By REGINALD KANYANE

Various political parties have put aside their squabbles and came together to condemn what has been happening in Rustenburg recently. More than six houses were torched during a fight against alleged drug lords in the area.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial leader in the North West, Joe McGluwa said they call for serenity in Rustenburg after structures such as houses belonging to alleged drug lords were torched by community members. He said the frustrations of community members emanate from their complaints falling in deaf ears, while local police officers colluding with alleged drug lords and other criminal elements.

“The DA will write to the North West Police Commissioner, Baile Brenda Motswenyane to initiate an investigation into the allegations that police in the area are working with criminals and contributing to the increase in crime rate. In order to stem the tide of criminality in our communities, honest and well-resourced police armed with a pro-active and responsible crime-busting programme of action are needed.

“Violence will not solve the problems in the area, but will only deteriorate the situation even further. Our nation is governed by the rule of law, so we cannot allow citizens to take the law into their own hands by allowing acts of vandalism and mob justice to prevail,” McGluwa said.

He further said it is unfortunate that the absence of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the community has created a vacuum that has allowed mob justice and vigilantism to flourish. McGluwa added that the DA will continue to be on the ground to engage with community members and monitor the situation.

The African National Congress (ANC) in North West also shared the same sentiments. ANC provincial spokesperson, Gerald Modise said: “ANC in North West notes with concern the violent clashes that have affected the Rustenburg Central Business
District and other areas since this past Monday. The PEC is worried about the incidents that seem to have started sometimes last week in Boitekong, when one taxi driver was apparently mugged.
“We therefore call for calm and urge all members of the public in the area to allow the police to restore order and to give space to the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) as well as the Fire Brigade to attend to injured community members and damaged properties.”

Rustenburg local municipality is currently working together with police and community members to bring tranquillity in the area. Municipality spokesperson, Thapelo Matebesi said these incidents of violence were sparked by allegations made by the community members that a certain police officer was caught earlier in the company of known drug dealers in possession of drugs at Rustenburg North.

“Community members accosted the police officer and the alleged drug dealers. Police reinforcements were called in, and the alleged drug dealers, together with the police officer were taken into custody. This irked the community members who wanted to take the law unto their own hands.

“Community members allegedly mobilised several taxi drivers which marked the beginning of a spate of violent attacks within some parts of the CBD. During this campaign of violence, all the premises within the CBD known for drug trafficking, human trafficking and prostitution were set alight. To date, ten properties have been razed by the fire. Although the situation remains tense, some level of calmness has descended into the CBD. The police are working together with the Rustenburg local municipality to quell further incidents of violence,” Matebesi said.

He added that the municipality fully understand the community outrage against the drug trafficking, human trafficking and prostitution.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane said she condemn in the strongest possible terms public violence incidents that took place in the area. Motswenyane said they urge members of the community to refrain from damaging of properties.

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MEC for Local Government and Human Settlement department, Fenny Gaolaolwe said constant meetings with developers will ensure proper monitoring of housing projects of underperforming contractors.

Gaolaolwe said this was an effort to fast-track quality housing delivery within the North West province. Gaolaolwe and Head of Department (HoD), Ephraim Motoko met with service providers recently to identify possible challenges and provide solution to expedite completions.

“We have pleaded with contractors to accelerate the remaining houses and slabs across the province. Technical sessions with contractors will continue without fail to assist developers to complete their projects within agreed period stipulated in their respective contracts.

“The department is committed to pay invoices within a short period of time provided all required documents are submitted,” she said. – Newsnote

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

Six people were killed and three others injured following a head-on collision on the N12 Highway, just 15km outside of Potchefstroom on Wednesday night. ER24 paramedics’ spokesperson, Russel Meiring said their paramedics alongside other services arrived on the scene shortly before midnight where a bakkie and light motor vehicle were found in the middle of the road.

Meiring said both vehicles had sustained a significant amount of damages in the collision. He further said upon closer inspection, paramedics discovered six patients lying in the light motor vehicle while three were found inside the bakkie. Paramedics assessed the patients in the light motor vehicle and found that two men, a woman and two children, aged between three and four, had all sustained numerous injuries and showed no signs of life.

“Nothing could be done for them and they were later declared dead. A sixth patient from the light motor vehicle, a woman was found to be in a critical condition. Paramedics treated the woman and provided her with advanced life support interventions,” Meiring said.

He further said that upon inspection of the bakkie, paramedics found three men inside. Meiring added that two had sustained moderate injuries, while a third had sustained fatal injuries.

“Nothing could be done for the man and he was declared dead. Once paramedics had treated the three patients, the critically injured was airlifted by a private medical helicopter to Lenmed Randfontein for urgent treatment. The two other patients were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

“The exact details surrounding this incident are not yet known but local authorities were on the scene for further investigations,” he said.

MEC for community safety and transport management department, Dr Mpho Motlhabane said the province is still consolidating its figures and national department will pronounce first.

“We had a situation on Sunday which really shocked all of us as a province where we lost seven people, while other seven were hospitalised. I believe that these accidents affected our statistics phenomenally. However, we hope that will sum well as we have done our best under the circumstances,” Motlhabane said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management department, Dr Mpho Motlhabane wished all the best to 20 unemployed youth who will embark on a Road Traffic Management Training Learnership. Motlhabane said the learnership will take 12 months and encouraged those who were elected to work hard.

“Those who were elected to embark on a Road Traffic Management training course must consider themselves lucky. We have received thousands of applicants and this is a life time opportunity and they must never let go. These unemployed youth will commence their Road Traffic Management Learnership Programme at Traffic Training College in Mpumalanga.

“The recruits are all below 35 and were recruited from all four districts of the province. They were elected with an objective of addressing the shortage of traffic officers in the province. The learners will engage in a theoretical and practical training in different traffic management levels during the duration of the programme,” he said.

Motlhabane added that the recruitment followed the department’s commitment to intensify traffic law enforcement operations and increasing the visibility of officers to reduce road accidents and fatalities on all major roads in the province.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

A 42 year-old man is expected to appear in Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection of two counts of murder. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspect allegedly shot dead two gang members on Saturday at Ipelegeng Location, in Schweizer Reneke.

“The suspect allegedly shot dead two men aged between 23 and 30.  According to information available at this stage, the victims who are believed to be members of a gang known as SVK had just attended a funeral of one of the gang members at Ext 6 informal settlement when the atrocity took place.

“It is alleged that the deceased went to the suspect’s shack where a fight ensued. The suspect allegedly took out a firearm and killed them. Subsequently, the angry community members allegedly chased the suspect who ran to the police station,” Mokgwabone said.

He further said the suspect was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. Mokgwabone added that the North West Provincial Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane condemned the incident.

“Motswenyane encouraged the members of the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to proactively work together with relevant departments including the police to rid communities of gang related issues,” he said.

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 By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 21 year-old woman was arrested in connection of attempted murder in Zeerust. North West police said the suspect allegedly attempted to kill her three day-old baby boy on Thursday.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “It appeared that the woman whom the family did not know that she was pregnant, delivered a baby boy without any assistance and threw the newly-born baby into a pit toilet on Thursday at Dinokana village, near Lehurutshe.

“The baby was allegedly discovered by the woman’s cousin after she saw trail of blood on the floor of the toilet. She allegedly heard the baby crying from the pit toilet and called for help.”

Mokgwabone further said the neighbours arrived and the police were called. He added that the Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) were summoned to the scene where the newly-born baby was rescued.

“The mother and the baby were taken to hospital for medical examination. The mother was discharged from the hospital on Saturday and is expected to appear in the Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

“The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane condemned the incident. She also commended the police and Emergency Services personnel for working together to preserve life by removing the baby alive from the pit toilet,” he said. taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

Taung Dam is one of tourist attraction destinations in Taung. Carousers flock to the area annually for New Year celebration. Nkonyana Foundation administrator, Sindiswa Nkonyana normally sells food during the outing to raise funds to help underprivileged students.

“We always come to Taung Dam on the New Year to come and sell food in quest of raising funds. We raise funds to assist students who come from deprived backgrounds to further their studies at university. Taung Dam is a great destination as many people across the regions come here.

“What is imperative is that when you sell here, you do not have to pay for the stall in order to run your business. We receive much support and we see that our people understand the point of supporting Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs). We established the foundation under the concept of what we went through as students,” Nkonyana said.

Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) in infrastructure, Crespo Menyatso shared the same sentiments. Menyatso said there are strategic measures to formalise Taung Dam.

“The discussions are already underway with relevant stakeholders like Culture, Art and Traditional Affairs (CATA) and Tourism departments to revamp the area. The area attracts many revellers across all four regions of the province. Our discussions revolve around having an outlined and integrated interactive system for Taung Dam.

“All stakeholders play a critical role in the identification, conservation, protection and promotion of the area as one of South Africa’s heritage sites. We need to bring more resources at Taung Dam for present and future generations. This will also create job opportunities especially for the youth,” Menyatso said.

He added that the revamping of Taung Dam will also contribute to economy growth of Taung and Dr Ruth Mompati district at large.

“The upliftment of the area will also bring social cohesion and community development. We have no tour guide operators currently at the area to assist those who do not know about Taung. However, all is not lost as we believe that we will reach a solid agreement after our discussions. 

“Taung at large is rich when coming to tourist attraction destinations. We also believe that areas like Taung Dam, Dinkgwaneng and Taung Skull World Heritage Site will put Taung on the global map soon. We also urge our people to ensure that they contribute positively in protecting and securing those areas,” Menyatso said.

One of revellers, Kedibone Mosadi said: “Taung Dam is one of the most chilled areas around the region. However, I wish our province can ensure that there is security and safety in the area. Many people get killed while swimming and there are no life savers monitoring the situation.” 

MEC for Tourism, Desbo Mohono said product owners should take advantage of those golden opportunities.

“Our product owners must ensure that they take advantage of those initiatives. They also need to ensure that their treatment is amazing to revellers. Their attitude and behaviour towards visitors will influence them to come back for more.”

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) Provincial Chief Whip in North West, Bunga Ntshangane will be back in court for assault on Wednesday. 

Ntshangane allegedly assaulted a junior employee, Maggie Klaas (32) in November 2017 after a heated argument.

The alleged incident took place at EFF office in the North West Provincial Legislature precinct. He appeared at Mmabatho Regional Court and was released on a warning.

Klaas said: “Ntshangane arrived in our office while I was speaking to one of our convenors in Dr Ruth Mompati region over the phone. He asked where our researcher, Raymond Montshosi was. And the people that I was with responded and told him that Montshosi was at his office. After few minutes, Ntshangane came back to our office and he threw his car keys and phone on the desk.  

“He said he needed a favour with his voice shadowed with anger. I immediately dropped the call and asked him what kind of favour he needs. Ntshangase said I must report on duty at 8am the following day (Friday, 10 November 2017). However, I asked him why I should report on duty at 8am because I normally arrive at 8:30am,” Klaas said.

She further said Ntshangase became violent and told her not to undermine his authority as he is the Chief Whip. Klaas said she told Ntshangase that he is the Chief Whip for EFF members in the North West Provincial Legislature not in the office.

“He threatened to fire me, but I told him that he can do as he pleases because she expected that. I asked him why he wanted me to report on duty at 8am and he responded by saying the officials from North West Provincial Legislature have launched a complaint that they could not find anyone in the EFF office.

“I informed Ntshangane that I am always in the office and those officials came and found me in the office before. I also informed him that the officials wanted to go through offices that I do not have access in and I have complained about that before. I told him that it will be fruitless even if I come at 8am because I do not have keys to those offices,” she said.

Klaas added that Ntshangane started swearing at her and told her to stop tell him sh**t. She said Ntshangane informed her to arrive at 8am whether she has the keys or not because that was none of her business.

“However I told him that I won’t arrive at 8am, but I will come at my usual time. Ntshangane pounced on and cornered me next to the printer. I tried to push him, but he was too strong. Our provincial chairperson, Betty Diale entered the office and pulled him away from me.

“He was swearing at me and promised to wait for me outside. Ntshangane said he will cut off my private parts and called me rubbish. He also said his children are lawyers and he is untouchable. He went to the EFF provincial office and lied that he found unauthorised people using EFF resources like phones,” she said.

Klaas said she has opened a criminal case against Ntshangane, but she is now afraid that she could be fired. She said she felt humiliated by Ntshangane’s behaviour especially regarding his age and position within the society.

African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in Bokone Bophirima condemned Ntshangane’s alleged actions. ANCWL provincial secretary, Bridgette Mogakwe said: “ANCWL in Bokone Bophirima condemns this alleged barbaric act and utterances by Ntsangane. Whilst we take into account the principles of innocent until proven guilty, the ANCWL in Bokone Bophirima is resolute in supporting victims of violence regardless of their political affiliation.

“Ntsangane must face the full might of the law and we call on the EFF provincial and national leadership to join the league in condemning acts of violence against women. EFF is not immune to patriarchal attitudes and there is a need to unite beyond political party affiliations to defeat entrenched patriarchy and male chauvinism in political parties.”

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) also shared the same sentiments. SANCO national spokesperson, Jabu Mahlangu said: “We are disturbed by allegations levelled against Ntshangane. He must me arrested and takes responsibility for his alleged heinous and abhorrent actions. He needs to take a leaf from the former Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mduduzi Manana’s book.

“Ntshangane must show remorse and demonstrate respect for public office. He should do the honourable thing and resign. Public representatives must take the lead in fighting the scourge of gender based violence. The non-action against Ntshangane has exposed the EFF’s hypocrisy. They publicly protested against Manana’ sentencing, while pussyfooting in a matter involving an alleged bully and a fighter against gender equality within its own ranks.”

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) spokesperson, Javu Baloyi said: “The CGE condemns alleged assault. We were dismayed to receive yet another shocking report of brutal gender based violence against a woman. We believe that in a country where 170 616 women suffered grievous bodily harm and 156 450 suffered common assault as the latest South African Police Services (SAPS) statistics, the actions of Ntsangane deserve to be condemned in the strongest terms.”

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By REGINALD KANYANE

It’s all systems go for Dj Nation Annual Bash in Taung. The organiser, Orapeleng “Dj Nation” Mokgwabone said the music festival will commence on the 26^th of December 2017 in Kuruman.

Mokgwabone further said the initiative benefits Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) besides bringing people together.

“All logistics are in place and the pre-party will commence in Kuruman on the 26^th of December 2017 before going to Taung Hotel and Convention Centre in Taung on the 27^th. We have different types of music and the festival is a great way for the province to gain exposure.

“The main event will be on the 28^th of December 2017 at Taung Sports-ground in Taung. This is a massive event and we urge our people to buy tickets early to avoid disappointment. One can get tickets at any Shoprite Checkers or Computicket countrywide. They must not forget to also book for their accommodation early because all guesthouses are normally fully booked during the event,” he said.  

Mokgwabone said this is a proliferation of festival which will also have financial benefits accrue from it. He added that even though Taung is predominantly rural, the festival can provide major financial injections to locals.

“We have international renowned artist like Cassper Nyovest, Lady Zamar, Kwesta, Destruction Boys, Ralf Gum and etc. We also give local Djs an opportunity to display their craft to the bigger audience. We urge our residents to be more accommodative to all our visitors.

“Security is intact and no persons under the age 18 or bottles allowed near the venue. We are working closely with other stakeholders to ensure that all revellers have a marvellous experience during the event,” Mokgwabone said.

MEC for tourism, Desbo Mohono shared the same sentiments. Mohono urged all product owners to take advantage of this golden opportunity.

“Our product owners must ensure that the treatment they give to revellers is amazing. Their attitude and behaviour towards the visitors will influence them to come back again next year. Ultimately, this will bring competitiveness and sustainability of the festival.

“We will do the same thing we did during Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. The aim is to promote our areas and ensure that visitors flock in numbers. We know that events like these create job opportunities for locals,” she said.

Mohono added: “Our department has already engaged with product owners to give visitors attractive and affordable packages. The department also urge visitors to visit our World Heritage Sites such as Taung Skull, Dinkgwaneng and Small Heaven. These are wonderful attraction sites and are worthwhile.

“We have embarked on Shapa Round campaign as we heading to festive season. This is the exciting times and we want to engage with our people. Even though North West province is predominantly rural, we have unique and interesting World Heritage Sites,” she said.

However, Mohono warned product owners not to upsurge prices. She said product owners sometimes are tempted to escalate prices during events of this magnitude.

“Escalating of prices will affect their businesses and eventually drives them out of business. If you increase your prices, visitors will not come back again. The Shapa Round initiative will be activated across all regions,” she said. 

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Students leave the campus at the North-West University in Mahikeng, South Africa, (also known as Mafikeng) Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. Protesting students burned down several buildings on the campus Wednesday forcing the evacuation and indefinite closure till further notice a spokesman said Thursday. (AP Photo)

South African president, Jacob Zuma announced that free higher education is imminent for first year university students in 2018.  Zuma made the pronouncement during a breakfast show organised by Progressive Movement Forum ahead of ANC National Elective Conference in Nasrec, Johannesburg on Saturday.

“We have taken a decision that free education will be allocated to all students from households with a combined annual income of up to R350 000 by 2018 academic year. We have reached that decision after considering all the reports and the state of our universities and TVET colleges.

“We also had a consultative meeting with relevant departments, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Higher Education and Training, the Presidential Fiscal Committee and Cabinet. Therefore we reaffirm that education remains an apex priority of government’s pro-poor policies and a central pillar of our fight against the socio-economic legacy of apartheid and colonialism,” he said.

Zuma further said the past injustices resulted in triple challenge of race, gender and class-based poverty, inequality and unemployment as outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP). He added that the failure to accelerate equitable access and success in higher education and training directly threatens the achievability of key objective and everything they have built thus far.

“Government will increase subsidies to universities from 0.68% to 1% of the GDP over the next five years. This was recommended by the Heher Commission and is in line with comparable economies in order to address the overall gross underfunding of the sector. This will be done in order to kick-start a skills revolution towards and in pursuit of the radical socio-economic transformation programme as outlined during the 2017 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Hlengiwe Mkhize shall revise this quantum periodically in consultation with the Minister of Finance, Malusi Gigaba. Having amended the definition of poor and working class students, government will now introduce fully subsidised free higher education and training for poor and working class South African undergraduate students,” Zuma said.

He added that the initiative will commence in 2018 with students in their first year of study at public universities. Zuma said students categorised as poor and working class, under the new definition, will be funded and supported through government grants not loans.

“The provision of fully subsidised free education and training will be extended to all current and future poor and working class South African students at all public TVET colleges starting in 2018 and phased-in over a period of five years.

“For TVET colleges, full cost of study will include tuition fee, prescribed study material, meals, accommodation and/or transport. The government will further invest in the training and development of existing TVET staff and the recruitment of additional qualified staff to improve the quality of teaching and learning at TVET colleges,” Zuma said.

He further said funds will also be directed towards the improvement of infrastructure in the TVET sector. Zuma added that NSFAS packages already allocated to existing NSFAS students in their further years of study will be converted from loans to 100% grants effective immediately.

“This policy intervention will enable government to extend fully subsidized free higher education to youth from well over 90% of South African households. Duly, from 2018 onwards, eligible South African children of the unemployed, social grant recipients, South Africans earning below a minimum wage, domestic workers, farm workers, mine workers and entry level civil servants such as teachers, nurses, policemen, municipal workers, security guards, refuse collectors and informal traders amongst others will now access public universities and TVET colleges for free through grants provided by their government.

“In order to achieve its intended targets of access and success, fully subsidized full cost of study will include tuition fee, Prescribed Study Material (PSM), meals, accommodation and/or transport. As a result of this substantial increase in subsidy to universities, there will be no tuition fee increment for students from households earning up to R600 000 a year during the 2018 academic year,” he said.

Zuma added that the matter in relation to the management of NSFAS debt due to its complexity will be dealt with by Mkhize. He said after due diligence has been undertaken by Mkhize, the department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and the National Treasury will determine the quantum of funding required.-Newsnote