them because they have shown pedigree and hunger. You will remember that sport is one of the components that are used to address socio-economic challenges and to keep our youth out of the streets.

“What Mega Stars FC has done will also encourage other young people to take part in sport and stay away from the abuse of drugs and alcohol. This will help in identifying the local talents because there is an abundance of them here. There is a proven record that there is a remarkable success in sport and can change many lives especially those who are from poverty-stricken backgrounds,” he said.   

Currently, the ABC Motsepe League features 144 teams in total but divided into nine divisions. Borderly, they are decided by the nine geo-political provinces of South Africa.

This means, that each provincial division contains 16 teams as standard. The winner of each provincial division qualifies for the annual promotional play-offs, where the winners of two streams, will get promoted to the National First Division.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Four suspects between the age of 32 and 44 are expected to appear at the Koster Magistrates’ Court on Monday. This comes after they were nabbed for burglary at Phatsima village near Sun City, Kroondal, Sunrise Park, and Johannesburg respectively on Thursday.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “These suspects were apprehended through crime intelligence-driven operation. They allegedly committed the crime between 28 December 2020 and 29 December 2020 at one of the farms in the vicinity of Koster.

“Subsequent to the investigation conducted after the apprehension of the suspects, a middle-aged man was arrested on 9 January 2021 in Gauteng Province for unlawful possession of firearms after seven rifles were found at two different locations in Soweto,” Mokgwabone said.

According to reports, the farmer was away on holidays when the suspects allegedly broke the window and gained entry into the house, which they allegedly ransacked. He further said the suspects then managed to open the safe and took several firearms. 

“After becoming aware of the incident, the farm caretaker together with the farmer’s brother reported the matter to the police for investigation. The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the team for their tireless efforts that resulted in the arrest and recovery of the stolen firearms,” said Mokgwabone.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The partially decomposed body of a missing Oratile Mangwekea (23) was found in the veld in Myra village, near Pudimoe. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Mangwekea’s lifeless body was found at about 11:30 on Thursday.

“At that stage, a family member could not positively identify him. It was only late yesterday that a number of family members were taken to the mortuary and they physically identified him among others, through a pair of takkies he was wearing and his cellphone. 

“We are currently investigating an inquest docket. Mangwekea who was residing at house no 397, in Matlhako II village near Pudimoe, went missing 26 December 2020,” Mokgwabone said.

Mangwekea was last seen near Randos tavern in Pudimoe wearing a dusty pink t-shirt, with light blue jeans, a black cap, and Puma takkies.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour into the Maluleke’s family after the passing of the former North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Johanna Mmule Maluleke.

Maluleke died today at her home in Mathibestad village near Rustenburg after a long illness. North West Provincial Legislature (NWPG) speaker, Sussana Dantjie said she is saddened by the sudden and untimely death of Maluleke.

Dantjie who spoke to Maluleke telephonically two days ago, said she was convinced that Maluleke was fully recovered especially that she presented no sign of illness whatsoever.

“This is a tragic loss to the legislature and to the nation as a whole. Death has robbed the people of the North West and South Africa at large, one of a dedicated servant of the people who selflessly served her nation with distinction and loyalty.

“Maluleke met her untimely death whilst serving as the Media Liaison Officer (MLO) in the office of the Speaker. She previously worked as the Member of the National Assembly (MP), MEC for Public Works in the North West Province and was at some stage the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Public Works,” she said. 

Dantjie further said it is, therefore, the sincerest wish of her to express that in these entire mentioned portfolios. She added that Maluleke never disappointed as she served the public service with distinction.

“She was an accomplished, committed, and dedicated servant of the people with a high level of a very sharp mind who was ever ready to serve the people and her country.

“So, as the legislature, we are poorer without her. Maluleleke was a humble leader in her own right, imboqo, malibongwe, and a woman of note. She died on the day of the burial of one of the dedicated servants of the people, the late Victor Tsie,” said Dantjie.

Political background

According to the People’s Assembly website, Maluleke became involved in politics at primary school in Soshanguve, near Pretoria. She said then, she was quite unaware that she was gradually getting involved. In high school, she was actively involved in boycotts against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of learning.

“Student politics in 1984 were influenced by movements like the Black Power Movement. I was denied permission to enter Mathibestad in former Bophuthatswana homeland, where my parents lived, due to my political activity and told to return to Pretoria.

“Upon my return to Pretoria, I discovered that the programs we had been involved in at school had been driven by the mass democratic movement as our meetings had been held at the Roman Catholic Church in F section, Soshanguve where Pastor Smangaliso Mkhatshwa was the patron of the United Democratic Front (UDF),” she told the website.

After matriculating in 1992, Maluleleke returned to Mathibestad where she officially joined a branch of the ANC – underground of course. In 1993, when a recognised structure of the ANC was allowed to operate in Bophuthatswana, she was elected branch secretary.

“When the new municipal demarcations came in 2000, I then fell under ward 12 of Moretele Local Municipality where I was again elected branch secretary until 2002. From 2002 until the end of 2003 I was elected branch chairperson of the ANC Moretele branch and stayed there until 2008.

“In 2008, I relocated to ward 18 in the same municipality and was elected ward secretary for the third time. I have been a Regional Executive Committee Member of the ANC in the Bojanala Region since 2005 to date,” said Maluleke.

NB: To read more about Maluleke’s biography, kindly go to www.pa.org.za for more details

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West police request the public to assist them in locating Oratile Mangwekea (23) of house no. 397 Matlhako II village near Pudimoe. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, Mangwekea went missing on 26 December 2020.

“He was last seen near Randos tavern in Pudimoe wearing a dusty pink t-shirt, with light blue jeans, black cap, and Puma takkies. Police are appealing to anyone who may have information about Mangwekea’s whereabouts to contact D/Sergeant Nombulelo Segosapelo on 082 416 2133 or call South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number: 08600 10111,” Mokgwabone said.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Community of Ntswanahatshe village and its neighbouring areas such as Moretele and Maganeng said it is fed up with the lack of water. Now, the community members threatened to barricade N18 road that links Vryburg and Kimberley in protest.

One of the community leaders, Mothusi Dikwelane said it has been months without water. Dikwelane further said they have tried to engage with the North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), North West Office of the Premier and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, but their plea fell on deaf ears.

“We will engage in a consultative meeting with community members to map a way forward. All these villages are affected by lack of water and it’s been months. What is very surprising is that our reservoir is full, but we continue to experience water scarcity.

“We have been trying to engage with Sedibeng Water as the service provider for years, but we do not get any lasting solution. We have also engaged with various government departments since last year, but we only get a temporary solution,” he said.

Dikwelane added that around April 2020, the government introduced the tinkering system to try and resolve water shortage water, but only two tanks were allocated for the whole area and it is not enough. He said the government also failed to ensure that those tanks are always filled with water.

“It’s been months since they filled those tanks with water. What is worse, our area was allocated only two tanks which are not enough to cater for the whole village.

“How come our government encourages people to constantly wash their hands in a fight against COVID-19, but they failed to ensure that there is a provision of water?” he asked.

Another resident in Tlapeng village near Pampierstad shared the same sentiments.

Emmanuel Tong said: “What we need from the Coghsta department is only bulk water for those pipes at the Pampierstad reservoir. The Coghsta department promised us the bulk water since 2010 and last year at Mankuroane council meeting, they said our bulk water project has been approved.

“They were supposed to deal with that issue last year, maybe that could have delayed the increase of COVID-19 cases in our area. So, in the meantime, we need Jojo tanks while they are still busy processing this bulk water issue.”

However, North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Mmoloki Cwaile said they are working around the clock to redress the water scarcity across the province.

Cwaile said he had engaged in a consultative meeting with all municipalities, Department of Water and Sanitation, Water Boards, Salga, and many other various role players to come up with a lasting solution to the water challenges.

“Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District continues to experience challenges on and around the issues of provision of water. However, we can assure you that the Department of Water and Sanitation has committed that the Bona Bona Water project would find expression in their next financial year plans.

“The Greater Taung Water Treatment Plant is being completed and it is on and around 90%. However, the project was delayed due to tribal leadership and also disruptions by the local businesspersons for almost the period of two years,” said Cwaile.

He further said they will ensure that they provide water for human consumption, industrial use and for food security. Cwaile added that they already have irrigation system in place around Ga-Maraga and Taung that just need to be connected to supply water for the purpose of irrigations and the water will be available for consumption.

“We have the project that relates to Bloemhof water scheme and it is planned for the medium-term expenditure framework period and we are in an agreement that should be implemented on a multiple-year period.

“Mamusa Bulk Line, there were plans in place but they were not able to be implemented due to the unavailability of funds. The provincial department had used its own provincial Infrastructure Grant (PIG) at some extent to refurbish water treatment plant,” he said.

Cwaile said they have also taken into consideration that in other areas there is no underground water hence they implemented a tinkering system as other means. He also applauded the efforts made by the Department of Agriculture after drilling on and around 16 boreholes in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region for purposes of livestock.

“This will serve a positive purpose as they provide a form of relief. The water will be available for animal use and plantation. The challenge surrounding the leaking of pipes for the supply of Naledi, are being redressed by Sedibeng Water even though there is an issue around payments between Sedibeng Water and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

“We hope this matter will be resolved and there will be alternative means for the reservoirs in Naledi to be filled with water. This includes the new developmental areas and we are making a difference there,” said Cwaile.

He said they will continue to speed up the process of implementing other interventions including how they will mitigate against the water losses due to leaks or poor workmanship, the aging of pipes, and vandalism.

Cwaile further said they have also realised that there is unaccounted water because of un-metered water supply to new extension areas due to expanding communities. He added that there is also another issue of dysfunctional meters that needs to be recalibrated.

“We are working on a process of utilising the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG). Support agency has deployed its capacity in more than 19 municipalities and they are assisting us in various areas including water, roads, electricity and maintenance of plants.

“On water, they are dealing with leaks as a short term and equality of water in medium-term, while they intending to increase the availability of water in a long term process. They have also developed 40 frameworks that can be used by the municipality to support the Supply Chain Management processes,” said Cwaile.

He outlined that one of their challenges was planning and implementation of projects and the usage of cash flow. Cwaile said the usage of cash flow does not necessary supporting the basic services but they are making a redress and establish their own understanding in making this intervention work.

“The Department of Water and Sanitation is having its own internal infrastructure directorate that we are hoping that they are working on increasing their capacity. Salga has also presented a progressive program on how we can intervene on non-revenue water and we are in agreement.

 “We will have them available for our purpose. We will continue to use the tinkering system even if we discourage it and we believe it should not be permanent. Vandalism indicates that there is a syndicate, but we hope to bring interventions to resolve those challenges,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

COVID-19 infection cases continue to soar in the North West as the province surpasses 40 000. According to statistics, the province has a total number of 40 185 confirmed cases and recorded 664 cases in the last 24 hours.

However, the North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro who is also the chairperson of the North West Provincial Coronavirus Command Council (NWPCCC) said they have met recently to reflect on the provincial approach to managing the spread of the virus, including how the provincial government will coordinate the return to work in January.

Mokgoro said the NWPCCC also discussed how the province will respond swiftly to disasters that could emanate from the above-average rainfalls expected during this period.

“In welcoming reports from various departments including Social Development, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Community Safety and Transport Management, Agriculture and Rural Development, Education and Health, the Command Council agreed to locate all government activities responding to the surge within the District Development Model, and ensure that structures such as Community Policing Forum, Community Health Workers and Community Development Workers continue to play an essential role in curbing the spread. 

“The Command Council raised a concern about the continuing non-adherence to health protocols particularly at various post offices where Covid-19 social relief of distress grants are collected and directed the law enforcement and compliance officers to closely monitor these areas during this period, and enforce compliance,” he said.

Mokgoro added that as all types of social gatherings are during alert level 3 prohibited, the law enforcement and compliance officers were also directed to monitor community behaviour and adherence to the set regulations, including the number of people attending funerals and adherence to the curfew hours.

He said with the number of hospital cases steadily increasing in Bojanala Platinum District which is now a hotspot, the Command Council received a report on the department of Health’s state of readiness to respond to the surge, including the continuous monitoring of hospitals’ capacity to admit patients.

“I would like to emphasise the need for communities to adhere to the set alert level 3 regulations. The pressure that health workers are going through can be reduced, if we could all stay home, respect all health protocols, and observe the rules of the road when traveling during this holiday period.

“The Command Council welcomed a report by the Department of Social Development on the appointment of additional Social Workers and Community Development Practitioners for COVID-19 related interventions, and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide activists for department’s 365 programs,” said Mokgoro.

He further said the department also reported on its readiness in so far as social relief of distress is concerned, saying additional food parcels have been arranged for distribution where needed across the four districts of the province.

Mokgoro said the Command Council also stressed the importance of public communication and awareness, saying reminding people that COVID-19 is upon us remains critical.

“More than ever before, we have to maintain our vigilance and prevention behaviours. The prevention measures include the wearing of masks when in public spaces, washing of hands regularly or using an alcohol-based sanitizer and maintaining social distance, remain as critical now as they have ever been.

“The Provincial Command Council will continue to meet on weekly basis to receive progress reports from various departments, including those from the District Command Councils,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Command Council virtual meetings were attended by Ministers and Deputy Ministers deployed to the province as National District Champions, the MECs, Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Chairperson of SALGA, SAPS, Heads of Department, and Section 100 Administrators.

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