FF Plus claims victory over DA in Schweizer-Reneke, EFF strengthens hand in Mamusa by-elections

NEWS Leave a comment

The FF Plus has taken a ward off the DA in the by-elections in Mamusa, which includes the town of Schweizer-Reneke, the party has said.

While the official results had not yet been released by the IEC at the time of writing, FF Plus leader Pieter Groenewald claimed victory in Ward 9 – which was held by the DA before the municipality was put under administration – after Wednesday’s by-elections.

He said in a tweet that his party had garnered 797 votes, compared to the DA’s 222.

In a statement on Facebook, he said this was the third ward that the FF Plus had taken from the DA in North West.

“The FF Plus’s number of votes has grown by 87.5% since the 2016 municipal elections, while the DA lost 65% of… votes,” he said.

Groenewald said the FF Plus’s victorious candidate, Nico Killian, was an experienced councillor who would do everything in his power to serve the interests of Ward 9’s citizens.

The DA’s showing in by-elections since the May 2019 elections has been dismal, and its handling of alleged racism at a Schweizer-Reneke school about a year ago is believed to be one of the reasons it lost support to the FF Plus, in particular in the North West, according to a party report.

The ANC appears to have held onto the other eight wards in Mamusa, but elections analyst Dawie Scholtz tweeted that the EFF had made massive inroads, upwards of 15% in some wards.

It is expected that the Electoral Commission of South Africa will release the official results later on Thursday.

ANC head of elections Fikile Mbalula will hold a press briefing on the Mamusa results at noon on Thursday.

Source: http://www.news24.com

Mokgoro: ‘Lekalakala, you’re not the man for the job’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Former North West Health Department HoD, Dr Thabo Lekalakala

By REGINALD KANYANE

The North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro announced that he has relieved Dr Thabo Lekalakala off his duties.

The controversial Lekalakala was the Head of Department (HoD) at Health. The North West Provincial government spokesperson, Vuyisile Ngesi said Lekalakala was found guilty on five charges.

“Lekalakala faced allegations of gross misconduct. In the light of the verdict presented before Mokgoro by the Presiding Officer, Mokgoro has taken a decision to dismiss Lekalakala from employment,” Ngesi said.

Embattled Lekalakala allegedly paid the Gupta-linked company, Mediosa more than R30 million before they can effectively perform any duties. The company provided the department with mobile clinics in rural areas.

The former HoD is also facing criminal charges after he allegedly misrepresented his qualifications in his curriculum vitae, while applying for the position back in 2014.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Irate protesters destroy municipal offices, vehicles

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: One of damaged vehicles at the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality
By OBAKENG MAJE

Schools were disrupted during the first day of opening in Ganyesa village near Vryburg on Wednesday. This comes after residents of Ganyesa and Austrey embarked on a violent protest demanding a tar road. Some of the residents said they demand a tar road between Austrey and Ganyesa.

One of the community leaders, Norman Moncho said irked protesters allegedly stormed into the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality offices and smashed windows, furniture and vehicles.

“Our residents are gnashing their teeth because of empty promises. They have aired their dissatisfactions many times but nothing was done. The 16km road was supposed to be constructed long time ago, however, that has not happened. So, we want to know what happened to the budget that was supposed to construct that road.

“The gravel road that links Austrey and Ganyesa is inaccessible and that affects our people’s livelihoods. Ambulances cannot access the area on time and that puts many lives at risk. We have people who lost their loved ones especially pregnant women while waiting for help,” Moncho said.

Picture: Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality building damaged

Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality mayor, Virginia Mere said: “We strongly condemn what happened following the destruction of municipal properties by number of individuals who seemingly got out of the bus with wooden walking sticks and other dangerous ammunition.

“The bus is usually travelling from and between Austrey, Moswana and Goodwood villages to and from Vryburg on daily basis. It is clear that those people had the intention to vandalize and destruct as they were in possession of steelworks after they entered the municipal building.”

Mere further said the protesters allegedly broke the aluminum doors and windows at the municipality. She added that municipal vehicles were also damaged during the protest.

“The protesters also threw bottles and stones at municipal officials. The incident forced us to close doors of the municipality and the communities will be notified on when services will resume,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Education department spokesperson, Elias Malindi urged community members to refrain from disrupting schools during protests.

“We condemn the disruption of schools as that has a negative impact on our learners. We understand our communities’ frustrations and we urge them to use proper channels to raise their dissatisfactions.

“However, everything went well during the first day of schooling in various schools across the province. The teachers are ready for 2020 academic year and we are planning on improving our marks this year,” Malindi said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Motsweding woman raped at gunpoint 

NEWS Leave a comment


By BAKANG MOKOTO

Northern Cape police call on community members to be observant when traveling between Motsweding village and Rietvale near Modderriver. It is alleged that a woman was raped by a gun-wielding man wearing a balaclava on 1 January 2020.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said: “The man allegedly threatened her with a firearm and dragged her into a nearby field where he raped her. He allegedly fled the scene afterward and his identity is still unknown.

“The suspect is believed to be between the ages of 20-30, slender built and tall. The community is advised by the police to be observant and keep safe. Anyone who may have information is encouraged to contact Sgt Moses Morris from the Kimberley SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences unit on 082 302 0473.”

He said the investigations on the continue.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

 

MEC Mohono: ‘We encourage young people to be involved in agriculture’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: (North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development department, Desbo Mohono)

By REGINALD KANYANE

Young Farmers lauded the North West Agriculture and Rural Development (NWARD) department for hosting a fruitful workshop at Schweizer Reneke on Monday. As unemployment reached sky-high especially among the youth, the North West MEC for Agriculture, and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said her department’s main objective was to get the youth involved in agriculture as part of curbing unemployment and creating job opportunities.
As unemployment reached sky-high especially among the youth, the North West MEC for Agriculture, and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said her department’s main objective was to get the youth involved in agriculture as part of curbing unemployment and creating job opportunities.

Mohono said they celebrated Farmer’s Day at the area and targeted farmers who are already in the farming industry and those aspiring to be part of agriculture. She further said it was imperative for young people to be part of this initiative.

“It is significant for young people to attend these empowerment sessions. It is through learning platforms such as these ones that young farmers can meet and interact with their peers and industry experts, in order to share farming ideas, experiences, and best-farming methods.

“The department’s contribution will not only be limited to financial support, but is also geared more towards training, capacity building in terms of skills development and giving information in order for the youth to have the know-how of running successful agricultural businesses,” said Mohono.

She added that there is an urgent need for today’s young farmers to look beyond their local farming areas for advice and inspiration when planning for the future. Mohono said they are quite positive as the department that information packaged for sharing during these farmer’s day will be of great help.

“It is clear that we have an up-and-coming generation of hard-working, young South African agri-enterpreneurs. With the passion they have shown, unfettered commitment to the task and of course with the department’s guidance, I believe this will result in awesome opportunities and growth.

“The department has programs designed uniquely to cater for youth and to assist people with interest in agriculture and rural development projects. Farmer’s Day’s main objective was to share and offer the most up-to-date information and enhance young farmers’ capacity to run their farms as efficient businesses,” she said.

One of the guests, Tshepo Bloem who is a renowned Bonsmara Stud Breeder from Vryburg also shared the same sentiments. Bloem encouraged participants to use platform such as Farmers’ Day to equip themselves with knowledge and use it to change the economic and social development of the province and the country for the better.

“We would like to encourage the youth, in particular, to start treating agriculture as a business. Agriculture is a business and you must learn fast from experiences you get where agriculture has been the foundation for fast-paced economic growth,” he said.

Participants were also encouraged to read and familiarise themselves with the new trends in the sector. After the session, most of the participants said they found the information to be valuable and can practically apply these practices back to their farms.

One of the farmers who attended the initiative, Odirile Monchwe said: “The session was informative and relevant to me. I am a sheep and cattle farmer from Nooitgedacht village outside Schweizer Reneke and there is a lack of information this side. So, we appreciate the fact that government takes interest in the youth to be involved in agriculture.”

Another aspiring farmer, Meikie Moloko from Glodinah village said she was intrigued by the bee farming and land care presentation. Moloko said: “Firstly, let me thank the current leadership of the department for bringing this important government programs to us. Listening to my peers’ stories today was humbling and very informative.

“Now, I am thinking of taking advantage of opportunities in the bee farming sector. As I am going back home, I am sure something will come out of the inspiration and the knowledge I gained today.”

Communities are encouraged to visit agricultural local area offices placed in all municipalities across the province and the departmental website to access more information.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two nabbed for being in possession of dagga

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

Two suspects briefly appeared at the Springbok Magistrate’s Court in Springbok for being in possession of dagga.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Capt Nomthandazo Mnisi said Thozama Maziyana (59) and Owen Kowa (37) were arrested after a tip-off during a joint driven operation consisting of DPCI Serious Organised Crime, Springbok Detectives and Springbok Visible Policing.

“The joint driven operation led to the arrest of the duo following a tip-off. The suspects were allegedly travelling in a bus carrying a bag full of dagga from Cape Town to Okiep.

“The team approached the suspects and found dagga to the street value of approximately R95 000. They were immediately arrested and charged according,” Mnisi said.

She said both suspects were granted bail of R500 each and the case has been postponed to 11 February 2020.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

 

‘WE’LL LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED’: NW COPS VOW TO CATCH HEBRON KILLERS

NEWS Leave a comment

The bodies of the 68-year-old woman and her child were found in their house by her younger daughter over the weekend.

North West Police Commissioner Sello Kwena has condemned the killing of a mother and her daughter in Hebron.

The bodies of the 68-year-old woman and her child were found in their house by her younger daughter over the weekend.

Police said the mother’s body was found lying in a pool of blood in the living room while her daughter was found in a bathtub with her hands and feet tied up.

Police said during the discovery valuables, including a plasma television, DVD player and cellphones, were found missing from the house.

Kwena has directed law enforcement authorities to find the perpetrators of the crime.

Police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone said, “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that those who committed this crime are tracked down and arrested. The commissioner has sent his heartfelt condolences.”

The commissioner has urged the community to remain calm and not to take the law into their own hands.

Source: http://www.ewn.co.za

AFTER ‘SHOCKING DISCOVERY’ OF SERVICE DELIVERY IN NC, ANC PROMISES TO DO BETTER

NEWS Leave a comment

Dlamini-Zuma said local government leaders in some parts of Kimberley seemed not to care and didn’t even try to address glaring concerns.

Following what the ANC describes as the shocking discovery of poor service delivery in the Northern Cape, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has told Eyewitness Newsher department will now intervene in the province.

Last week, ANC leaders criss-crossed Kimberley ahead of the party’s 108th birthday celebration to mobilise support for the next local government elections.

Angry and frustrated residents used the opportunity to showcase their dismal living conditions.

ANC leaders said their presence in Kimberley exposed the poor conditions the majority of people live under in the province.

From poorly maintained roads, overflowing sewage, no access to clean drinking water, no jobs, poverty and unemployment, the province serves as a grim example of what the party has to show after 25 years in government.

President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged in his speech on Saturday that his administration will keep a close eye on the province and do more to fix governance at a local level across the country.

Dlamini Zuma said local government leaders in some parts of Kimberley seemed not to care and didn’t even try to address glaring concerns ahead of the arrival of ANC leaders last week.

She said her department would step in to ensure services are rendered.

The country is preparing for local government elections next year and the ANC is promising south Africans that 2020 is the year of action in terms of service delivery.

Source: http://www.ewn.co.za

ANC in the North West condemns femicide killings

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The ANC in the North West said is saddened by the continuous gruesome killings of women and children in the province. The ANC provincial spokesperson, Kenny Morolong said the ruling party is gravely perturbed by the deaths of Thato Lesetedi (24) from Mafikeng and Zanele Biya (15) in Rustenburg recently.

The suspect (40) briefly appeared in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on Wednesday for the alleged kidnapping and murder of Biya. According to the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, the alleged suspect was seen leaving a local tavern in Chaneng village outside Phokeng in the company of the victim and her friend (18) on 24 December 2019.

“He allegedly went to his place where he raped the pair. Subsequent to the incident, a case of rape was opened for investigation. The suspect evaded the arrest until he met Biya at the same tavern again on 31 December 2019. They left the tavern and were both seen entering the nearby bushes between midnight and 1am.

“Since then, the victim was never seen and as a result, the victim’s parents opened a case of kidnapping on 3 January 2020. At that point, the suspect was already in detention after being arrested on 1 January 2020 through information received from members of the community for the initial rape allegedly committed on 24 December 2019,” said Mokgwabone.

He further said the suspect appeared in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court on two separate cases of rape. Mokgwabone added that further investigation into the matter led to the discovery of the 15-year-old victim’s decomposed body in the bushes at about 11:00 on Sunday near Chaneng village in Rustenburg.

The North West Police Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms and said that the police will have no mercy in dealing with those who commit gender based violence. He expressed his gratitude to members of the community for coming forth with information that led to the arrest of the suspect.

Furthermore, Kwena urged the public to collaborate with the police in protecting women and children as well as to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book as it happened in this incident. Meanwhile, the ANC Provincial Convenor, Basetsana Dantjie visited the Biya’s family to express the ANC’s heartfelt condolences.

Meanwhile, the ANC Provincial Convenor, Basetsana Dantjie visited the Biya’s family to express the ANC’s heartfelt condolences.

Morolong said: “These heartrending incidents represent a painful reminder that women and children continue to endure suffering in the hands of barbaric monsters that should be isolated from society. We urge our communities to work with our law enforcement agencies to ensure that culprits of these hideous acts are brought to book.

“We further direct that members of the ANC should actively support all affected families. The ANC-led government is called upon to ensure that it is available to the affected families by providing requisite professional support. We wish all affected families and communities’ strength during these dark hours,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

ANC stalwart, Bantjies passes on

NEWS Leave a comment

(Picture Supplied) : ANC stalwart, Hans Bantjies

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The ANC in the North West mourns the death of its stalwart, Hans Bantjies (50) who passed away on new year’s eve at Schweizer Reneke Provincial Hospital after short illness.

The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) Chief Whip, Paul Sebegoe described Bantjies as a selfless combatant who was passionately in love with Africa’s oldest liberation movement.
Sebegoe delivered a eulogy during the memorial service held at Ipelegeng Community Hall in Schweizer Reneke on Tuesday.

Sebegoe said: “This humble cadre and energetic community builder lived for and dedicated his entire life to serving the ANC with every modicum of energy that he could muster. Though he had lost limb from gunshot of the apartheid police during the Mamusa unrests in 1986, he valued life and cherished freedom and equality more.

“Bantjies’ passion for community development saw him establishing the Ipelegeng People with Disabilities Forum that pioneered the development of a Telecentre in the impoverished Township.”
He further said that the ANC Caucus dips its revolutionary banners in appreciation of the service that Bantjies had rendered the ANC and salutes him as a loyal and dedicated cadre.
“Comrade HB and his generation did not betray their mission hence he leaves behind a proud legacy of patriotism, lifelong activism and serving the ANC with pride and dignity.

“His laughter, humour and positive attitude will be sorely missed. We are poorer without him because of the indelible mark he has made and the gigantic footprints he has left in the sands of time, ” said Sebegoe.

He said Bantijies has deeply enriched the activist legislature through his work as a political researcher and a cadre of a special type.
Sebegoe added that Bantjies’ contribution has throughout his employment by the North West Provincial Youth Commission to his current role in the ANC caucus Staff influenced oversight, monitoring, evaluation, youth empowerment and service delivery for the benefit of communities.
“He will forever be engraved in the monument of our hearts as a change agent and a humble patriot par excellent. His positive attitude and preparedness to learn distinguished him from the pack.

“He was not a populist nor a wedge driver that the esteemed ANC President Comrade OR Tambo had warned us during the Morogoro Conference but a unifier,” he underscored.
In paying tribute to Bantjies, Convenor of ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) deployee and Deputy Minister of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Obed Bapela urged the Mamusa community to deliver a decisive ANC elections victory to honour his memory during the 15 January 2020 municipal bi-elections.
Bapela was accompanied by a high-powered delegation that included his fellow NEC members, Minister of Tourism, Khensani Kubayi-Ngubane and former ANCYL President, Malusi Gigaba and members of the Interim Provincial Committee ANC MP, Kenny Morolong, Lenah Miga and Sophie Maine.
The emotional service was also graced by among others the NWPL Deputy Speaker, Viola Mocumi, Corporative Governance, Traditional Affairs & Human Settlements MEC Gordon Kegakilwe, Public Works MEC Saliva Molapisi, NWPL Chair of Chairs Mmoloki Cwaile, ANC MPs Tidimalo Legwase and Eric Landsman.

Bantijies graduated with BA in Political Science from the University of Cape Town (UCT) back in 1997.
Former anti-apartheid activist, Bantjies who had served as one of the political researchers for the NWPL ANC Caucus since 2014 is to be buried on Saturday at Ipelegeng Township.

taungdailynews@gmail.com