By BAKANG MOKOTO

Dj Sphere Foundation has donated food parcels to the deprived in Taung on Thursday. Ten families from disadvantaged backgrounds received food parcels from the renowned House music disc jockey, Dj Sphere as Lebogang Matebele is affectionately known in the music arena.

Dj Sphere said it was imperative for those who are fortunate to help those who are in need during this difficult time faced by the country.

“We were prompted to donate food parcels due to the effect the COVID-19 virus has had in communities. This resulted in the implementation of the national lockdown and that meant hunger for most underprivileged.

“Dj Sphere Foundation identified ten disadvantaged families as beneficiaries. It was easy to identify them because of the hardship they are subjected to,” he said.

Matebele added that he came up with this initiative after he realized that the COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without basic needs. He said it was important for the DJ Sphere Foundation to embark on the initiative to practice ubuntu.

“We live by the principles of ubuntu, which means showing love, compassion, and sympathy to our fellow human beings. Therefore, we are grateful that we were able to give a helping hand.

“This will be a social responsibility role that will be played annually. The less privileged people face challenges all the time and the COVID-19 pandemic is not the only challenge our people are faced with. There are socio-economic challenges that also need attention such as unemployment, inequality, poverty, teenage pregnancy, drug, and alcohol abuse and HIV-Aids,” said Matebele.

We also call upon other role players to pledge their unwavering support to make the world a better place, says Matebele. Matebele runs the renowned Dj Sphere Annual Festival event on 24 December.

The event attracts many revelers across the country and neighboring areas.

“Those who are well-off should embark on donating to the less privileged because a little really goes a long way. When you give it shall be given unto you. Remember, we all began somewhere even if you were born privileged, those who came before you begin somewhere.

“Ubuntu should be a way of life for everyone. So, the donations were only able to benefit ten families this year, but we are hoping to increase the numbers as the years go by. However, we are grateful that we managed to make a difference,” he said.

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Law enforcement agencies were monitoring the country’s roads on Friday as many South Africans travelled across provinces.

FILE: The N3 Toll Concession, working with other organisations and law enforcement officers, near Mooi River Plaza. Picture: Sethembiso Zulu/EWN

Police said systems were in place for travellers who are unfairly treated by officers at roadblocks.

Law enforcement agencies were monitoring the country’s roads on Friday as many South Africans travelled across provinces.

Government has permitted the movements to allow people who could not travel during level 5 lockdown.

Police said the once-off allowance starts from Friday and would last until next week Thursday.

Police spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo said: “At every roadblock, there’s a very senior officer present. They can firstly ask to speak to that senior officer, who by now should know exactly what the regulations entail and the related directives. Failing that, that’s why we are always encouraging people to download the MyChart app because that will give them access to their nearest police station commander so that they can make the call from there.”

Source: http://www.ewn.co.za 

Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Jonas Lehari

By REGINALD KANYANE

However, Lehari’ spokesperson, Oshebeng Koonyaditse poured cold water on the DA’s allegations. Koonyaditse said Lehari has since clarified his utterances while addressing the shoppers in Ganyesa on Thursday.

“He emphasized that the lockdown continues through various lockdown levels, but that lockdown level 5 will end on 30 April 2020. Lehari further stressed that as level 5 end, lockdown level 4 begins from Friday, and various ministers will explain specific restrictions and regulations governing Level 4 of the lockdown process.

“Lehari also raised concerns about non-compliance in rural villages leading the distribution of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) in the Kagisano-Molopo and Mamusa municipalities respectively. He said there is a need to strengthen law enforcement to ensure that people in villages to comply as they seem to be ignorant of regulations because they think they are immune,” said Konyaditse.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The residents in Delareyville are up in arms and demanding the police to re-arrest the alleged perpetrator, Kagiso Nakedi (20). Nakedi escaped from the lawful custody on Saturday last week.

The residents barricaded internal roads with burning tyres and tree branches on Thursday and demand the police to re-arrest the fugitive Nakedi.

“He is very dangerous and he had already broken into several houses and seriously injured one of his victims, which mostly are women. We will continue to embark on a protest and hunt down Nakedi.

“As the community, we have lost faith in the police and we cannot continue to let criminals rule our streets while folding our arms. Nakedi has violated the rights of many women in our area and he needs to be brought to book,” one of the residents said.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Nakedi was arrested for residential burglary and theft. He also urged the community members not to try and apprehend or confront him as he may be dangerous.

“Nakedi escaped from lawful custody in the early hours of Saturday morning with two other awaiting trial prisoners, Brian Moshe Mocks Chacha (24) and Success Kuda Phiri (27). It was discovered during routine cell inspection at the station that three detainees forced open roof burglar bars of one of the cells and escaped.

“Police were immediately mobilised and followed up information which led them to a house in Kopela village where Chacha and Phiri were re-arrested later on the same day. They appeared at the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on Monday for escaping from lawful custody and were remanded in custody until 25 Monday 2020,” he said.

Mokgwabone said anyone with information that may lead to the re-arrest of Nakedi is requested to call the nearest police station or contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Roelf Herbst on 082 373 7619. The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended police who effected the re-arrest.

The police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the escapee is also brought to book, says Kwena.

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Picture: ANCWL acting provincial secretary, Bitsa Lenkopane

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Department of Basic Education has received negative criticisms from various stakeholders since its announcement regarding possible re-opening of schools next week. Many people believe that the call is premature as the COVID-19 pandemic infections continue to soar.

The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in the North West was the latest structure to raise its voice against the decision. The ANCWL acting provincial secretary, Bitsa Lenkopane said they reject the plan tabled by the department as it seems to be guided more by international operations, and not considering the set Lockdown regulations locally.

She said the level 4 of national lockdown is extremely precautious to limit community transmission, while allowing some activities to resume operations.

“Under the regulations, public gatherings are still prohibited and learner and teacher going to school don’t feature into any permitted sectors’ essential services mentioned in level 4 either.

“It now appears that the Department of Basic Education happened to have been completely ignorant in terms of adhering to the regulations and or level 4 lockdown conditions. The league raises the issue of status of schools in the North West where even to date; the provision of water is still a challenge to communities in areas where those schools are located,” said Lenkopane.

She said the provincial department of education must consider the issues of water scarcity and or lack of provision in the province when making submissions to the DBE. Lenkopane added that water provision commitments previously made has just been an oral exercise throughout the level 5 lockdown period.

Meanwhile, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) said it stands firm on its position which was articulated on Friday that no school shall open until our concerns are met. SADTU General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke said the urged the department to comply with minimum requirements such as the fumigation and disinfection of schools, proper school infrastructure in the form of proper toilet facilities and classrooms, observance of social distancing inside the classrooms and on courtyards.

“We also called for the reduction of class sizes, provision of soap, sanitizers, and masks, screening of learners, teachers, and support personnel, social distancing in the transportation of learners to and from schools, provision of psychosocial services to assist learners as well as teachers to build resilience and calm down fears among learners and teachers.

“If stage 4 regulations are to be adhered to, there should be no re-opening of schools under stage 4. The minister should meet with stakeholders before any announcement is made and after making sure that the Department of Health has expertly assessed the risks,” said Maluleke.

We reject importing the Taiwan, China, Denmark and Singapore misrepresentation by the Director General, says Maluleke. He further said the context and culture are not the same.

“We must use our context, culture and data to inform our actions. We have called upon everyone to contribute towards the solution, but it is now clear that the department is engaging in bad faith and this is undesirable when we are faced with a virulent and contagious pandemic.

“We can’t allow them to liquidate our workers and students. We stand firm that no schools shall open until our concerns are met,” said Maluleke.

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Generic picture: http://www.google.co.za 

By Staff Reporter

Most people especially the youth continue to spend more time on various social media platforms rather than reading books. However, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation (ACSR) said it will launch an E-book service to help reach more people and promote a culture of reading.

The ACSR department spokesperson, Daddy Sebolecwe said the power of books should be influenced to combat isolation, reinforce ties between people, and expand horizons while stimulating minds and creativity. Sebolecwe added that in this age of technological innovation and social media, people spend rather a lot of time chatting and updating statuses and not investing in expanding their knowledge by reading books.

“More than ever, at a time when most schools around the world are closed and people have to limit spending time outside considering the global Covid-19 pandemic, it is critical to take time to read on your own or with your children.

“It is a time to celebrate the importance of reading, foster children’s growth as readers, and promote a life-long love of literature and integration into the world of work. So, the department saw it fit to announce the Overdrive digital E-lending library (ebook),” he said.

Sebolecwe said an E-book is a text presented in a format that allows it to be read on a computer or handheld device. He said many titles that are available in printed versions can be read as E-books, including bestselling fiction, classics, and reference texts. E-books can consist simply of the electronic text or may also contain extras, such as audio, video, or hyperlinks.

“The 23 April has been identified by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as World Book and Copyright Day to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. We are working together with Overdrive and we have already completed the first phase of accessing the digital collection using the Libby app.

“Libby is a free app that will allow all registered library users in the province an opportunity to borrow and read books online for a stipulated number of days on their devices. You can stream books with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or download them for offline use and read anytime, anywhere,” said Sebolecwe.

He further said all that one needs to get started is a library card. Sebolecwe said currently the North West library eBook app/ Libby app has a limited number of books and will only be able to expand its catalog in-time.

“The number of users on the app and requirements/needs of books requested will guide and influence additional material which will be added in the future. Reading statistics show that only 14% of the South African population is active book readers, and a mere 5% of parents read to their children.

Khumo Seane who is a renowned author and a teacher at Mankuroane Technical School in Taung lauded the initiative. Seane added that reading enhances one’s language and communication skills.

“Reading develops fluency and also allows people to express their thoughts and ideas better. I will encourage more people especially the youth to read more rather than spending time online chatting. So, the launch of eBook and e-lending library is an important initiative. Reading is also fun and a pleasurable activity once you get used to it,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

More than 100 people from underprivileged backgrounds received food parcels at Mokgareng village in Taung recently. This comes after a local businessman and philanthropist, Tshidiso Moreane in partnership with Sylvester Seokwang donated food parcels to the needy amid COVID-19 National Lockdown.

Moreane said they saw it fit to lend a helping hand as many households struggle to make ends meet during this time. He further said many people continue to be subjected to unemployment, inequality and poverty especially in rural areas.

More than 56% of people are currently unemployed in South Africa.

“We have identified a few households after a cry from locals. Most people are still living in dire situations and it was our responsibility to preach the spirit of ubuntu. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many businesses including us at Druzaray Aluminium Glass, but we cannot turn a blind eye to those who are less fortunate.

“We distributed food parcels and we will continue with this initiative across all surrounding areas if need be. We would also like to encourage other stakeholders to contribute and ensure that together, we win this battle,” he said.

Seokwang who is the Project Manager at CHAPS Non-Government Organisation shared the same sentiments. He also urged people to ensure that they follow all regulations put in place by the government.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to destroy life and livelihoods globally. More than 2.5 million cases of COVID-19 infections and over 160,000 deaths were reported thus far globally. However, many countries that were affected by the pandemic are now starting to see resurgence in cases because they adhered to the lockdown regulations implemented.

“This virus will be with us for a long time, so make no mistake. We have a long way to go and there is no question that stay-at-home orders and other physical distancing measures have successfully suppressed transmission. The pandemic is extremely dangerous, so we need to be extra careful at all times,” said Seokwang.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa urges community members who want to apply for social relief of distress during COVID-19 lockdown to send ‘Please Call Me’ or ‘Hi’ to WhatsApp numbers allocated to every district in the province.

Moiloa said: “The departmental officials stationed at the regional call centre in Mahikeng will call back all applicants who would have sent ‘Please Call Me’ or ‘Hi’ to the WhatsApp numbers to process their applications.

“Each district has been allocated two WhatsApp numbers which community members should use to apply for social relief of distress without visiting social development and SASSA local offices, which are currently closed due to Covid-19 lockdown period. Community members may still use the call centre Toll-Free number 0800 60 10 11 and 018 397 3360 to make applications for social relief of distress from Monday to Friday at 07h30 – 16h30 and Saturdays at 07h30 – 13h00.”

Districts are allocated WhatsApp numbers for application of social relief of distress as follows:

Bojanala Platinum:           082  048 2063/082  044  8903                               

Dr Kenneth Kaunda:           082 324  3330/082  059  8761                                                      

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati:           082 325  2286/082  042  3968

Ngaka Modiri Molema:           082 324  2779/082  048  3071

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

MORE than 300 underprivileged people cross Mahikeng received food parcels donated by the Mahikeng COVID-19 Support Group on Saturday.  According to the Mahikeng COVID-19 Support Group co-coordinator, Moatlhodi Dilotsotlhe, they decided to raise funds and buy food for the destitute families in Mahikeng. Dilotsotlhe further said the aim of the initiative was to assist those who were unable to put food on the table amid the lockdown.

“We are targeting the less privileged across the 35 wards of Mahikeng Local Municipality, and wish to present this as our first phase of this noble cause. We also share the call made by the provincial government for others to join hands and make a meaningful difference in others’ lives because we believe that many hands make the load lighter,” he said.

North West Premier Prof Job Mokgoro applauded the support group and said their contribution demonstrated the spirit of patriotism. Mokgoro added that the contribution should serve as an example to be emulated by all.

“It is through efforts like these that COVID-19 can be conquered. The donations such as these will go a long way in sustaining the provincial government’s efforts to provide food and other basic needs to the less privileged during this greatest time of need,” he said.

The MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa also shared the same sentiments. Moiloa said her department in partnership with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office in Mahikeng, will use the database of the already profiled needy families and those that have been affected as a result of the lockdown to distribute the donated food.

One of the beneficiaries, Modisaotsile Ratomagano from Montshioa Township in Mahikeng said: “I am deeply moved by the group’s kind gesture. The food parcels will make a huge difference for families who are already struggling to make ends meet.”

The ceremony to receive the donated food parcels was held at the North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre in Mahikeng.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Fourteen political parties within the South African parliament came together in unity and stand against the COVID-19. The South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the COVID-19 outbreak poses a grave and real threat to the lives, livelihoods, and prosperity of the people.

The global coronavirus pandemic continues to soar up in the country as 150 people are currently infected. Ramaphosa said that South Africa finds itself in an extreme situation that requires extraordinary measures.

“It requires that all South Africans work together in unity and solidarity, in partnership and cooperation. It is, therefore, both appropriate and significant that the 14 political parties in our parliament are standing together, across party political divides to fight this disease together.

“We hereby demonstrate practically that we are united as the leaders of our nation to overcome this global crisis facing our country and our people. Regardless of our political differences, all leaders share a common desire to keep our people safe, to mitigate the impact on our economy, and ensure that the inevitable disruption to lives and livelihoods is reduced,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said they accept their collective and individual duty as leaders to provide guidance and direction to the people and demonstrate the greatest of care and responsibility in their pronouncements and actions. He added that during the course of their discussions, they agreed that the severity of the COVID-19 threat requires an exceptional response that draws on all the resources and capabilities of the nation.

“This response needs to be immediate and that it needs to be sustained. We, therefore, support the measures that the government has announced. Our overwhelming concern must be for the health and the well-being of all South Africans, particularly the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable.

“The actions we take and the decisions that we make must be informed by this imperative. While COVID-19 poses a great threat to our nation, we are not helpless. There is much we can do, as a country and as individual citizens, to slow the spread of the disease, to save lives and improve health outcomes, and to bring the epidemic to an end,” he said.