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BY REGINALD KANYANE

Lesotho: The North West Department of Tourism dominated the 5th Annual Inter Tourism games held over the Easter weekend in the capital of Lesetho, Maseru. 

MEC for Tourism, Desbo Mohono said that her department emerged as an overall winner of this year’s Tourism games which were represented by tourism authorities from Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland and the host Lesotho. 

“The games were mainly aimed at sharing best practices and showcasing each of the four countries’ potential in cementing existing and creating new partnerships among the SADC countries in the tourism industry. 

“While sharing ideas and programmes among different tourism authorities, the games also ensure that Cultural Exchange and social cohesion are maintained within the participating countries,” Mohono said. 

She further congratulated the North West Tourism Board Agency for representing the province and the country with aplomb during the games. 

Mohono added that such games show that tourism knows no boundaries thus contributing immensely to the economic chain of that particular country. 

“We share same culture, we drink same water from Katse Dam and the Vaal. We share many other resources, including electricity, we have our own people living in those other SADC countries and in that way it is clear that boarders are only a formality. 

“My wish is for these games to make a big impact in marketing and ensuring that the SADC region in particular Bokone Bophirma becomes a preferred tourism destination recognised throughout Africa and the world at large,” she said. 

Provincial Head of Department, Advocate Neo Sephoti emphasized the importance of such annual games. 

Sephoti said these games bring the countries together and broaden minds as many get to learn a lot about different cultures and their practices.

“The games open doors for possible investors to endow and grow the tourism sorority as well as playing a significant role in allowing colleagues to network.

“We, as North West Tourism team are extremely honoured to be hosted by Lesotho and participate in the 2017 Inter Tourism Games.

“We managed to network with different individuals from miscellaneous milieu. That alone adds value to our mandate of promoting our province and country to the world,” she said. 

Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation CEO, Mpaiphele Maqutu echoed Adv Sephoti’s sentiments.

Maqutu said tourism should be treated as a powerful tool of enhancing each other’s countries within the SADC region.

“Through these Inter Tourism Games, we should be able to identify each country’s strength and use that to grow one another as an amalgamation. If a tourist from overseas lands in North West Province in South Africa to see the big five, the tour operators should also give that tourist further information that there is a lot to see in the SADC region,” Maqutu said.

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

TWO suspects appeared in Hartswater Magistrate’s Court after armed robbery. Police spokesman, Capt Sergio Kock said that Patrick Towane, 33 and Julies Yester, 25  and the third suspect who is still at large allegedly entered a tavern at Bonita Park, in Hartswater and pointed the owner with a firearm.

“Three suspects allegedly robbed a business man at Jive Master Tavern. It is alleged that the suspects aged 25 and 33 approached the businessman as he was about to go and deposit the money to the bank. 

“The men pointed him with a gun and took his cell phone, an undisclosed amount of money, passport and his driver’s licence,” Kock said.

The first suspect was arrested at his work place and the other one was arrested at his residential address. The third suspect is still at large.

Kock further said the suspects will do a formal bail application on the May 4. 

Investigation continues.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

KIMBERLY- The police in Kimberley are requesting assistance in the search for Ridhwaan Mackay, 19 who went missing on Thursday.

Provincial police spokesman, Capt Sergio Kock said Mackay was last seen at his home in West-End before he left with his sister’s white VW Golf 7.

“The car was found on Sunday in Clifford Street, West End, not very far from where he lives. His parents reported him missing to the police after finding the abandoned vehicle. He was dressed in a blue jeans, blue hoodie and white All Star Takkies,” Kock said.

He said anyone with information regarding Mackay must please call Sgt Phumla Rantoeste on 078 211 5018. 

The investigation continues. 

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TAUNG- The two provinces of the Northern Cape and Bokone Bophirima has kick-started a process to unblock service delivery bottle necks for the community of Ba-ga Mothibi village in Greater Taung local municipality in Bokone Bophirima.

Fenny Gaolaolwe said: “This will be done through the establishment of both a political and technical task team comprising of our department, Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs department led by Ontlametse Motshware from Bokone Bophirima as well as MEC for Cooperate Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Alvin Botes from the Northern Cape as well as their officials.”

She further said this will culminate into a protocol agreement between the two provinces with the purpose of ensuring that communities are able to access services from both the provinces without any hassle. 

Meanwhile, a service delivery blitz is organized for the community of Ba-ga Mothibi in the area next week Tuesday through the Setsokotsane service delivery programme.

Ba-ga Mothibi is an area made up of 14 villages with some areas straddling between the Northern Cape and Bokone Bophirima provinces. The two provinces work together to provide service.

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Picture: Bokone Bophirima Premier, Supra Mahumapelo 

BY REGINALD KANYANE

BOKONE Bophirima Premier, Supra Mahumapelo embarked on his enterprise development and economic growth programme on Tuesday. Mahumapelo said he will visit all local municipalities in the province over a period of four months.

“The first visits will be undertaken in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, with Moretele local municipality targeted for today. We will spend a week at each of the province’s district where we are expected to engage with stakeholders comprising private companies, business people and chambers of commerce amongst others.

“We will also highlight on the existing opportunities for entrepreneurship development and economic growth at each local municipality’s villages, townships and small dorpies,” he said.

Mahumapelo will be joined by MEC for Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development, Wendy Nelson, District and Local Mayors as well as the Traditional Leadership.

“Targeted stakeholders at each local municipality will also have a discussion with a panel of experts and the meeting will focus on access to finance, procurement processes, and registration of companies, marketing and access to markets. Our VTSD enterprise development economic forum sessions at all the VTSD areas are not only about giving meaning to the province’s five concretes, but also seek to promote leadership accountability, encourage active engagement with the citizens about their development as well as the spirit of working together.

“For Bojanala Platinum District Municipality programme, the stakeholders’ morning engagements with me, will start at 09h00, while the afternoon panel of experts’ discussion and media session will start at17h00, at the following venues,” he said.

Tuesday, 18 April: Moretele Community Hall, next to Moretele Local Municipality

Wednesday, 19 April: Madibeng Community White Hall, Madibeng Local Municipality

Thursday, 20 April: Moses Kotane Community Hall, Moses Kotane Local Municipality

Friday, 21 April: Tlhabane Community Hall, Rustenburg Local Municipality

Tuesday, 25 April: Reagile Community Hall, Kgetleng Local Municipality

The Premier’s VTSD Enterprise Development Economic Forum engagements will be taken to Ngaka Modiri Molema District in May, followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda in June, and will end in July at Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

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A COMMUNITY radio station, Vaaltar FM, from Taung recently won a South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) award for its role in uplifting the lives of poor people.

  The station manager, Kgakololo Mothei said the community radio station that broadcasts in Taung and surrounding areas were crowned the provincial winners and came as runners-up at national level.

  Mothei further said the station won the provincial leg of the SAHRC community radio competition.

  “The competition was dubbed “Stand up for human rights” and seeks to honour community radios which champions human rights issues on behalf of ordinary civilians. The SAHRC and the United Nations Human rights (office of the high commissioner) are the custodians of this awards which was held in Johannesburg on March 29.

  Vaaltar FM was honoured after a heart-breaking story covered few months ago. The story depicted the plight of rural schools which still use trees as classrooms in modern day and era. The story was about Pelonngwe Primary School which is located in Takaneng village, near Taung. There is overcrowding at that school and pupils use trees as classrooms,” she said.

  Mothei also applauded her dedicated reporters for touching the lives of ordinary citizens.

National Community Radio Forum provincial chairperson, Tsholofelo Moepeng said: “We want to commend the Vaaltar FM Community Radio for their achievements. The awards can be credited to dedicated staff members as well as community. They have shown resilience amid hostile economic conditions throughout the years since its establishment.”

  He added: “We applaud them for using the platform to address current challenges faced by our society in the current epoch, especially that of Digital Migration. South Africa has witnessed substantial transformation of the broadcasting sector over the past two decades. Changes are most visible when it comes to community broadcasting, as shown by the number of community radio stations that have been licenced and the increase in radio listenership.”

  Moepeng said that statistics show that many people listen to community radio stations across the country.

  He indicated that the recent figure confirmed that radio is the most listened to medium with 37 million listeners and records 256 community radio stations to date.

  “This sector needs enormous experience and skills. Advertisers invest their money where there are guarantees and Vaaltar FM has demonstrated to be one of trusted and reliable business partners. We wish the province to host the National Community Radio Forum conference anticipated to take place soon,” he said.

  The forum is where all member stations throughout the country would be descending to showcase their abilities.

  “We welcome other stations from elsewhere to the shores of the most beautiful and tourist friendly province belonging to the likes of our own dear grandparents like Mama Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Uncle JB Marks and Moses Kotane to mention the least distinctive Africans who put the interest of their country and its people first rather than self-enrichment in the expense of the poor masses,” Moepeng said.

   Vaaltar FM can be reached online through www.vaaltarfm.com or directly tune in on 93.6 MHZ. – Newsnote

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Eight people sustained minor to moderate injuries when their bakkie crashed through a barrier on a bridge and down an embankment along the R54 Potchefstroom-Vereeniging road on Sunday.

ER24 spokesperson, Werner Vermaak said the accident took place shortly after 9am. Vermaak said paramedics from ER24 and Tlokwe Fire Department arrived on the scene where they found the bakkie several meters down the embankment.

“Seven of the occupants, including four children (10 years old and younger), were found standing near the bridge. They were assessed and found with minor to moderate injuries. A woman was still trapped in the overturned vehicle. The Tlokwe fire fighters had to free her from the wreckage,” he said.

All the occupants were treated on the scene and later ferried to a nearby hospital.

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BY BAKANG MOKOTO

Kagisano-Molopo local municipal mayor, Bitsa Lenkopane bequeathed sports equipment to eight football teams across the municipality recently. Lenkopane handed over eight sets of soccer kits and footballs to local teams that participated in the Youth Development Sports Tournament held in Tosca sports ground in Tosca during Easter weekend.

“The tournament was one of our continuous youth support and development programmes. Our aim is to make a growing impact with every service delivery programme we undertake. We aim at fighting poverty, inequality and unemployment within our society through sport. The basic service the municipality render to our people must have impact in their lives with an everlasting change.

“The tournament was also part of response to Bokone Bophirima Premier, Supra Mahumapelo’s ten point plan addressing sports development and participation campaign. It is also the address to the obesity challenge that concerns Mahumapelo. We want to get every member of the society to actively participate in any sport activity to keep fit and healthy,” she said.

Lenkopane added that with this tournament, they brought everybody together to participate. She further said this was a stepping stone towards sport development especially in far-flung areas.

“The sport also brings families and communities together. I remember during our youth days where families will flock to sporting fields to enjoy themselves. Sport activities used to bring people together. Supporting our favourite teams used to make us a family where we built strong bonds among us and lookout for each other.

“Remember we are in a process of rebuilding our community. The donation of these sport equipment goes beyond the sport itself. The initiative also addresses five concretes of service delivery. With these activities, we aim at Reconciling, Healing and Renewal of our people. We create a platform for the village economy where local hawkers and retailers will benefit,” she said.

Lenkopane also urged teams to sustain their existence and encouraged them to recruit more young people into their ranks for a continuous participation in sport.

The second leg of the tournament will be played in Itireleng village, in ward 8 in a fortnight’s time.

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A PLAY called Itsoseng which was written by an internationally celebrated and actor and writer from Bokone Bophirima, Omphile Molusi, is currently running at the Market Theatre.

  The production is about a childhood love story and life in a township (Itsoseng) formerly known as “Mooidorpie” because of its beauty during the Bophutatswana days. 

  Molusi’s talent was showcased at the Edinburgh Arts Festival where he received the Scotsman Fringe First Award, an honour which is given to the best plays at the international festival.

  Itsoseng was first published by Junkets Publishers, later by Oxford Publishers and it has been adopted as a formal set work for grade 11 drama students.

  His formal training at the Market Theatre Laboratory led him to become the first winner of the Royal Shakespeare Company Brett Goldin Bursary which enabled him to study theatre in the United Kingdom (UK) where he sharpened his skills in acting, voice and heightened writing.

  The play has toured in the UK, Ireland, America and Zimbabwe and has also played at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town.

  Molusi is also a winner of the Black Excellence Award in Chicago in the United States.

HE said that what keeps him going is his love to keep people entertained and a passion for storytelling.

  “My family also motivates me to take my work seriously and achieve even greater things as I have a loving wife and a three-year-old daughter. It has not been an easy journey though, people think that when you are from The Market Theatre Laboratory you will instantly make it. You have to keep hustling and make sure that you are always innovative and creative.”

  Molusi has also written a number of published short stories which include Cadre-based on the story of an African People’s Liberation Army (APLA) soldier, For the Right Reasons and Balalatladi.

  He also teaches writing at the Market Theatre Laboratory and is a writer for a popular television soapie on e.tv calledScandal!

  The play is currently showing at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg. It started on April 7 and will run until May 7. -Newsnote

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North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) led by the Chairperson, Mahlakeng Mahlakeng has requested the Department of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development and Department of Local Government to urgently assist Ditsobotla and Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipalities to develop a recovery plan that will ensure that salaries and statutory deductions are paid in the last three months of the financial year ending June 2017.

This came after the Standing Committee held an oversight meeting with Mayors and senior management of both municipalities, where they admitted to delays on payments of salaries of employees and statutory deductions including, South African Revenue Services deductions, Unemployment Insurance Fund and other Municipal Gratuity Fund Deductions dating from August 2016.

Mahlakeng said the departments should assist the municipalities in developing the recovery plan and provide key personnel who will ensure that salaries and statutory deductions are paid in the last three months of the financial year ending June 2017.

“The Municipal Public Accounts Committees should also be involved in the turn-around strategy.  There is no political and administrative leadership in both municipalities hence there were delays on such important legal payments affecting employees. In Lekwa-Teemane local municipality, the position of the Chief Financial Officer has been vacant for a long time, and consultant is being paid over R3 million to manage its Budget and Treasury Office.

“There is also no clarity on whether the more than three Provincial Government’s interventions at these municipalities yielded any positive results,” said Mahlakeng.

Local Government and Human Settlements Head of Department, Ephraim Motoko said the department is assisting with many interventions including secondment of senior managers and implementation of valuation roll,  credit control debt collection, and revenue enhancement measures.

“We are also assisting with collection of debt from different government departments. Stability in senior management positions has been a challenge in these municipalities,” said Motoko.

Linda Negovhle from the Department of Finance said both municipalities’ budget is not sustainable and they are unable to pay its budgeted obligations including creditors due to low revenue collection and high consultancy fees on finance and legal functions which are part of their organograms. 

“Both municipalities have outsourced its credit control functions however there is no improvement in collection rates. They also cannot pay Auditor General, their owing Eskom more than R14m , 3^rdParties and SARS which resulted in constant accruals.

“At Lekwa-Teemane, Equitable Share (which includes administration cost and community services) is R39 million whilst employee cost is only R57 million. In Ditsobotla the Equitable Share is R89,9 million whilst employee cost is R169.9million. Their salaries are then funded by their revenue collection which is not reliable, that is why they find themselves in this situation,” said Negovhle.

The Acting Municipal Manager at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality,  Mokgatlhe Ratlhogo said employees and councillors’ salaries were paid on 27 March 2017 instead of the prescribed date of the 25^ththrough the conditional grants on understanding that Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality could intervene through provision of a short-term loan of R3 million.

“A Special Municipal Council meeting in March 2017 has also resolved to pass a resolution to request the Department of Local Government and Human Settlements to assist with an amount of R14, 1 million for remuneration and salaries for April to June 2017 as the amount will be covered during the implementation of revenue enhancement strategies. 

“We still owe SARS for January to March 2017,” said Ratlhogo. 

He said the municipality has pleaded with both departments to assist on filing critical positions including senior managers.

The Municipal Manager for Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Tsatsi Ramagaga said due to serious cash flow challenges from August 2016, salaries and statutory deductions were not paid on time.

“Main contributors are non-implementation of credit controls and unavailability of capital budget from own revenue. Although we had these challenges, the municipality managed to pay salaries and statutory deductions with the last tranche of equitable share on 17 March 2017. 

“We have made arrangement with SARS to pay the balance in tranches as and when the funds are available.

“The municipality is owed over R348 million by government, businesses and households. The National Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is assisting the municipality in finalising revenue enhancement plan,” said Ramagaga.

Mahlakeng said the municipalities should submit a detailed report on Councillors and municipal employees who do not pay municipal rates and taxes.

 “Municipalities should conduct consultative meetings to encourage communities to pay services as municipalities rely on revenue to improve service delivery,”M ahlakeng said. 

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