Picture: North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela 

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro alongside MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela is expected to visit three schools in Taung on Monday. Over 1500 schools across the North West are expected to welcome back 65 000 Grade 7 and 37 000 Grade 12 learners respectively.

Matsemela said the aim of the visit is scheduled to monitor the re-opening of schools in three schools around the Greater Taung region amidst a long break to the novel Coronarivus pandemic.

“We will visit Reivilo High School in Reivilo at 8am and this will be followed by a visit to Lokgabeng Primary School in Mokasa village before heading to Molale Primary School in Motlapaneng village. The visit will include monitoring availability of  COVID-19 PPEs to schools which is inclusive of infrared thermometers, cloth masks and face shields as well as the delivery of sanitizers, and hand soaps.

“Prior to the re-opening, schools received deep cleaning by various stakeholders and volunteer to ensure a hygienic environment for teaching and learning. We have use R380 million for the PPEs including the sanitizers, hand wash soaps, disinfectants, boards including face shields and face masks,” she said.

Matsemela added that they are expecting 103 217 learners in various schools this week combined with all 27 000 teachers they are having across the province. She said this includes food handlers, AAs, and the GAs.

“We have been working together with the Department of Health and believe that the department has unfolded a program that they know better than us. We will ensure that any person who is supposed to be at our schools is not compromised. As the department, we will also try to move in tantamount to what the president of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa is saying by saving lives at all cost,” said Matsemela.

She said the issue of appointment of Marebantwa as testing and screening volunteers are affectionately known across the province was the prerogative of the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) at schools. Matsemela also re-iterated that her department will take Grade 12s into camps.

“We have already budgeted for camps in terms of all semesters. The department has budgeted for summer, winter, and spring camps. So, we are going to take all Grade 12s given that there is a budget for them to put them in separate camps, which we will be in compliance with alert lockdown regulations going forward.

“We will take them there since we have a number of issues to look upon. For instance, the Grade 12s curriculum is not going to be trimmed. Therefore, the Grade 12s across the Republic of South Africa including the North West province must do the entire curriculum. Fortunately, the curriculum for Grade R-11s will be trimmed,” she said.

Matsemela said if SGBs and teachers from various schools refuse to adhere to the camps for Grade 12s, they will embark on school-based camps.

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Picture: North West MEC for Health Department, Madoda Sambatha

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said the mines have become hotspots for this novel coronavirus in the province. Sambatha said the province has experienced a sharp increase recently.

“Mines such as Sibanye Stillwaters, Harmony Gold, Royal Bafokeng Platinum, and Impala constitute 266 out of 468 confirmed cases. Sibanye Stillwaters has 133, Harmony Gold is sitting at 47, Royal Bafokeng Platinum mine has 19, while the Impala mine reported 17 cases thus far.

“More effort is needed to curb the disease from spreading to mining communities. It is very key that those mineworkers who come from hotspot provinces like Western Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape should be screened and tested before they could start working,” he said.

Sambatha also said mining companies have been urged to make sure those mineworkers who test positive and their contacts are isolated at quarantine sites approved by the government. He further said mines that were lagging behind in terms of compliance and case management have been ordered to work with senior district health officials to ensure compliance.

“Our downfall is going to be the mining industry and complication is that contacts give you positive cases, which means we are now in community infection. We cannot blame the government on some infections, but societal behaviour. Most people do not practice coronavirus toolbox, but give the state their responsibilities regarding their health instead.

“We need to review the status of Rustenburg and Matlosana. Sibanye Stillwaters mine has 46 195 workforce and had its first 5 confirmed coronavirus cases. However, the mine let these five workers to go and work underground for five days. This resulted in infected workers to be in contacts with 68 mineworkers.

“If these five workers were detected earlier by the mine, they would have saved this five including 68 other workers. Impala mine’s total workforce is 42 300 and the mine had information about the whereabouts of infected mineworkers before resuming their duties,” he said.

He said some of those infected mineworkers came from high-risk areas declared by the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).

Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Government has increased bed availability through partnerships with the private sector and mining companies. Sambatha said his department has rolled out an extensive training program in the prevention and management of COVID-19 for its employees as well as the private sector.

“This continued under Level 4 as more information on the diseases became available and the pandemic evolves. In terms of quarantine facilities, we have 397 active beds in Bojanala, 126 in Dr Kenneth Kaunda, 137 in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, and 81 in Ngaka Modiri Molema Districts.

“This translates into 7 facilities for Bojanala Platinum, 6 for Dr Kenneth Kaunda, 7 for Ngaka Modiri Molema and 4 at Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Districts. We have adequate quarantine facility beds in the mines, both in the Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts,” he said.

Sambatha added that they are indeed prepared for the level 3 lockdown periods. He said the North West Public Works and Roads department is mandated in terms of the protocol for the establishment and management of quarantine facilities and homeless shelters to identify possible sites for quarantine and accommodation of homeless people based on the protocol on quarantine facilities.

“The department has subsequently identified, consolidated, and submitted the list of identified sites for quarantine and shelters for the homeless to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre as per the Protocol, and the list of identified sites is updated on a regular basis.

“Furthermore, these sites were inspected, assessed and maintenance as well as repairs needs were handed over to client departments for further processing,” said Sambatha.

The following states have been identified as potential sites/shelters for quarantine and homeless purposes:

• The Bloemhof old sub-district office and the Bloemhof EMS office in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Donkervliet in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts still need renovations before they could be utilized.
• In the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, the Molemane Tented Camp is ready for occupation, the Mahikeng Secure Care Centre (formerly known as the Bosasa Centre) is already in use while the showers at the Mmabatho Stadium are being repaired for the facility to be ready for use.
• The Vaalkop Dam, the Rustenburg Recreation Centre and the Golden Leopards Resorts Manyane Gate in the Bojanala Platinum District are also ready for occupation.
• The Bloemhof Dam and the SA Lombard Nature Reserve in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati are ready for occupation while the Public Works and Roads houses in Bray are just in need of minor renovations before they could be ready for occupation.
• The Faan Meintjies Nature Reserve in Dr Kenneth Kaunda is ready for occupation while the EMRS College in Orkney needs renovations.

“We have also decided to investigate the use of other state facilities such as the hangers at the airports and residential facilities at Health institutions which are currently not in use, in anticipation of the need for additional quarantine facilities or additional beds in the near future.

“Progress on the suitability of these and other facilities will be provided in due course. Private facilities have been identified in three of the four districts of the North West for utilization in case a need arises to augment state-owned facilities,” said Sambatha.

In the Bojanala Platinum District, the following private facilities have been identified:

• Rustenburg Kloof, the Country Hotel in Madibeng, Bleskop Hostel, Bleskop Flats, Graceland Lodge, Black Swan Lodge, Stay Easy Hotel, Road Lodge Hotel, Cashan Hotel, Royal Marang Hotel, AKTV Lodge, Bakubung Bush Lodge, Kwa-Maritane Resort and the Andrew Saffy Memorial Hospital.
• In the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, the following private facilities have been identified:
• Thapama Guest House in Bray, Klondike Guest Lodge in Vryburg, Kameelboom Guest House in Vryburg, and the Val-Re Walkie Guest House in Christiana.
• In the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the only private facility identified there is the Klerksdorp Dam.

He said the department, as the lead department in the fight against COVID-19, it is working with Private Health Practitioners to ensure the standardized management of patients across the province. Sambatha added that the department is continuously monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and tools for managing COVID-19 patients in both the public and private sectors while protocols are being reviewed as and when necessary.

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By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport, Sello Lehari said various licensing centres across the province will soon be opened for the public. Lehari said the services were like all others in the country and had been put on hold towards the end of March as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

“As the department, we hereby notify that the licensing centres will soon be opened for the public after the announcement of the alert lockdown level 3 by the State President, Cyril Ramaphosa. The Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula instructed that licensing centres be opened and service public from 1 June 2020.

“To comply with government guidance, all departments should resume with gradual resumption of operations. Staff at all licensing centres began to work on 1 June 2020. They first began with backlogs that were created by the lockdown restrictions and further prioritizing emergency services,” he said.

Lehari added they will continue to adhere to the lockdown regulations such as social distancing, wearing masks, and screening of people as they enter the premises as well as sanitising and disinfecting. He said all these measures are to ensure that the public is safe when visiting these centres.

“We appeal to the public to be patient as the department is working around the clock to ensure the public is served whilst complying completely with lockdown regulations. We do understand the anxiety of our people to renew driving and motor vehicle licenses, however, it is also important that we put their safety first,” said Lehari.

He also warned that non-compliance could be disastrous and people need to realize that the department is circumspect as a slight contravention of these regulations could lead to closure.

Mbalula has since announced that driving licenses, learners licenses and motor vehicle licenses expired between 26 March and 31 May 2020, will be given a further grace period of 90 days.

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Picture: Nissan x-trail that was stolen during an armed robbery 

By REGINALD KANYANE

A 38-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property and illegal firearm. According to the North West police, three armed suspects allegedly robbed and assaulted a farmer (64) and his wife (63) at Reivilo near Taung on Saturday.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said a house robbery was reported to the police at around 10am on Saturday. Mokgwabone added that the police found a farmer along with his wife tied up inside their house.

“The victims were severely assaulted by three armed robbers during the ordeal. The farmer was poured with hot water by the suspects who fled the scene after robbing them of their Nissan X-trail, cash, two cell-phones, and a bank card. The couple was subsequently admitted to the hospital with serious injuries.

“The Reivilo police in collaboration with their counterparts in Schweizer-Reneke, Bloemhof, Airwing, Schweizer-Reneke Traffic officers and the Neighbourhood Watch Farmers immediately embarked on a search. The victims’ vehicle was spotted at a vehicle checkpoint in Schweizer-Reneke. A car chase ensued towards Ipelegeng location in Schweizer Reneke after the suspects failed to stop,” he said.

Mokgwabone said the suspects ultimately abandoned the car and fled on foot. He said one suspect was arrested after being shot whilst running towards a farmer that was assisting the police.

“The suspect has been admitted in hospital under police guard. A firearm suspected to be used during the commission of the crime was found in his possession as well as a suspected stolen cellular phone. Two other men were taken in for questioning and investigation into the matter continues,” said Mokgwabone.

The suspect is expected to appear in Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate’s Court in absentia on Tuesday. The North West SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the police for their swift reaction and collaboration with other role-players which led to the arrest.

Kwena further said the involvement of relevant stakeholders in the fight against crime is key to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 19-YEAR-OLD boy was arrested in connection with murder. According to the South African Police (SAPS) spokesperson in North West, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the suspect was apprehended for allegedly stabbing his step-father to death in Christiana on Friday.

“The police were called to a house at Marikana Township in Christiana where the body of Eric Thomson (43) was found with a stabbing wound on his back. Thomson was declared dead on the scene by Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

“Initial investigations into the matter revealed that the suspect and his step-father were involved in an argument, which led to the fatal stabbing of the latter. The suspect is expected to appear in the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on Monday for murder,” he said.

In a separate incident, a 26-year-old son is also expected to appear at Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court for allegedly killing his own father. Mokgwabone said the police were summoned to a house in Tshing Location, Ventersdorp in the early hours of the morning.

“On arrival, Moses Mahambehlala (56) was found on the floor with what appeared to be stabbing wounds on the upper body. He was also declared dead on the scene by Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

“The police were initially informed that the victim was allegedly killed by intruders. However, preliminary investigations led to the arrest of the victim’ son,” said Mokgwabone.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned both incidents, says Mokgwabone. He said Kwena applauded the police for their quick response that led to the arrests.

“Kwena reiterated the importance of engaging in peaceful conversations and resolution of conflicts to avert incidents like these,” said Mokgwabone.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Premier Job Mokgoro said a lot needs to be done to ensure that the province obliterates the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. This comes after the province showed a drastic increase in relation to COVID-19 disease.

“The last time I stood before you, we were amongst the two provinces with the lowest confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, commonly referred to as COVID-19. However, things have since taken a drastic change since that time as we have surpassed Mpumalanga, Free State, Limpopo and the Northern Cape provinces with the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

“The total number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the province as of Thursday was 364, showing an increase of 49 from previously reported cases. However, that number has since increased to 409 confirmed cases by late last night. There were 59 recoveries by Thursday and still one reported death so far,” Mokgoro said.

He said a total of five confirmed cases which were previously allocated to Gauteng, have since been re-allocated to the North West province after data harmonization and verification of addresses and the majority of these cases are mine-related in the Rustenburg area.

Mokgoro added that the Bojanala Platinum District had the highest number of confirmed cases at 215 with 39 recoveries and one death. He said the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District is next with 121 confirmed and 21 recoveries.

“The Ngaka Modiri Molema District now has 20 confirmed cases, with 10 recoveries, while the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District has 5 cases and 1 has recovered. There are 11 healthcare workers who tested COVID-19 positive and 7 of them have since recovered.

“We have now conducted over 3 million screenings so far. In fact, the actual number stands at 3 123 523 and those referred for testing are at 2 724. We are of the firm conviction that mass screenings, active case finding and contact tracing remain key to the prevention of rapid infections,” he said.

Mokgoro highlighted that although the Bojanala Platinum District has the highest number of recovered cases in the province, there are no significant differences in the recovery rates of both the Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts.

“The increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in the mines is a major issue of concern to the Provincial COVID-19 Command Council and the MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha has been visiting and engaging with the mining houses in the province to assess the levels of compliance with lockdown regulations in that space.

“In this regard, a lot has been achieved during Lockdown Levels 4 and 5.  Treatment protocols have been developed for a coherent response in the screening, testing, and treatment of suspected as well as confirmed cases,” said Mokgoro.

He further said his provincial government has ensured that the availability of medicines required treating the complications of COVID-19 and this includes analgesic, antipyretics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, Zinc Sulphate, Vitamin C.

“Level 5 Lockdown Restrictions gave us the time to start to prepare for a possible surge in cases. Therefore, the hospital capacity in the province has been enhanced by collaboration between the public and private health as well as the mining sectors.

“We will continue to enhance the capacity of hospitals to ensure that services can be rendered should the need arise. We are currently now planning a field hospital for additional beds, details relating to that will be finalised and made public in due course,” he said.

Mokgoro said strategic measures have been taken by the Provincial COVID-19 Command Council to ensure the availability of PPE, psycho-social support, and vaccination of front line workers.

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Picture (Courtesy of Citizen): Deputy Minister Buti Manamela 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Buti Manamela is expected to visit various tertiary institutions across the country to assess the state of readiness for the phased return of students and staff to campuses, the department said in a statement on Thursday.

Manamela will kick-start his series of visits on Friday by visiting the University of Johannesburg (Kingsway campus) and makes his way to the Ekurhuleni West Campus in Germiston later on. The department’s media liaison officer, Mandla Tshabalala said Manamela will visit the Vaal University of Technology in Vanderbijlpark next week Monday before heading to the Sedibeng College in Vereeniging.

“Manamela will visit institutions of higher learning to monitor the state of readiness for the phased return to campus of students and staff under Level 3. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on all aspects of life and work, including the Post-School Education and Training sector.

“Specifically, teaching and learning have been severely impacted as a result of the suspension of contact classes. On 23 May 2020, Minister Blade Nzimande announced the phased re-opening of campus activities. As a result, the sector has to continue to implement a risk-adjusted strategy which will support Teaching and Learning and Campus Readiness Plans,” said Tshabalala.

He added that Manamela will conclude his visit to the Gert Sibanda FET College (Standerton campus) in Mpumalanga.

Universities and TVET colleges have begun preparations to welcome back students to campuses. The Deputy Minister will visit institutions to monitor readiness.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The National Assembly speaker, Thandi Modise is the latest public figure to ‘suffer’ in the hands of scammers. This comes after the circulation of a fraudulent email, purporting to be from Modise requesting people to deposit money into some account.

The National Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said the email claims that Modise is having problems with her bank account and is unable to make withdrawals, and asks prospective donors to deposit money into a cousin’s account.
“Ms Thandi Modise has noted with concern the circulation of a fraudulent email. We urge the public, including the acquaintances of Modise to remain vigilant and not fall prey to these repugnant scam merchants.

“Any email or text, including those usually sent from fake social media accounts, requesting or promising money must immediately be treated with suspicion and be ignored,” said Mothapo.
He added that similar scams aimed at duping unsuspecting people into donating money into a fraudulent “European Development Fund” did the rounds last year. Mothapo said other scammers promised email recipients that Modise will connect them to “international funders” in exchange for an upfront payment.

Many people including celebrities are victims of cybercrime. However, the best thing people could do is not to respond and report when they see something they think is a scam.

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By STAFF REPORTER

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc in South Africa. This comes after the Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize announced on Tuesday that South Africa now has 35,812 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

North West Department of Health says the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province is 271. The province experienced an increase of 84 from previously reported cases. Also, a total of 74 cases which were previously allocated to Gauteng has been reallocated to the province.

Taung village recorded its first COVID-19 case on Sunday and that left many residents terrified. However, businessman and philanthropist, Tshidiso Moreane encourages people not to panic, but rather adhere to the national lockdown regulations.

“We urge every person to be confined to his or her place of residence, unless strictly for the purpose of performing an essential service, obtaining an essential good or service. Please, those who go out to collect a social grant, pension, or seeking emergency, life-saving, or chronic medical attention must adhere to the lockdown regulations.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is alive and knows no race, gender, colour nor boundaries. We know it is difficult, but remember that prevention is better than cure. We need to be safe at all times and also ensure that we maintain social distancing,” Moreane said.

The founder of Sphere Foundation and event organiser, Lebogang “Dj Sphere” Letebele shared the same sentiments. Letebele said: “Fellow South Africans, I would like to encourage all members of the society to cordially observe the rules and regulations of lockdown as we face this COVID-19 pandemic together as a country.

“Please, let us stay indoors and keep our social distance to minimize the spread of the virus. Let us all hold hands and fight this pandemic as we would know that united we stand, but divided we fall. Let’s keep our hands sanitized at all times too.”

Prominent entrepreneur, Lehlogonolo Motseeng who is the founder and owner of the popular food outlet, Moja Chicken said people should be responsible. Tloks Lepara as Motseeng is affectionately known in the showbiz said he was saddened to hear about the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Taung.

“Waking up with such bad news that there’s a case reported in my own hometown saddens me. I would like to plead to everyone back home to please adhere to the rules and regulations of the lockdown and comply.

“Our people should understand and accept that this is a new norm of living from now on going forward for a longer time. Please practice social distancing, wash your hands regularly, wear your mask when you leave the house, and doing that doesn’t only protect you but others. The kids are now going back to school and may we kindly protect them and keep on teaching them about this virus,” he said.

Meanwhile, the country was moved to the alert level 3 regulations of lockdown on Monday.

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On the eve of South Africa moving to lockdown alert level 3, the Health Department said on Sunday that the number of positive Covid-19 cases has risen to 32 683, with 1 716 new cases reported from the last 24-hour testing cycle.

The Department reported 40 more Covid-19-related deaths which brings the total of Covid-19 deaths to 683. There have been 16 809 recoveries to date, which translates to a recovery rate of 51.4%.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize extended condolences to the loved ones of the departed. He also thanked the health care workers who have been treating Covid-19 patients.

The country’s move to Level 3 of lockdown on Monday will see the re-opening of all economic sectors except those considered high risk. All retail outlets will be open with stringent health protocols in place.

Places of worship will also be open with restricted numbers.

The ban on the sale of alcohol has also been lifted.

IOL