BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West public servants were reminded their primary duty is to deliver services to the people and not to actively participate in politics.

This came from culture, art and traditional affairs department (CATA) MEC, Ontlametse Mochware at the commemoration of the Africa Public Service Day in Madibogo, outside Mahikeng on Monday.

“The aim of this day is to enhance the public service and transform the African continent. The African Union (AU) has created many frameworks for us to achieve an Africa we want. We want a prosperous continent that continues to grow, an Africa with good governance that can be trusted, peaceful and secured with a strong African identity,” Mochware said.

For this to happen, the MEC said that public servants have to be on top of their game in driving government programmes to ensure total transformation and empowerment of communities.

“There is need for a public service corps that can be trusted to push government agenda. Where there are service delivery challenges, intervention has to be quickly made. Our officials need to be highly trained and knowledgeable as well,” she said.

The MEC pointed out that sticking to the Batho Pele principles is a good starting point for public officials.

“We need to fight corruption and make sure the communities are grateful. You are the government representatives. Whatever you do, will affect the services government is intending to provide,” she said.

North West Director General, Dr Lydia Sebego said: “We have organised this commemoration as a forerunner towards the national celebration on June 23. The purpose of this day is to commemorate the Africanness.

“Remember you have been chosen out of the magnitude of the people to be public servants. The public must trust you to be its leaders. You need to understand your responsibilities,” Sebego said.

Charity Modise from The Office of the Premier encouraged the public servants to lead healthy life-styles so that they are productive.

“We need to know our status. The more we live healthy lifestyle, the better. There is a need to fight the scourge of AIDS and HIV. There is a coordination of public services to mitigate HIV and AIDS at workplace,” she said.

Public Service and Administration’s Marcel Wilson said: “Public governance plays a major role to inclusive growth. Even though we have inequality, unemployment and poverty, the government try is trying by all means to fight that. The youth, children and women need to be included in the mainstream economy. As public servants, you need to fight fraud and not behave like politicians.

“You are public servants and represent all communities despite their political affiliations. Government put policies in place to achieve that. More effective voices need to be included in National Development Plan to take South Africa forward,” Wilson said.

Young entrepreneur, Thato Molebatsi commended the public servants for helping him set up his business.

“I am running a company called Exclusive Solar. I recently received support from the Office of The Premier through youth entrepreneurship services (YES) programme. They are working so hard to change the lives of the masses,” Molebatsi said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

TWO suspects 28 and 29 are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court in connection with attempted murder and illegal possession of firearm.

North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were arrest on Monday in Promosa and Mohadin respectively.

“According to information, the police were on routine patrol when they searched the suspects along Promosa road. They were still searching one of the suspects when the other ran away.

“The chase ensued between the police and the suspect. It is alleged that one of the suspects fired a shot. A back-up was mobilised and that led to apprehension of one of the suspects,” he said.

Mokgwabone said a firearm was found in the suspect’s possession. He said the second suspect was arrested at Mohadin.

“The preliminary investigation has linked both suspects to a case of house robbery that happened at the beginning of this month in Potchefstroom,” Mokgwabone said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

Bafana Bafana is bracing themselves for a tough 2016 COSAFA Castle Cup semi-final match against surprise package Swaziland on Wednesday at Sam Nujoma Stadium.
Swaziland progressed to the last four after beating Zambia 4-2 on penalties in the quarter finals.
Swaziland coach, Harris Bulunga played under the leadership of Bafana Bafana head coach, Shakes Mashaba during his tenure in Swaziland.

Mashaba said the meeting tomorrow will literally be a teacher versus student scenario.
“This should be another interesting match. Swaziland has had a great run in the COSAFA Cup finishing top of Group A.
“We expect a very fast game as they have some very talented and physically strong players. But our mission here is beyond this tournament. This is the squad that will be going to the Rio Olympics and shaping that squad into a winning team begins here,” Mashaba said.
Bafana Bafana will be without defender, Kwanda Mngonyama and midfielder Phumlani Ntshangase.

The two have been released from camp after suffering long term injuries. Gift Motupa will also not be available for the match after receiving a red card in the match against Lesotho last Saturday.
This semi-final will be played at 17h00 local time (SA time 18h00), on Wednesday at Sam Nujoma Stadium in the Namibian capital of Windhoek.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

TWO men aged 22 and 26 were arrested in Tlhabane respectively on Monday. The police said the suspects were in possession of suspected stolen goods.

Provincial police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said they were arrested during stop and search operations.

“The police were conducting routine patrol when they spotted a suspicious vehicle. A white Toyota Tazz with two occupants was driving towards Yizo Yizo informal settlement in Tlhabane.

“The police managed to stop the vehicle for a search.  Upon searching the vehicle, suspected stolen properties including plasma television, computer monitor, laptop charger and other items were found,” Mokgwabone said.

The pair is due to appear in the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Pretoria – A mayoral nomination of Thoko Didiza in Tshwane province has attracted a heavy protest which started yesterday soon after her nomination.

Protesters are against her nomination as they rally behind and try to force the nomination of “people’s mayor” Kgosientso Ramokgopa.

Till now the protesters have burnt down several buses, damaged traffic lights, overturned a police vehicle, Looting apparently taking place of foreign-owned shops in Atteridgeville.

We can’t get involved’ – IEC

The IEC has noted with concern the “current level of violence” in Tshwane.

“We appeal to all to voters and parties to ensure they respect the rule of law and rights of others,” the IEC tweeted on Tuesday.

“We remind you that a candidate list is an internal party matter which the Electoral Commission cannot get involved in.”

They can’t bring a Zulu to lead us – Tshwane residents

Residents of Atteridgeville, Tshwane, have lashed out at the ANC’s decision to put forward Thoko Didiza as mayoral candidate for the city, saying a Zulu person from KwaZulu-Natal cannot be brought in to lead them.
Source: Mzansilive

Picture: (MEC Pauline Williams) 

BY REGINALD KANYANE

MEC for transport, safety and liaison, Pauline Williams will host a two day workshop at Orange River Hotel in Upington. Williams said they want to empower women who are in the taxi industry.

“The workshop is aimed at the Santaco Women Desk. It will present an opportunity for the women to be empowered with information and opportunities in and beyond the taxi industry.

“Women of the Santaco Women Desk possess operating licenses in the taxi industry. They also form part of Santaco even though they still remain the minority in the male-dominated public transport sector,” she said.

According to SANTACO, taxis ferry approximately 16 million commuters in the daily basis.

The industry also consists of 60 to 70% of the commuting public and workforce.

“It is also a mode of force because many people who use public transport have no other option. The event will commence on Wednesday until Thursday this week,” Williams said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

BA-GA Mothibi tribal authority will finally get a chief after uncertainty. Culture, art and traditional affairs department (CATA) said the inauguration of Kgosi Obakeng Mothibi and Regent Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi will take place on Saturday at Sekhing Tribal Authority offices.

CATA spokesperson, Shirley Montsho said about 20 community artists, both professional and up-and-coming will participate at the event.

“They will render their services to entertain guests during the inauguration ceremony. The event will be held at Sekhing village, near Taung. Pupils from Joseph Saku School in Magogong village will also participate by singing both the African Union (AU) and South African (SA) anthem.

“Number of community members and guests are expected to attend the ceremony. Dignitaries will also grace the event. We urge communities to be on time. The event will commence at 10am,” Montsho said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: (Political parties in North West pledge to adhere to IEC rules and regulations)

BY REGINALD KANYANE

MAHIKENG- ALL 30 political contesting in the 2016 local government elections in North West signed the electoral pledge at Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on Tuesday.

The parties committed to abide by the provisions of the electoral code of conduct.

ANC provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo said they signed the pledge and will abide by the rules and regulations governing elections.

“As the provincial government and ANC-led government, we support the notion. We will make sure the elections run smoothly with no hindrances. We support fair and free elections.

“We have entrusted IEC and we believe is the independent body. We will make sure the integrity of the authority is protected and restored. It is one of the most important institutions in our country,” Mahumapelo said.

Electoral Commission national chairperson, Glen Mashinini said all political parties and candidates are required to subscribe to the code of conduct before they can contest elections.

“The code of conduct is about the rule of law. We call on all parties to ensure that they take reasonable steps to ensure that candidates, members, officials and supporters comply with the rules of the game.

“We embrace the maturing and deepening of our democracy. Therefore, we proudly relish the advancement of our nationhood ideal that remains enshrined in our hearts,” he said.

Mashinini added that they remind all political parties that they are allowed to contest elections vigorously and vibrantly. He said they need to respect the rights of others at all times.

South African Police Services, Major General Patrick Asaneng vowed to deliver safe and secure local government elections in the province.

“We are ready as the SAPS to support IEC in delivering safe and secure elections. We urge all political parties to have tolerance towards each other,” he said.

 Democratic Alliance provincial leader, Joe McGluwa said they have signed the IEC’s code of conduct to pledge for the upcoming local government elections. The elections will be staged on August 3.

“We are excited to be part of this historic moment. South Africa is in a young democracy as a country. We recently announced that for the first time ever, the DA will be contesting all the wards and municipalities within the province. “We want to bring change that will move this province forward. The pledge we signed today calls for free and fair elections. It calls on all participating political parties to practice a culture of tolerance and peace,” McGluwa said.

EFF provincial leader, Betty Diale also shared the same sentiments. She said EFF is ready for local government elections and will abide to IEC rules and regulations.

“We are very adamant that EFF will change the landscape of the politics on August 3. We support and adhere to the rules and regulations of IEC. We give the authority unwavering support towards fair, honest and free elections,” Diale said.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE
The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West condemned the fatal shooting of its Maboloka Branch chairperson,Thabo Moroa.

SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said Moroa was shot and killed at his house in Maboloka village, near Brits on Saturday.

“We are saddened by the shocking incident which has robbed the Moroa family, the people of Maboloka and our structure of a humble son,a loving husband and a father, a courageous, selfless leader, a visionary and committed cadre who was committed to development and uplifting his community.

“His untimely death is a blow that has left a huge void,” Sebegoe said.

He urged police not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible for the horrendous crime are behind bars.

Sebegoe said that uninformed speculation as to who might be responsible for Moroa’s death will only serve to advance the agenda of those who what to sow divisions within the revolutionary alliance and the ranks of the progressive movement ahead of the local government elections.

“We must resist the temptation to point fingers and channel our energy to assist police with information that will lead to the arrest of those responsible for the senseless violence,” he stressed. 

The 38-year-old Moroa who is survived by his heavily pregnant wife and two daughters was also employed by the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality as a secretary to the Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Rural Development.  
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_
taungdailynews@gmail.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 62-YEAR-OLD man found hanged at his house in Molelema village, near Taung on Sunday morning. North West police said Buting Nthari allegedly hanged himself. He said however the cause of his death is yet unknown.

Provincial police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said: “A case of inquest has been opened in Taung Police Station. We do not know what prompted the deceased to commit suicide. However a case of inquest has been opened and investigation is underway.”

Nthari allegedly used a rope to take his own life and was found at around 6am.

-TDN

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_

taungdailynews@gmail.com