By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI‘Revellers flock to Taung Dam for new year celebration’
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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EFF Provincial Chief Whip Back In Court For Assault
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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‘All systems go for DJ Nation Annual Bash’
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 26th 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 26th of December 2017 before going to Taung Hotel and Convention Centre in Taung on the 27th. 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 28th 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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Free education for ‘deprived’ university students
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
Motorist who ‘assaulted’ traffic official out on bail
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court granted bail to two people who allegedly attacked and assaulted a traffic officer between Klerksdorp and Johannesburg on N12 on Sunday last week.
Sabata Kortman (32) and his sister, Ntswaki Kortman (26) were arrested on Sunday After they allegedly attacked and assaulted Johannes Manthi. They appeared at Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for a formal bail application. Sabata Kortman was granted R5000 bail, while his sister, Ntswaki received R2000 bail.
Kortman was seen on a video man-handling Manthi during the incident. He also threatened to ‘cut-off’ Manthi’s manhood. Manthi said he handed Sabata a fine for overtaking in a barrier line.
“I was on duty with two of my female colleagues 12km outside Potchefstroom when the incident happened. I stopped the motorist who was driving a Yaris vehicle after he overtook another vehicle on the barrier line. I gave him a fine for breaking the law, however all hell broke loose when I requested a physical address from him.
“Kortman gave me a post address instead, but I politely explained him that I needed a physical address. He failed to cooperate and hurled insults at me. He demanded his driver’s licence back but I refused. Kortman man-handled and assaulted me in the process,” Manthi said.
A 47 year-old man is living with disability after being involved in a horrible car accident back in 2013. Manthi said he lost a limb during the accident and being attacked in public especially by motorist was absurd and distasteful.
“The area is one of the high risk areas and more than 55% of accidents took place here. So, being attacked for doing my job is debauched. We are here to assist and render our services to all road users. Traffic officers’ high visibility on the roads, endeavour to minimise disruption. Traffic officers also provide safe and timely response to incidents.
“We liaise with emergency services where necessary and relieve congestion as soon as possible. So, this incident will not deter my spirit and I am looking forward to work with cooperative motorists on the roads during festive season,” he said.
Meanwhile, MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management department, Dr Mpho Motlhabane said necessary steps will be taken against motorists who find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Motlhabane said this during Arrive Alive campaign in Klerksdorp.
“We will not allow law enforcement officials to be intimidated by motorists. We also encouraged all those who will be travelling to various destinations to abide by the rules of the road at all times.
“The department does not condone any form of behaviour where our police will feel threatened when they have to carry out their duties. It is important that all sections of society respect police officials as they are the custodians of the law,” he said.
The case was postponed until 22 January 2018.
Traffic official nabbed for corruption
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A 40 year-old traffic officer was arrested for corruption on Tuesday. Zahid Bhayat allegedly solicited bribes from motorists while conducting highway patrol on the N12 in Potchefstroom.
The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said Bhayat was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigations unit.
“According to information, Bhayat allegedly targeted motorists driving superfluity vehicles. He will claim that they had exceeded the speed limit and threatened to arrest them. Bhayat will subsequently follow the motorists and demand a minimum payment of R2000 to cancel the speed reading. He briefly appeared at the Klerksdorp Magistrate Court on Tuesday and granted a R2000 bail.”
The case was postponed to 24 January 2018 for further investigation.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Linda Mbana said that the Hawks will continue to fight the scourge of corruption in the province.
Trial date set for Coligny case
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) took a broadside on the defence team in Coligny murder case for delaying tactics.
This came out after the North West High Court set March 19 to 30 as trial dates for two men arrested for the murder of Matlhomola Moshoeu (16) in Mahikeng on Monday.
A pre-trial conference was held in Mahikeng on Monday after earlier postponements.
Pieter Doorewaard (26) and Phillip Schutte (34) were arrested after they allegedly killed Moshoeu. It is alleged that Doorewaard and Schutte found Moshoeu stealing sunflowers on their farm and apprehended him.
The suspects say that they put the deceased in the back of the bakkie and ferried him to Coligny Police Station. They further allege that Moshoeu jumped off the moving bakkie and died.
The case was transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng to set a trial date.
NPA regional spokesperson, Frank Lesenyego said the pre-trial conference was postponed to 12 December 2017 after the defence legal team claimed that some documents in the sockets were unreadable.
“It is all systems go from our side and we are ready to continue with the trial. The defence team is also ready as they said in court.
“The case will commence for two weeks. The accused will be back in court from March 19 till 23 and from March 26-30.
“We believe that we have a strong case against the accused. Thepre-trial conference was postponed indefinitely after the defence’s legal team claimed that some documents were unreadable,” Lesenyego said.
He further said that the NDP regarded that as a delaying tactic from the defence.
“The defence team was called on November 7 after this matter was transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng to get copies of the docket.
“However, they did not come on the scheduled date. The defence only came on November 13. We believe that this could have been averted because they would have highlighted to us that some statements were unreadable. The NPA could have typed them and handed them over to them on time,” Lesenyego said.
The accused are out on R5000 bail each. On the day they were granted bail, Coligny residents ran amok and a number of houses were burnt down in protest.
North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo said they rebuilt one often houses burnt during protests in Coligny.
Mahumapelo said the house belonged to a white woman and they would hand it over to the owner in a few weeks.
“This is part of Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal (RHR). A journey to Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal is a never-ending one because where people are involved there will always be a need to foster mutual understanding.
“However, it would be very difficult to have RHR without economic development,” he said.
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Motorist who threatened to ‘cut-off’ traffic official’s manhood back in court
By REGINALD KANYANE
A motorist, who allegedly attacked a North West traffic officer, will be back in court for a formal bail application at Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Sabata Kortman was arrested along with his sister, Ntswaki Kortman (26) for crimen injuria and failure to comply with traffic official.
Kortman was clearly seen manhandling a traffic officer, Johannes Manthi in an incident caught on video. He also threatened to cut-off Manthi’s manhood.
North West police spokesperson, Col Pelonomi Makau said the suspects appeared at Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
“Two people were arrested and appeared in court after they allegedly assaulted a traffic officer. Sabata Kortman (32) and his younger sister, Ntswaki Kortman (26) were denied bail and remanded in custody. They were charged with crimen injuria and failure to comply with traffic official.
“They will be back in court on Thursday for formal bail application. We urge all road users to cooperate and obey the rules and regulations of the roads. They must also comply when stopped by traffic and police officials.”
The officer, Johannes Manthi Johannes Manthi (47) said he felt disrespected and humiliated by a motorist who attacked him on Sunday between Potchefstroom and Johannesburg on N12 road.
Manthi said he was on duty with his female colleague 12km outside Potchefstroom when the incident happened.
“I stopped the motorist who was driving a Yaris vehicle after he overtook another vehicle on the barrier line. I gave him a fine for breaking the law. However, all hell broke loose when I requested a physical address from him.
“Sabata Kortman gave me a post address instead, but I politely explained him that I needed a physical address. Kortman failed to cooperate and hurled insults at me. He demanded his driver’s licence back but I refused. He man-handled and assaulted me after I refused to hand over his licence,” Manthi said.
A 47 year-old man is living with disability after being involved in a horrible car accident back in 2013. Manthi said he lost a limb during the accident and being attacked in public especially by motorist was absurd and distasteful.
“The area is one of the high risk areas and more than 55% of accidents took place here. So, being attacked for doing my job is debauched. We are here to assist and render our services to all road users. Traffic officers’ high visibility on the roads, endeavour to minimise disruption. Traffic officers also provide safe and timely response to incidents.
“We liaise with emergency services where necessary and relieve congestion as soon as possible. So, this incident will not deter my spirit and I am looking forward to work with cooperative motorists on the roads during festive season,” he said.
‘Two in court for theft and drugs’
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Northern Cape police arrested two suspects aged between 30 and 40 for theft out of motor vehicle. Provincial police spokesperson, Capt Olebogeng Tawana said the suspects were found in possession of reported stolen goods and being in possession of drugs.
“Kimberley detectives and flying squad acted on information regarding stolen goods which were reported stolen from a business premises in Kimberley. The suspects were arrested over the weekend in their homes in Florianville and Mogul Park. We recovered jack hammer, compressor, drill machine, Go Cart and a crystal meth during the arrest.
“Recovered items were reported stolen on Wednesday. It is alleged that the suspects broke into the vehicles which were parked in the premises of the business and stole above mentioned goods,” Tawana said.
He further said the suspects are due to appear at the Kimberley Magistrate’s
Court on Monday.
“The festive season operation continued with high police visibility over the weekend. The police conducted road blocks on N12 an N8. Our policing focus was to search for transportation of illegal goods, unlicensed firearms, stolen vehicles, unroadworthy vehicles including driving motor vehicles without a valid driver’s licence.
“Thousands of vehicles were searched and fines were issued against those who were driving unroadworthy vehicles,” he said.
The Kimberly Cluster commander, Major Gen Jean Abrahams commended the police for displaying high visibility on the national roads. Abrahams said this will ensure compliance on the motorists.
“We will continue with this kind of crime prevention operations throughout the festive season. We want to ensure that every person is safe in all aspects,” Abrahams said.
