BY REGINALD KANYANE

NINE families from Pudimoe location in Taung received their title deeds on Monday. Local government and human settlements department bestowed house owners with title deeds after 20 years.

North West MEC of local government and human settlements department, Fenny Gaolalwe said the houses belonged to North West Housing Corporation (NWHC).

“Through the NHWC housing discount benefit scheme, the owners had their outstanding debts on these houses (known as old stock) cancelled. We have spent over R16 000 on the transfer costs.

“Now homeowners can be at ease. They have title deeds as proof of ownership. They can now sleep better at night without a fear of being evicted. The North West Housing Corporation has properties in some parts of the North West, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Free State provinces,” Gaolaolwe said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A RENOWNED radio and TV personality Collen Lemawane has released a book to unleash his experience about money. Lemawane said his book is called “Why Broke When There Is So Much Info”.

“There is a concern on how people manage their financial status. A poor management in administrating lump-sum payouts can affect many lives. Those who received it ended up coiling back to square one or even worse.

“This book is not only interesting, but exciting to read too. It addresses and gives practical tips to follow if you are tired of being broke. As a first time writer, I believe that we need to be alert especially when it comes to financial literacy. We need to understand the language used to educate the public about money,” he said.

Itsoseng-born presenter said financial problems emanate from lack of financial planning, strategy and literacy for many. He said in his book, he draws from his personal experience and decisions that landed him in financial trouble and how he bounced back.

“The book is a metaphor of many people’s financial journey. It also gives tips on how to take action and plan better for the future. I was in hospital and could not move as I was paralyzed. So I decided to take a good look into my finances and that made me realise how far off the mark I was.

“The way I was going was not a healthy one financially. And being in hospital made me realize where I went wrong. I had to share what I discovered about our relationship with money, hence the book,” Lemawane said.

He is a presenter for SABC business news and was a current affairs presenter on SABC 3 and Motsweding FM. He said financial mediocrity is what contributes to financial instability.

“I saw the tension between my savings and spending habits. And it took me about three years to write this book. My objective is to help and save millions who continue to sink in debts.

“This book is for everyone. I first want to challenge the notion that black people don’t read. We need to develop interest in putting our finances in line through financial literacy. I also want the middle-aged reader to remember to start saving now for retirement,” Lemawane said.

He added that only few people think of saving every day. He said the book also communicates well with people who were about to retire or were on pension or received their lump-sum cash.

Lemawane said people need to know how to safe their money before they give it to quick-buck schemes. It speaks also to couples who tend to allow love to cloud their vision when it comes to financial planning.

“I went on a personal fact finding mission speaking to pensioners and financial practitioners, institutional and desktop research and a whole lot of literature review. I then extended invitations for special contributions from professionals like ETF strategist Nerrina Visser, certified financial planner Neo Mmatli and David Kop from the Financial Planning Institute as well as Economists.

“I was also concern about what most pensioners go through. Mostly go through retirement depression. So I engaged the services of Unisa psychologist Vicy Malefo,” he concludes.

TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

ANC mayoral candidate in Madibeng local municipality, Jostine Mothibi said she will make sure that there are improvements at the municipality. Mothibi said stability is needed in the municipality. She said ANC is the only organisation that can associates with the masses and know what people need.

“We know that Madibeng local municipality is under administration and marred with corruption and fraud. However we are working together with The Hawks to root out corruption there. We will also make sure we come up with strategic plans to resuscitate the municipality.

“ANC is the gatekeepers of democracy. The party plays a key role in facilitating women’s access to political leadership and decision-making in public office. We will apply a comprehensive approach to ensure that we change the lives of the masses,” Mothibi said.

Provincial secretary Dakota Logoete said the party has a successful mobilisation programme. He said they embarked on door-to-door campaign with their voting district coordinators.

Legoete added that the voting district coordinators play a pivotal role to make ANC visible and win over voters. He said the party volunteers met with different potential voters in various regions across the province on Sunday.

“We are convinced that our people heed the call. These are hard-working ANC representatives identified by branches. They work for the movement voluntarily. The party leaders also visited different churches in Wolmaransstad on Sunday.

“Our team also continued with elections mobilisation programme to different wards in Zeerust. We also introduced our ward councillor candidates to the people of Ramotshere Moiloa sub region,” Legoete said.

He added that the party mingled with leaders in a relaxed mood during a jazz breeze. Legoete said they also recruited more members and voters.

“We enhanced the activation of the election mood. The party needs to emphasise the importance of voter contact. Our regional and provincial leadership also scrutinised the voters’ roll and shared responsibilities according to streets and residential blocks,” he said.

The incumbent mayor for Tlokwe local municipality, Khotso Khumalo said they will make sure there is a strategic plan in improving the situation in the beleaguered Ventersdorp.

“The two municipalities will be merged together. So we have already formed a political task team to address community’s grievances. Our people welcomed the demarcation decision. We will also incorporate workers from both municipalities and make sure we provide workshops to our employees. Batho Pele principles will be put in practice,” Khumalo said.

-TDN

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Picture: (GTLM outgoing mayor, Kaone Lobelo)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

EVEN though is mostly marred by unemployment, the lives of the people continue to be improved. This was the words of the outgoing mayor, Kaone Lobelo.

He said a total number of 3875 housing units have been built. Lobelo added that this included the inclusive of 2090 units that were constructed during 2015/16.

“We have also planned to build an extra 1785 houses for 2016/17 financial year. This includes houses planned for Reivilo/Boipelo Township of 200 units and 75 Lykso. The community have been patiently waiting for these houses. We couldn’t provide due to planning processes such as township establishment by the relevant department.

“However productive this might sound, the municipality is facing an acute land shortage for further development. To address the ever growing need for housing, we engaged with our chiefs (dikgosi) for land allocation,” he said.

Lobelo added that the municipality is currently experiencing illegal occupations of land that is registered under the municipality. He said this practice is mainly common around Taung Ext. 6, the Taung CBD area and Pudimoe Township.

“However all is not lost as we completed land audit (Taung CBD, Pudimoe Township and Reivilo/Boipelo Township. We have also reviewed our environmental management framework, the spatial development framework and the land use management scheme.

“The development of Taung Central Precinct and establishment of municipal planning tribunals to decide on land development applications (Act 16 of 2013) still needs to be implemented. There is a challenge of implementing the spatial planning and land use management act (SPLUMA).  We will continue to engage with traditional authorities with regards to the implementation of the spatial plans (SDF, EMF, LUMS and the Precinct Plan), he said.

 Lobelo also mentioned that the municipality has constructed 100 high mast lights to the amount of R16m in six villages. He said this was part of the area lighting programme.

“Only 24 high mast lights existed in Greater Taung local municipality prior to 2011. We also addressed safety at “Hot Spot” areas as identified by the SAPS. An additional 23 high mast lights will be constructed in eight villages at a cost of R6.9m during 2016/17 financial year.

“We have also instilled electricity to 2383 households over the last five years. We also expanded the project to 2178 in-fills.

During the past three years, the municipality has performed very well in terms of planning, organising, controlling and implementation projects through EPWP,” he said.

 Lobelo said seven small bridges were constructed over the last three years through EPWP and two streets were upgraded. He added that 8 vegetation control projects were also done.

 According to Lobelo, the grant of R1.3m for the 2016/17 financial year will ensure that they create 105 full time equivalents (FTE’s).

He added that they equate to 105 people employed for twelve months at R2000 per month.

“The municipality will strive to utilise 30% of its MIG allocation of R43m towards local labour. This will yield another 550 FTEs in terms of EPWP. This translates to a total estimate of 655 full time job opportunities for 2016/17 financial year.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

COMMUNITY safety and transport management department MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane engaged with various high school pupils during road safety campaign at Mmabana Taung this week.

Motlhabane said the participation of pupils in road safety debate was crucial. He said young people have a role to play in advocating and networking with their peers on the five pillars of the Global Plan for Road Safety.

“They need to take part on how to focus on road safety management, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer road users and improved crash response. Their commitment and enthusiasm convince me that they will make an indelible mark in response to our 2020 Decade of Action on Road Safety.

“Even though there is lot that needs to be done, we will continue to support our various youth structures. We will also develop them to become our safety ambassadors of tomorrow,” Dr Motlhabane said.

Mahikeng High School was announced as the 2016 provincial champions. They will represent the province at the national debate competition.

St Pauls Secondary School pupil said they welcome the move by government to teach them about safety measures on the road.

“So many children are knocked down by cars on the roads. So we need to be extra careful while crossing the roads. We will also encourage others to adhere to the road signs,” Ratilodi said.

Another pupil from Batlhaping High School said: “The situation has improved compare to olden days. We have our patrollers before the school helping young pupils to cross the roads. So the campaign needs to be intensified.”

This year’s provincial road safety debate was aligned to the Setsokotsane and the VTSD programmes introduced by Premier Supra Mahumapelo.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

LOCAL government and human settlements department in North West said they will assist municipalities to adhere to labour practices. Provincial spokesperson, Ben Bole said they were aware of the fine pinned down to Moses Kotane local municipality for contravening of occupational health and safety regulations.

“We will work closely with affected municipalities. Our employees’ safety must be prioritised. Failing to adhere to that, will bring us unnecessary fines. Precautionary measures must always be applied at all time.

“The employer must ensure that the employees are safe and working under conducive conditions. So as the department, we will make sure they adhere to the call. The fines derail our basic service delivery to our people because we ended up using the money that was unbudgeted for to pay the fine.

Moses Kotane local municipality was fined R20 000 after they ignored occupational health and safety regulations. The labour department inspectorate and enforcement services welcomed the fine and said this will deliver a stern message to other municipalities.

Labour department provincial spokesperson, Orpa Mathabe said the matter took two years before it could be resolved.

“Our labour officials, Jeff Lethoko and Elvis Nkotwe fought the battle for almost two years. The municipality was totally ignoring contravention notices instructing them to comply with the occupational health and safety (OHS) act of 1993,” Mathabe said.

Lethoko commended the court for their splendid decision. He said this will encourage safety in South African workplaces.

“Our inspector, Elvis Nkotwe will visit the municipality again after 60 days to confirm compliance. We will meet the municipality again on September 22 for the closure of the case. However this will happen only if there is compliance,” he added.

The municipality failed to provide workers with toilet paper as stipulated on the Facilities Regulation 2(3) (a) and (d) of the OHS Act. They also contravened the law by failing to take workers for medical surveillance and provide emergency doors in the buildings.

SAMWU provincial secretary, Thebeetsile Mokoto said they welcome the fine. He said only one municipality out of 23 adhered to labour practice.

“Thus far the judgment sees two of the North West municipalities fined whilst other cases are still on the court roll. Some offices of Tswaing local municipality in Sannieshof, Ottosdal and Agisanang remain prohibited by labour inspectors after they were tagged unsafe for workers.

“We urge our municipalities to take the safety of our workers into considerate. We cannot continue to see our workers being exposed to unfavourable working conditions,” Mokoto said.

TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

SIXTEEN young people from North West received an intensive training in various fields of broadcasting this week. They were identified during SABC 3 soapie Isidingo’s visit in Christiana All Resort.

This was in partnership with North West Development Corporation (NWDC), Seven Colors and Isidingo.

NWDC spokesperson, Annemarie Marx said the project afforded the youth the opportunity to experience on-the-set training. She said they were part of few upcoming episodes of Isidingo.

“Those episodes were filmed at Christiana All Resort hotel. We needed people with interest for television and film production. The industry is steadily growing in the province.

“We joined forces to afford the youth this opportunity. They shadowed crew whilst production on an actual set takes place. The project is indebted to finance, economy and enterprise development (FEED),” she said.

Marx said they needed the youth between the ages of 18 and 35. She added that the youth were asked to submit a written motivational letters as part of the application process.

“They were elected after a rigorous selection process. Those who were selected received training on location scouting, technical operator for camera and lighting, sound mixing, make-up and hair, the art department which includes set dressing, props management etc,” she said.

Marx said the candidates also received training on production and wardrobe. She added that the youth received certificates after they concluded the project.

Seven Colors spokesperson, Eugene Mametse commended NWDC and North West provincial government for their industrious spirit and great vision in making this niche youth development opportunity a reality.

Those who benefited from the project were Hazel Letsholo, Tshepo Motlhabane, Katlego Letebele, Tshediso Lebele, Modiri Mogatsi, Tshidiso Moshoeshoe, Sello Kgengwe, Lara Kruger, Lu-Anne Thomas, Thapelo Pule, Letabele Raphala, Refilwe Nkaunyane, Lucky Mokaila, Mehroon Thomas, HSM Magano and Graeme Makan.

TDN

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Picture: (By Potchefstroom Herald)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

MEC for culture, art and traditional affairs department, Ontlametse Mochware says they will continue to fight bogus initiation schools. This comes after 17 intiates from Lehurutshe were allegedly ferried to hospital after botched circumcisions.

“We need to preserve our culture and fight against illegal initiation schools. We also encourage those who run initiation schools to follow proper procedures. They need to make sure that they apply for permission through our department,” Mochware said.

The DA provincial spokesperson on culture and traditional affairs, Dr Tutu Faleni said: “We are fretful by the reports. We have repeatedly called on CATA department to take preventative measures aimed at ensuring that initiation schools are registered and carry out their functions within the relevant legislative framework.

“It is alarming that there are no proper mechanisms in place to ensure that illegal initiation schools are reported by the community. The department seems not to have any plan in place to monitor initiation schools to prevent botched circumcisions,” Faleni said.

TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West Premier Supra Mahumapelo will host a media networking session at Hartbeespoort next week on Wednesday.

Provincial government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said the premier wants to share his vision and create a platform for media.

“Media serves a crucial platform. So we need to interact with all media houses across the province. We do have a common interest which is to community building. So we need to forge a strong working relationship. The premier wants to share his vision regarding the growth of the province,” Setswambung said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE Foundation recently engaged with various pupils across Maboloka village in Brits region. Oupa Matla Foundation founder, Oupa Matla said they will now assist Grade 12 pupils who are doing scarce subjects like Physical Science and Mathematics during the school recession.

He said they have officially opened two Funda Nathi Saturday and winter school centres in Maboloka and Mahikeng recently. Matla added that the centres will focus on Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Science.

“Pupils tend to quit school because they experience difficulties in their lives. So we have identified those who are deprived and assist them. We also had memorial lectures because we are celebrating Youth Month.

“It is imperative to teach the youths the importance of education. They need to change their circumstances around,” Matla said.

“We also hosted a successful football tournament for Under 21. It was a charity cup. We recognised and appreciated the role played by the class of’ 76 during the liberation struggle,” Matla said.

“We announced those students who stand a chance of getting a full bursary based on their year-end results (A+ or B+). We also donated sanitary towels to various schools in Madibeng. The schools were identified by our frontline volunteers,” he said.

Matla said sport was the only tool that can be used to communicate with the youths. He added that they addressed socio-economic issues through sport.

“We brought in motivational speakers to address the youths. By making donation, you actually giving people a chance to climb out of poverty.  We also reminded the youths about the history of South Africa.

“They need to know where the country comes from. Knowing our history is very imperative as we will know where we are going. The youths need to know why people were killed during apartheid era,” he said.

-TDN

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