By OBAKENG MAJE  

More than R2 billion housing project to be rolled out in the North West province. The multi-billion project was unveiled by the North West Housing Corporation’s newly-appointed CEO, Sello Mogodiri during a press conference in Mahikeng on Tuesday.

 Mogodiri said this initiative will ensure that the province re-claims its rightful place as a historical leader in the development space. He said the pronouncement and confirmation made by both the President of the country, Cyril Ramaphosa during State of the Address (SONA) and the North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro during State of the Province Address (SOPA) respectfully.

“Since the appointment of the board and the CEO, the NWHC has embarked on a well-thought programme to reclaim its core mandate through the development of mining towns, smart cities, and spatial economic zones.

“We are repositioning this historic institution to be a major player in contributing towards transformation of our province and rebuilding the economy. This initiative will switch the provincial housing machinery into higher gear, thereby facilitating developmental projects that will stimulate economic growth and create jobs for the people of the province,” he said.

Mogodiri further said the NWHC, as a catalyst for development, has resolved to unlock development initiatives that will transform the province into a massive construction site. He added that the human settlements programmes lay a solid foundation for them to contribute towards the realisation of this vision.

“The NWHC is a legal entity established in terms of the North West Housing Corporation Act No. 24 of 1982 as amended. Our mandate is to provide and further the provision of housing, shelter, and accommodation, especially for low-income communities.

“As part of our mandate, we are expected to render financial and physical intervention to the province on both urban and rural planning. The province has over a long period of time been caught in a lack of mega-projects that can drive the economy of the province to heights never seen before whilst at the time creating an environment for massive investment in local economies and creating jobs.

“We are today unveiling these exciting strategic plans with a view to generating new energy and attract foreign direct investment into the province. This is an opportune moment for the North West to redeem its legacy as a revered developmental hub. The ground is ready and ripe,” said Mogodiri.

He said they will construct 15 000 units and the initiative will be rolled out in categories.

“We have a Mining Township Programme such as Mogwase mixed housing to support the rapidly growing mining activities. We also have a newly launched Special Economic Zones like Rustenburg Smart City Project and Marikana Mining Mega City Project.

“We have a Spatial Economic Zones (SEZ) programmes in the Mogwase Spatial Economic Zone and Mafikeng Spatial Economic Zone. Another project is a Smart City Programme in Madibeng-Lanseria Smart City and Potchefstroom Smart City Mixed Housing Development,” he said.

Mogodiri said the above-mentioned initiatives are to be roll-out from January 2021. He said the NWHC invites all stakeholders to prepare themselves to join in to ensure that these initiatives are successful, and all necessary economic elements are enhanced to support continuous growth.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A 33-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mankwe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FSC) for kidnapping, rape and contravention of a protection order.

North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said Mpho Mkhibane Nkwe kidnapped, assaulted and raped his former girlfriend on numerous occasions from 2017 to 2018. Botma added that the former girlfriend obtained a protection order against Nkwe, but he still continued abusing her.

“He ultimately kidnapped her and took her to a mountain where he raped and hanged her. The woman sustained injuries on her face, neck, bruised leg and head caused by a knife and broken bottle. The suspect was arrested in May 2018.  

“Nkwe was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” she said.  

In another separate incident, a 57-year-old man was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for rape. Botma said Jacob Shimane Mokgatle raped a 12-year-old girl on 5 February 2019.

She said the accused was caught red-handed by the mother of the victim.

“The complainant who is the mother to the victim came home looking for her daughter, but she couldn’t find her. She then went to the next-door neighbour, accompanied by a friend. When they entered the house, they found the accused busy raping her.

“The incident was immediately reported to the police who arrested the suspect. The North West police commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the life imprisonment sentence and another 18 years sentence handed down to two accused by the Madikwe Regional Court,” she said.

Kwena applauded the detective, Sgt Taolo Makgotlho of Madikwe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for a sterling job which ensured that merciless rapists were given hefty sentences.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) came out gun-blazing and says it refuses to be silenced by corrupt municipalities in North West. SAMWU Secretary-General, Dumisane Magagula said they are enraged following attempts by a clique in the province to silence the union from blowing the whistle on rampant cronyism, corruption, maladministration and theft of municipal resources with impunity.

“We cannot allow the last line of defence for workers and communities to be silenced and turn a blind eye when the much-needed municipal resources are dried up by individuals who have no interest in service delivery, but rather the filling of their pockets and those of their friends and families.

“Recently, the union exposed evil intentions of the Tswaing Local Municipality to illegally sneak 127 individuals into its payroll. Instead of addressing these issues, the municipality responded by suspending 24 workers and ultimately dismissing the union’s Provincial Secretary, Vincent Diphoko and another member, Mogale Morwe,” Magagula said.

He further said the sins of those suspended were nothing but a ploy to threaten and intimidate workers from exposing the rot that is in the North West Municipalities.

However, Magagula said they maintain that the intention by the municipality to sneak 127 individuals into its payroll is because those who are in charge are not motivated by strengthening service delivery, but rather extending patronage and securing employment for their friends and families before the next local government elections.

“The municipality simply does not have the money to pay these people. These vacancies have not been approved anywhere and not budgeted for. Most importantly, the municipality is bleeding resources and it cannot pay workers their overtimes, third parties such as medical aids and pension funds have not been paid in over two years.

“This is the same municipality that is failing to honour its payment arrangement with Eskom, leading to constant power interruptions at great inconvenience to residents and businesses,” he said.

Magagula said the cowardice act of the municipality and the clique operating in the province is nothing but a provocation of workers and union-bashing. He added that they will not allow their members to be used as sacrificial lambs for executing their union and civil duties by exposing the rampant corruption in municipalities.

“Corruption has resulted in the collapse of the province’s municipalities as stated by consecutive Auditor General reports. Recently, we have seen the Hawks working overtime, crisscrossing the province’s municipalities raiding offices and arresting thieves.

“Surely people think that by silencing workers who are vocal and against the rot in municipalities, that they will not get their opportunity to be given a lift in the now-famous Golf 7 GTI,” said Magagula.

He calls on all workers, particularly in municipalities in the North West to continue blowing the lid on corruption. Magagula said the union will explore all legal avenues at its disposal to ensure that two dismissed and 24 suspended workers are re-instated and protected.

Meanwhile, the ANC Interim Provincial Committee chairperson, Hlomani Chauke has written to the IEC to deregister the municipal mayor, Lydia Malwane, speaker, Phemelo Lobele and Whip, Thabo Morei.  

Democratic Alliance MP, Carìn Visser said: “The DA in North West noted the ANC Interim Provincial Committee’s (IPC) declaration of vacancies on their Proportional Representation (PR) list after a decision was taken to replace the Tswaing Local Municipality’s Mayor, Lydia Malwane, Speaker, Phemelo Lobelo and Whip, Thabo Morei.

It is however interesting to note that the letter was issued to councillors on 2 November but is dated 27 October. According to the letter, the decision to replace the Troika was already taken on 12 October.”

Visser said it is disappointing that the ANC would be aware of the total collapse of service delivery for years, but only take action after the DA wrote to President Ramaphosa last week.

“The fact that the Municipal Manager, Isaac Moruti, has not resigned yet, is a display of his shameless refusal to take responsibility for the collapse of service delivery that left residents without access to water, waste removal and sanitation services for the past six weeks.

“The DA will proceed to table a motion that seeks his suspension and removal, as we can no longer stand by while public servants are failing their mandate of serving communities,” said Visser.

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By STAFF REPORTER

The Greater Taung Local Municipality speaker, Ebusang Tladi said he fears for his life. This comes after Tladi received a WhatsApp messages insinuating that he was scheming with the municipality’s Chief Whip, Joyce Malepe to oust the Municipal Manager, Katlego Gabanakgosi, and some Directors those who disobey their orders.  

However, defiant Tladi denied sending those disparaging messages to anyone. He confirmed to Taung DailyNews that he also received death threats a few days after the leaked bogus messages making rounds on social media platforms.

“On Friday, I was from the North West Provincial Taxi Lekgotlha in Rustenburg and on my way out of Koster, I received a call from the ANC Chief Whip in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, Joyce Malepe asking me about the string of messages that I have sent out.

“I asked her which messages is she referring to and she promised to send those messages through WhatsApp. Shockingly, those messages depict and insinuate that I had a conversation with her where we ploy against other members,” he said.

Tladi further said some of the messages imply that they are also planning to re-shuffle the exco. He added he also received death threats messages a few days after.

“This prompted me to open defamation of character and intimidation case at Taung Police Station. Many people believed that it was me who sent out those messages. I received many calls from various people including the ANC leadership.

“I normally do not respond to anything that is said about me, but these damning messages affect my reputation. I am a leader and a man of integrity, so I cannot allow disgruntled individuals to tarnish my character just like that,” said Tladi.

He believed that there are some individuals who want to hijack the municipality and use it for self-enrichment. Tladi said his detractors labelled him as a ‘stumbling block’ at the municipality hence he is targeted.

“Some of my detractors have done this before back in 2016. This is not the only story because on Thursday last week, I received a SMS where a person asked me why I am talking bad about them.

“I called that person, but he/she did not pick up the phone. He/she said bad things about me through the messages and I did not know who that was. I believe that people want me dead simply because I defeated them,” he said.

Tladi added that he was also allegedly attacked on Wednesday at the North West Provincial Legislature when the municipality appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA).

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “We can confirm that the case in question has been opened. No one has been arrested at this stage and investigation into the matter continues.”

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than one million learners will be sitting for their National Senior Certificate final examinations across the country on Thursday. The combined examination for National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates makes this the largest cohort with 1 058 699 candidates.

North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro described the year 2020 calendar which came with the COVID-19 pandemic as a true character test for learners especially the matriculants. However, Mokgoro believes that learners will prevail and come out victorious from their final year examinations.

“The character of the learners has never ever been tested like the Class of 2020 due to coronavirus. They had to endure what no other generation of learners has ever endured.

“They went into a lockdown with uncertainty, losing learning time as well as the re-opening of schools under difficult conditions with new measures of wearing masks, sanitizing and keeping social distance,” he said.

Mokgoro further said despite all the difficulties, learners reached this stage. He added that they have demonstrated that they will certainly put North West right at the number one position.

“We admire your courage, determination, and well-done in defeating the pandemic. We know you’re going to do even better in your examination. We also want to pay our gratitude to MEC Wendy Matsemela for her leadership and guidance during this period.

“We also thank educators who had to go through the unchartered territories as they navigated their way to assist learners to complete their curriculum by racing against time. Despite all these challenges, matriculants and educators remained focused and committed,” said Mokgoro.

He added that a true character can only be built from tough circumstances and that’s why he believes that the Matric Class of 2020 will do well. Mokgoro wished everyone all the best in this year’s final examinations.

“We also thanked the parents and communities at large for their support to learners through programs such as “Ngwana Sejo wa Tlhakanelwa”. We urge parents to assist learners to study hard, take deserving breaks, to eat and rest well as this is the good recipe for passing examinations,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee Chairperson on Basic Education,

Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba said: “We would like to wish all candidates the best of luck with the upcoming final examinations. We urge them to continue working hard and to keep their focus.

“These examinations are the culmination of the last 12 years of schooling. We know it has been a challenging academic year, but we support you no matter what. It was a very unusual academic year for this class.”

She added that the committee has been assured by both the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) that it is all systems go for the examinations.

Mbinqo-Gigaba said the sector has had to drastically increase its efforts to ensure that the Class of 2020 is fully-prepared to sit for the NSC examination, despite the disruptions of the academic year. She said the committee commends the DBE for providing additional support to learners because of the loss of academic time due to Covid-19.

“Supplementary material, holiday classes, after-school programs, teacher content training, placement of volunteer teachers, as well as alternative (differentiated) ways of grouping and teaching learners were provided to assist this cohort.”

“The sector has placed a strong emphasis on areas such as psycho-social support for learners and teachers, curriculum coverage monitoring, extra school-based tuition, such as morning, afternoon, and weekend classes, ICT utilisation on television, radio, and web-based platforms; and peer-led study groups,” she said.

The June examinations for both full and part-time candidates had to be cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-19. Grade 12 learners are expected to sit for their examination from 5 November to 15 December 2020.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Residents of Huhudi in Vryburg welcomed the construction of an R80 million school project. North West Education department performed a sod-turning ceremony on Monday.

North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said the construction of the school will provide quality education and learning environment for the Huhudi Extension 25 learners in Vryburg.

“The new settlement in Vryburg informally called Colour Block did not have a school and learners were subjected to attend school in the old location by means of scholar transport. This is a sign of the department to give assurance to the Huhudi community of the much-awaited project.

“Today, we brought a massive school project for the community of Extension 25 to the value of R80 763 027.60. This project is going to change this community forever by planting a seed of knowledge to the learners of this place. The school project duration is only 18 months and we should work together to meet the deadline,” she said.

Matsemela urged the community to guard against any form of vandalism once the school is completed. She further said the school will constitute of 24 classrooms, administration block, school hall, dining and nutrition block, Grade R block, library and computer lab, change rooms, tuck shop, security house and security fence.

“The community expressed that this development will have a long-lasting positive influence on the children from Extension 25,” she said.

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