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Picture: Taung author, Khumo Seane

KHUMO Seane said reading expose people to new things, new information, new ways to solve a problem, and new ways to achieve their goals. Seane who is a writer, said he will be launching his new book called Konyana.

“Reading does enhance you and begin to understand the world better. You can begin to have a greater understanding on topics that interest you through reading.

“I was inspired by my grandfather’s excellent use of Setswana literature. His ability to entertain people using his mother’s tongue was marvellous. I was motivated to love Setswana more,” Seane said.

He further said he decided to promote Setswana language by writing a book. Taung-based author was born in Manthe village and said he is expecting to write more books in the future.

“This is my first book, but nevertheless more still to come. My book consists of hardships, trials and turbulent we going through as individuals. However, the theme is to never give up no matter what. I wrote this book to enlighten people that they should never give up in life.

“We should be persistence in every way possible to achieve our goal. I want people to be aware that one can prosper even through all the challenges you are faced with. The book narrates a life of a boy who grew up to become a man,” he said.

Seane who is a teacher by profession, added that the boy was faced with a bleak future because of poverty and financial constraints.

“The character believed in the living God and asked for serenity. He kept on praying and God rewarded him. He became so successful in life and never forgets where he came from. In a nutshell, the book talks about two lives which was the past and the present.

“The mix of two lives abetted the character to be meticulously attached to his roots and in the other hand he enjoyed being entertained by present life. I worked with my former Setswana teacher who edited the book. Pinagare High School teacher, Ms Bonolo Job has always been there for me even during my tertiary life,” he said.

Seane added that he was not afraid that people do not read books nowadays. He further said even though people especially the youth spend more time on social media, he will encourage them to read.

“It is imperative to nurture a reading society. A society that does not read can be led amiss. We need to develop that reading mentality and know what is happening around us. I regard social media as an entertainment dynasty. People should be entertained, yet not be kept away from reading.

“Reading trains the mind to work effectively. We also have to encourage children to read from the tender age. I am also grateful that the department of Education and Sport Development came up with a strategic plan called “Drop all and Read” at various schools,” Seane said.

He further said his upbringing was a lesson. Manthestad-born graduate said he interacted with many people and learnt a lot about human nature.

“We are diverse as human beings and my parents would always encourage me to read for them before I sleep while I was still young. Even though it was a challenge by then, I am reaping the rewards of that now. I received unwavering support from my family, friends and my broader fans.

“The official launch of the book will be on February 27 at Diamond Lil’s in Bloemfontein. People love my work and that encourages me to work hard. I also do motivational talks especially amongst the youth. I always encourage them to study harder because without education, there is no future,” Seane said.

He further said it is difficult to find employment without proper education and training nowadays. Seane is armed with Degree in Education from Central University of Technology.

“I want to assist as many learners as possible to reach their potential. I also want to own a publishing company in five years’ time. If your dream does not scare you, it is not big enough I guess.” – Newsnote

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By REGINALD KANYANE
ALL systems go as 500 houses will be electrified.  North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo will be part of switch-on electrification projects ahead of his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Taung on Friday.

More than 500 houses will be electrified in Moretele Ext 88, Khaukhwe Ext 61, Ntswanahatse Ext 144, Matlapaneng Phase 2 11, Phola Park Ext 35, Khibicwane Ext Phase 2 91 and Maganeng Ext 150 11.

“This is the second achievement of Eskom’s North West Operating Unit this month, following the electrification of 1 400 houses in Kgabalatsane in Madibeng Local Municipality.

“I’ll be joined by Members of the Executive Council and the North West Eskom Senior Managers. The switch-on project will commence in Ntswanahatse at 10am and proceed to Khaukhwe,” Mahumapelo said.

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Subsequent to a series of reported mechanical breakdown incidents involving the official vehicles allocated to Premier Supra Mahumapelo, the North West Provincial Government has decided to purchase a new official vehicle for the Premier.

Premier Mahumapelo has been using two vehicles which he inherited from his two predecessors, Premiers Maureen Modiselle and Thandi Modise, which had not only clocked over 250 000 and 190 000 kilometers respectively, but had stuck on a number of occasions due to mechanical problems.

While the Ministerial Handbook allows the Premier to change his car once it has gone over 120 000km, Mahumapelo had always maintained his view that the people of the province need to play a role and guide him on when they believe it’s the right time for the provincial government to procure a new official car for the Premier. This despite the SAPS VIP Protection Unit warning Premier Mahumapelo that using old cars that are way beyond the prescribed 120 000km and tend to be unreliable can put both his life and those of his protectors at risk.

Equally, whereas the Ministerial Handbook allows for provincial governments to purchase a vehicle valued at R1.4million, Premier Mahumapelo had in his continued effort to lead by example and encourage Members of Executive Council to exercise cost saving measures when procuring official government vehicles, agreed to the purchasing of a vehicle with a total cost of  R1.1million, thus saving R300 000 of public funds.

The provincial government wishes to thank members of the public who have unreservedly supported the move to purchase a new and reliable official vehicle for the Premier, the process of which is being facilitated by the provincial department of Community Safety and Transport Management.

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MOKGARENG River in North West has claimed the life of another young girl.

Fourteen-year-old Hlompho Monchonyane from Leshobo Village in Taung was found dead on Saturday, about seven kilometres down stream from where she drowned.

Her father, Amos Monchonyane (46), said she was excited on the day of her death.

“She called her friends and they went to the river,” he said.O

ne of them told him Hlompho went straight into the water, claiming she wanted to test it.

The friend stood helplessly as she saw Hlompho going into the deep part before being swept away.

Aunt Elizabeth Dehuis (56) said: “ With the help of residents, police searched for Hlompho the whole night without success.

“Her body was swept to the bank of the river. She was a sweet girl who loved school. She performed well and had a bright future.”

Village chief Sam Mankuroane said it was not the first time the river has claimed lives.

He said there is a great need for cleansing and prayer.

The people in the area believe there is a snake that swallows teenagers.

“Some of these incidents are not reported to the authorities.”

In December, two teenagers drowned and one is still missing.

Pudimoe police spokesman Sergeant Tebogo Thebe confirmed that police are investigating.

He said residents called police to the scene, who found the body of the teenager reported missing on Friday.

“The family positively identified the body and investigations into the circumstances are underway,” said Thebe.

– Daily Sun

Picture: Former Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe 

JOHANNESBURG  – The South African Communist Party (SACP) on Monday said the appointment of former Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe as MP was “problematic” because its alliance partner, the ruling African National Congress (ANC), did not consult before it made the move.

In a statement the SACP in the North West, complained: “We learnt about this decision through the media when it first emerged, as if we are not an ally of the ANC, as if we do not share a common Alliance electoral platform, as if we have not campaigned together for the ANC to win elections”.

The SACP added: “This pattern of unilateralism was entrenched by the provincial leadership of the ANC since the 2014 general election.

The fellows have appropriated to themselves, exclusively, the ‘prerogative’ to change lists, even without involving the provincial deployment committee”.‎

Molefe’s appointment is apparently based on the removal of Abram Mudau from the North West Province’s National Council of Provinces representatives.

“Nevertheless the way deployments have been done in our province makes it doubtful whether Mudau voluntarily withdrew,” said the SACP in its statement attributed to Madoda Sambatha, the provincial secretary.

The SACP said this “new tradition” in the province does not fit in with the principles of internal democracy. Neither does it constitute consultation with Alliance partners especially at ANC meetings extended to Alliance partners.

“Consultation requires meaningful engagements: freedom of discussion. Without freedom of discussion, especially where it is required, there can be no unity in action.

“It is important for the ANC to walk the talk. This year, according to the ANC, is the year of unity in action in memory of OR Tambo. The manner in which Molefe was appointed represents the exact opposite of the commitment.

“No person within the ANC-headed Alliance denies the ANC the right to take deployment decisions. But this has to be done properly in the context of our shared Alliance electoral strategy.”

The SACP also said it notes the ongoing public debate about the appointment of Molefe as an ANC MP.

Source: African News Agency

BY BAKANG MOKOTO

DEMOCRATIC Alliance in North West said ANC provincial chairperson and Premier, Supra Mahumapelo will do anything to be in President Jacob Zuma’s good books.

DA provincial leader, Joe McGluwa said: “Mahumapelo is sending former Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe to Parliament as an ANC MP to represent the North West. This shows that Mahumapelo will do anything to please Jacob Zuma. Brian Molefe is so compromised individual and he was forced to resign from Eskom after damning findings against him in the State of Capture report.

“Molefe deserves absolutely no role in public life going forward. But again, Mahumapelo has slouched down at the feet of Jacob Zuma and compromised our province. Molefe will not serve the people of the North West in Parliament, but serve Zuma and the Guptas.”

McGluwa said people should not forget that Molefe went onto national television in an attempt to deceive the nation.

“He claimed that he visited a non-existent shebeen in Saxonwold, while visiting Guptas. Our province deserves MPs who go to Parliament to serve us, not MPs who have just recently attempted to lie to us on national television. Just like Mahumapelo who want to erect Zuma statue.

“That statue will be a monument to corruption and unemployment. Sending Molefe to Parliament is another act of putting Zuma first, and putting the people last. This is how ANC operates and the only approach that Mahumapelo knows,” he said.

He further said the people of the North West do not need a multi-million rand statue of Jacob Zuma and a compromised MP like Molefe.

However, ANC in North West refuted the claims and congratulated Molefe for making it into the list of the Members of Parliament from Bokone Bophirima.

ANC provincial secretary, Dakota Legoete said: “We also appreciate the decision by the national leadership of the ANC to consider and eventually ratify our Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) submission to have Cde Brian Molefe filling the depleted list of ANC MPs. The ANC in Bokone Bophirima has noted the reaction to the announcement by Parliament that Cde Molefe has been nominated to fill a vacancy on our province’s MP list.

“We acknowledge that everyone has got the right to voice their opinion, especially about politics and governance. We, however are disappointed that most of the negative reaction to the nomination of Cde Molefe is based on inaccurate information.”

He further said they wanted to caution their members and supporters about individuals who seek to mislead them and distort information regarding Molefe’s membership.

“It is disappointing that even some within the ANC, such as former ANC Bokone Bophirima deputy provincial chairperson, Cde China Dodovu spread the falsehood that Molefe is not a member of ANC in our province or a resident of Bokone Bophirima. For the record, Cde Brian is an ANC member in good standing of Ward 29 in Hartebeespoortdam in Madibeng Local Municipality.

“We call on Dodovu to back up his allegations with facts and evidence. It is interesting that he (China Dodovu) prefers to spread these unfounded allegations on social media platforms instead of bringing them to the attention of the party he claims to love,” Legoete said.

He added that Dodovu should know the correct channels for raising his views. Legoete said many people know Molefe as a former Eskom Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“We know him as a fellow hardworking comrade who is committed to contribute to the success of this democracy. His credentials are unquestionable, having served as CEO of Transnet, CEO of Public Investment Corporation, Director at Airports Company South Africa, Deputy Director General at the National Treasury and Director for Intergovernmental Relations at the Treasury.

“Molefe is also known for performing exceptionally well in all the positions he has occupied and no one can genuinely question his abilities. The ANC has in many of its congresses stressed the importance of attracting and retaining crucial skills necessary for supporting our democracy and helping us achieve the National Democratic Revolution through the National Development Plan (NDP) that our government has adopted. It would not make sense to lose the skills and expertise that someone like Cde Molefe possess,” he said.

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 37 YEAR-OLD man was sanctioned to life imprisonment by De Aar Regional Court recently. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said Ricardo Arghillus Absalom was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping an eight year-old girl.

“The incident took place in November 2015. The accused was previously convicted and sentenced to eight year imprisonment back in 2008. The girl was playing with her friends and Absalom called her. He gave her money and asked her to go and buy a cigarette and a snoek salt fish for him at the tuck shop.

“The girl went to the shop, but Absalom grabbed and raped her on her return. He was immediately arrested after the girl reported the incident to her aunt. The police’s investigation into the girl’s rape case resumed. She led the Investigating Officer to the crime scene where the evidence was gathered,” Kock said.

He said the accused was linked to the crime through the DNA test. Kock said credible witness testimony of the girl and outstanding investigation done by the investigating officer secured the accused’s conviction.

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Peter Risimati Shivuri commended the investigating officer, Sgt Tebogo Sehako for his outstanding work.

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The identity of the new Orlando Pirates coach has been revealed, with the Soweto giants having confirmed this morning that Kjell Jonevret is the man taking over from Augusto Palacios.

Pirates made the announcement on Monday morning that Jonevret is the club’s new coach. The 54-year-old coach comes from Sweden.

He has previously coached some of the top Swedish clubs, including Djurgardens IF and Viking. In his recent coaching stint, the Swedish mentor was with Viking.

He parted ways with the side at the end of last year, having been with the club since 2012. During his time coaching at Djurgardens between 2004 and 2006, Jonevret coached former Bafana Bafana striker Siyabonga Nomvethe, before the player’s return from overseas to join Pirates.

There has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks about who the new coach for Bucs will be. While various names of coaches have been thrown into the mix, it was reported by the Siya crew that there could be a possibility of an unknown foreign coach getting the job.

The new Bucs mentor will be tasked with helping the team to improve its position on the Absa Premiership log. Following their 2-2 draw with Cape Town City on the weekend, the Buccaneers are 10^th on the log with 20 points from 17 games.

Source: http://www.soccerladuma.co.za

MEN Against Crime in Molelema village, near Taung said they are gatvol about spate of crimes taking place in their area. The civic organisation chairperson, Pule Mothupi said they gathered today to discuss strategic plans to fight crime.

“Recently two suspects entered a tuckshop and pointed a wife of the tuckshop owner, Christian Yao Fumey who is from Ghana with knives. They stole money and took a firearm belonging to Fumey who was not in the house during the robbery. We arrested the suspects after we chased after them.

“We also worried because Kokomeng Police Station has been shut down. The only Police Station that is available is in Taung which is over 35km away. We are also not happy about the response we receive from SAPS. However, we are working together with Community Policing Forum (CPF) in the area,” Mothupi said.

Another member, Simon Phakedi said: “Crime affect their livelihood because they lose assets. Last week, two vehicles were stolen in the area, older persons are being robbed their pension grants. We cannot allow criminals to turn our area into their criminal activities nest. We will ensure that those perpetrators are kept in custody and do not receive bail. We losing livestock because of criminals.”

One of pensioners, Elizabeth Leeuw shared the same sentiments. Leeuw said they are the most vulnerable group in the society as elders.

“Some of elderly are being raped and stabbed by criminals. We are not safe in our own homes and we hope SAPS and other stakeholders react swiftly,” Leeuw said.

Tuckshop owner, Refilwe Sebubi said: “I was asleep last week Friday at around 3am when I heard people in my house. Two people approached me and pointed me with a knife. One of the perpetrators put a knife in my mouth and demanded cash. They stole over R4000 from my tuckshop and fled.

“However, a swift reaction from Men Against Crime members came to my rescue after we screamed for help. They came to my house and I explained to them what happed. One of the community members saw those suspects while boarding a bus to town. The MAC organisation members chased the bus and the suspects were arrested in Mothanthanyaneng village.”

North West Police spokesperson, Lt Colonel Pelonomi Makau said the two suspects appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

“Three suspects were arrested in Molelema village and appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Phetogo Kodisang, Thabang Matsogo and Thato Motswakae were arrested and charged for business robbery. They were denied bail and their case was postponed until February 21 for formal bail application,” Makau said.

Meanwhile, MEC of Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane in conjunction with Mahikeng SAPS, Mahikeng Local Municipality and Mahikeng community de-bushed one of the notorious crime hot spots in Mmabatho recently.

The campaign took place behind Mmabatho Stadium.

This crime hot spot is mainly used by cyclists and pedestrians from the community of Lokaleng village, students attending at Taletso TVET College and at the North West University.

These often fall victims of numerous crime incidences like rapes, muggings, hijacking, stalking, assaults and robberies.

Community members who were part of the clean-up campaign were happy about the efforts taken by government to fight the crime in the area.

“We are sick and tired of living in fear and it is time to work together towards the safety of the community,” said Lebogang Mokaleng of Montshioa Township.

Motlhabane was overwhelmed to see the local community showcasing their courage in fighting crime.

Community members were well-equipped with Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) which included amongst others; hand saws, rakes, grass slashes and petrol grass cutter in order to cut the trees and grass around the area.

“A double sided crime information board was also erected to warn the pedestrians, walkers and cyclists who pass through that road about the crimes that often happen around the area.

“I am impressed about the hard work and the passion to fight crime. It is very impressive to see the community come together to fight against crime in their area.,” Motlhabane said.

He said the communities need to fight for what was right. Motlhabane further said even though the area is cleared that alone does not mean residents are safe to pass through the area at any given time of the day more especially after hours.

“The community should remain vigilant at all times,” he said.-Newsnote

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A man was killed and two others were injured on Sunday morning when a bakkie t-boned a light motor vehicle on the N4 near the Kroonvaal turn-off in Rustenburg.

ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring said paramedics arrived on the scene to find the bakkie in the middle of the road while the light motor vehicle was found on the side of the road.

“Upon closer inspection, paramedics found the body of a man lying in the light motor vehicle showing no signs of life. Unfortunately, nothing could be done for the man and he was declared dead on the scene.

“The two occupants from the bakkie sustained moderate injuries. Paramedics treated the patients and thereafter transported them to a nearby hospital for further treatment,” Meiring said. 

The cause of the collision is not yet known but local authorities were on scene for further investigations. 

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