Tag Archives: Culture

Team North West shows its pedigree during National School Sports Champions

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Picture: Team North West during National School Sports Championships/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 December 2024- Team North West was amongst young sports men and women who showcased their talent and ability during the National School Sports Championships that was held at Pretoria from 13 until 17 November 2024. Despite the slow start that Team North West displayed on day one of the games, their competitive spirits came out guns blazing in the coming days of the games.

The Chief Director of Sports and Recreation at the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, George Marindi said it is evident on the number of games the teams triumphant over. Marindi said the Team North West may have received the overall position 4, but their dedication, passion and resilience on the field was nothing short of amazing.

“These young boys and girls are role models, who inspire other kids to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle within communities and schools they come from.

“The department is proud of the efforts, skills and comradery displayed during the championships. We urge our communities to celebrate their achievements with them as well,” he said.

North West was amongst eight provinces that participated in the National championships.

Meanwhile, the acting Deputy Director General for National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Tebogo Thebehae also expressed his gratitude for the attendance.

“We have a total of 1400 learners from across the country to participate in these games. We have seen great talent displayed, fairness, equality and consistency in scoring.

“Future Olympians are amongst us here in these games who will fly the South African Flag high. I would like to encourage them to work very hard and ensure that they work harder than before with dedication and discipline,” said Thebehae.

He further said the sporting codes such as volleyball, abled and wheelchair basketball, abled and wheelchair tennis, table tennis, rugby, goal ball, soft ball, were in full display. Thebehae added that softball ladies from North West, who made it to the SA squad are Carla Maree and Miela Sittert.

“The softball boys also got a call to play for the national squad namely, Franco Steyn, Thabo Mangati, and Themba Molebatsi. Reotshepile Ditlhake and Olerato Malatsi were selected to join basketball SA U/15 team.

“One boy and one girl from North West, were also selected to join Wheelchair Basketball National team. Provinces standings announced during the 2024 National School Sport Championships closing ceremony were as follows:

8th Position- Northern Cape

7th Position- Eastern Cape

6th Position- Mpumalanga

6th Position- Free State

5th Position- Limpopo

4th Position- North West: 3 bronze, 2 Silvers and 1 Gold. 3rd Position- Western Cape: 5 Bronze,3 Silvers and 2 Gold.

2nd Position- Kwazulu Natal: 1 Bronze, 5 Silvers, 3 Gold. 1st Position- Gauteng Province: 3 Bronze, Silver and 7 Gold.

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Residents call for the revival of Taung Cultural Calabash event

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Picture: Some of residents boycotting Taung Cultural Calabash event

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 November 2024- The residents of Taung call on the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport to restore the Taung Cultural Calabash event to its former glory. The residents were left in awe after the department allegedly announced that, the event that was supposed to take place in November 2024, has been rescheduled to 27 February until 2 March 2025.

Taung Cultural Calabash historically takes place during Heritage Month and is a great opportunity to develop local talent and create a form of income for the surrounding Taung community – which it so desperately needs.

The Chairperson of Re Aga Taung Civic Organisation, Modisaotsile Lebitse said the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport, does not take the people of Taung seriously. Lebitse said the Taung Cultural Calabash event was established back in 1994, as an annual youth-based arts festival and soon found a sponsor in the Transnet Foundation.

“However, it was allegedly marred with corruption, mismanagement of funds, and maladministration. This allegedly forced the country’s transport parastatal, Transnet, to pull the plug. So, as residents of Taung, we demand answers.

“It cannot be normal to see the Taung Cultural Calabash event being reduced to nothing. Last week, we had a consultative engagement meeting with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport representatives, Neo Jobeta and Thabo Mabe,” he said.

Lebitse further said they were told that there will be no Taung Cultural Calabash event this year. He added that they said the event will only take place on 27 February until 2 March 2025.

“So, we are so disappointed and I just wonder why the department is doing this to us. We are all demoralised and most artists did not attend that meeting. We do not even know when the next meeting will be.

“The department does not care and what is disappointing is that Jobeta is one of our own. He comes from Buxton village, in Taung. So, he was supposed to be at the forefront of defending this event,” said Lebitse.

He said: “This happens year in and out. We haven’t had a smooth-running event since 2017. So, we call on the department to get its house in order.

“They also mentioned that they have roped in the new service provider because they were not happy with the service of the previous one.”  

In 2022, the Democratic Alliance (DA), called on the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport, Virginia Tlhapi came clean on alleged tender irregularities surrounding Taung Cultural Calabash.

The then DA North West Spokesperson on Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Winston Rabotapi said the allegations of corruption surrounding the Taung Cultural Calabash festival is concerning. Rabotapi said disgruntled artists, along with some community members, staged a protest outside the Mmabana Taung offices, where they raised serious allegations of tender irregularities implicating the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation and demanded that the event be put on hold.

“The Taung Cultural Calabash will host big names in its line up like Casper Nyovest, Thebe and Douglas Mosadi, but allegations of false advertising on festival flyers and that the event is no longer up to standard have also come to light.

“Taung Cultural Calabash is not the only event marred by allegations of corruption. He said the R55 million Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival scheduled to take place in December also came under scrutiny following allegations of tender irregularities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tlhapi said: “Taung Cultural Calabash event is still on and Mmabana Foundation has conducted auditions across all four districts and there are winners to such. So, all participants will be performing during the event.”

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi monitors NSC examinations

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Picture: North West MEC, Viola Motsumi visits Reabona Secondary School/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi embarked on an oversight visit to monitor examinations in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District through the Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded Service Delivery Program on Friday. Motsumi, who monitored the examinations process at Reabona Secondary School in Maquassi Hills, said her visit was a success.

She further said the monitoring of examinations is aimed at ensuring effective oversight and creating a supportive environment for the 2024 cohort. Motsumi added that, she was accompanied by the North West MEC for Social Development, Susan Djantie, and MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation (ACSR), Galebekwe Tsotso Tlhapi.

“The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to the academic success of the Class of 2024, as well as the strong inter-departmental collaboration within the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), to boost learner morale and provide comprehensive support during this pivotal time.

“During the visit, Dantjie further contributed to learner welfare by distributing sanitary towels to learners at Gontshe Primary School in Maquassi, emphasizing the importance of dignity and uninterrupted access to education for girl learners,” she said.

Motsumi said reflecting on the progress of the examinations and the solidarity demonstrated by the social cluster, expressed her satisfaction. She said she is also encouraged by the commitment and resilience displayed by the Class of 2024, as they navigate this pivotal phase of their educational journey.

“The unwavering support from our sister departments exemplifies the government’s dedication to the well-being and success of our learners. This collaborative effort not only reinforces our shared objectives but also ensures that our learners feel supported every step of the way.

“The Department of Education remains steadfast in its mission to provide quality education and foster an environment where learners can excel. The continued partnership across various government sectors reflects the province’s collective vision for a thriving and empowered generation of young minds,” said Motsumi.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi removes former ANCYL president, Collen Maine as MEC

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and newly-appointed MEC, Virginia Tlhapi/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 October 2024- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has appointed Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Virginia Tlhapi as the new North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation. This comes after the resignation of former ANCYL president, Collen Maine as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC), who was responsible for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.

“I wish to take this opportunity to inform the people of the North West of my decision in terms of Section 132 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic to effect changes in the composition of the Provincial Executive Council by appointing Tlhapi in the same department.

“I wish to take this opportunity to thank Maine for his contribution during his tenure as MEC. Let me also congratulate the new MEC as she officially assumes this responsibility with effect from 1 October 2024,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mokgosi’s changes come after he was instructed by the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) to remove a male MEC and replace him with a female MEC to address gender disparity.

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Maine hand over a new library to Mmatau community   

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Picture: North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation(ACSR), Collen Maine along delegates, officially opening a library in Mmatau/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR), Collen Maine said the library is a critical resource that will transform and strengthen the lives of the people. Maine, who officially opened a new modular community library in Mmatau on 19 August 2024, urged community members to take care of the facility.

He further said this is for the benefit of the community. Maine added that the Mmatau Community Library was built at a cost of R3 million, and the facility is fenced and has protection guards.

“The library features a reception area, a section for children – with furniture and toys aligned to the needs of the children that will be using the library. This also includes a computer section with five computers and one reserved for the visually impaired, WIFI, and R1.2 million-worth of furniture.

“We plead with the community to take care of the facility.  I trust and urge the community of Bakwena ba ga Modisana to protect the library and not allow any person or group of people to express their frustrations on this library by burning and vandalizing it,” he said.

Maine said although they understand that there may at times be service delivery challenges, they believe there are better ways of expressing dissatisfaction – and vandalising facilities is not one of them.

“The library is well-equipped with technology to help you access the internet, which you can use to access opportunities for research, searching for job opportunities and academic development. We urge you to use WIFI sparingly for educational and research purposes only. I now leave the responsibility to protect this library, the books, computers, and everything with the community of Mmatau.

“As government, we have made a promise and delivered. Now, it is your responsibility to take care of this beautiful library. This facility is going to play a crucial role in producing future leaders,” he said.

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Maine engages SAFA in quest to bring back sports activities in North West

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Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Collen Maine with SAFA delegation/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Collen Maine said they had a fruitful session with South African Football Association (SAFA) president, Dr Danny Jordaan at SAFA House in Nasrec, Johannesburg. Maine said he engaged SAFA to consider North West amongst provinces that have the capacity and willingness to host both national and international games.

He further said the province has not hosted in while, which presupposes that there is under utilisation of the stadiums in the North West. Maine added that this is adversely affecting the development of sports, as well as tourism in the province.

“We pleaded with Jordaan that it is crucial for SAFA to consider hosting games in our province because that will give the people of North West a civic pride, and that will also facilitate improvement in the development of the province with regard to infrastructure, growth in investment and tourism.

“We both also placed heavy emphasis on the school sport programme, because under 15 and 19 academies are recruited from inter-school sport competition games. The province will be hosting a Premier Cup soon, which is a culmination of Mayoral Cup tournaments into final provincial cup games,” he said.

Maine said North West has talent and they plead with the confederation to come to the province to scout talent. He said they appreciate the opportunity to meet with SAFA and they are looking forward to further discussions around hosting agreements, and to is leave the legacy for the people of North West.

Meanwhile, Jordaan made a commitment to Maine that Royal Bafokeng and Olympia Stadiums amongst others, will be considered to host in the upcoming national and international matches.

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A woman nabbed for fraud and forgery 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

A man (35) was arrested for fraud, forgery and uttering. Bofelo Keatleretse Ngwenya, who was arrested earlier today by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, briefing appeared in the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court on 9 July 2024. Ngwenya’s arrest follows a probe into her alleged involvement in fraudulent activities when she had a contract with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation to provide car rental services for the department.

The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that she allegedly entered into a contract with the department to transport its employees to various destinations for official duties. Mathebula further said Ngwenya was expected to provide these services from 1 until 9 October 2022, for an amount of over R74 000. 

“Investigation revealed that the accused submitted invoices bearing the logo of a different car rental company, instead of her own. It was further revealed that the submitted invoices were of a VW Polo, instead of a Hyundai H1, which she had offered to the department. 

“Following an investigation, the accused was charged with fraud, forgery and uttering. She was released on warning and her case was postponed to 15 July 2024,” he said.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi to lead Provincial Youth Commemoration

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, accompanied by the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Collen Maine, and members of the Executive Council, will lead the Provincial Youth Day Commemoration to conclude Youth Month activities in the province.

The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said Mokgosi recently maintained that the creation of socio-economic opportunities for youth will top the agenda of the 7th administration.

“This will among others be done through the roll-out of the Labour Activation Programme, which will be coordinated by the Office of the Premier, in partnership with Department of Labour and Employment, business, employer organisations and other social partners.

“The programme is expected to create over 30 000 work opportunities for young people. Following his address, Mokgosi will officially open the Redirile Community Library,” he said.

Setswambung said some of the services available at the library includes internet connection, collection of various categories of books for youth and adults, as well as a section of the library for visually impaired persons such as Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA).

He further said the provincial government departments will be onsite to render services to members of the public in an effort to promote a one stop shop for government information and services.

Setswambung added that the Provincial Youth Commemoration will be held Redirile Sports Ground in Derby on Saturday, at 8am.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi appoints new MECs   

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Picture: The newly-elected North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi announces his new cabinet 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The newly-elected North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has announced his Members of the Executive Council (MECs). Mokgosi has appointed Madoda Sabatha as the North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, former ANCYL president, Collen Maine as North West MEC for Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, ANCYL provincial chairperson, Wessels Morweng as North West MEC for Department of Community Safety and Transport Management. 

“I have appointed Oageng Molapisi as North West MEC for Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, former Kagisano-Molopo mayor, Bitsa Lenkopane as North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, while Viola Motsumi will remain North West MEC for Education. 

“Kenetswe Mosenogi has been appointed as North West MEC for Provincial Treasury, Sello Lehari as North West MEC for Department of Health. Elizabeth Mokua as North West MEC for Department of Public Works and Roads, while former Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature, Sussana Dantjie has been appointed as the North West MEC for Social Development,” he said. 

Mokgosi further said the 7th administration is a culmination of wider consultations within and outside the government. He added that this decision represents a dynamic interface between the exercise of the Premier’s constitutional prerogative in terms of Section 132 (2) of the Constitution and the established democratic practice of consultation with the leadership of the province, national and the alliance.

“I am confident that the Executive Council of the 7th administration is made up of men and women of high ethical standards, who are committed to serve the people and understand the implications of the oath of office they are to take before assuming their official duties.

The composition of the Executive Council affirms our commitment to assert gender equality and representation. 

“It is a collective of institutional memory, fresh talents and skills required to accelerate service delivery and build on the foundation of the sixth administration. The Executive Council is enjoined by the Constitution to work as a unit under the leadership of the Premier and to be collectively and individually accountable to the Legislature for the

exercise of their powers and performance of their functions,” said Mokgosi.

He said EXCO is ultimately accountable to the people of the North West, whose power of the vote is the foundation of our existence. Mokgosi said they dare not disappoint them.

“By powers vested in me in terms of Section 132 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, I hereby appoint the following Members of the Executive Council to lead the 7th administration. 

“I congratulate all newly appointed MECs and wish to remind them all that we have been given the last available opportunity by the people of the North West to work for them and not ourselves nor our families and friends,” he said. 

Mokgosi said the people in the province expect that they act with integrity in the conduct of their duties and carry themselves with dignity in both our social and official conduct. 

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R745m set aside for road projects in Maquassi Hills 

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Picture: The road construction project underway/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Molapisi, who was accompanied by the North West MEC for Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Keneetswe Mosenogi and the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality mayor, Mzwandile Feliti, introduced consultants and contractors for road projects at Lebaleng Community Hall in Makwassie, near Wolmaransstad.

During the official announcement, Molapisi made a stern commitment for job opportunities for the local community. He further said the three road projects earmarked for Maquassi Hills, go a long way in the development of quality road infrastructure and service delivery.

“The department has planned the upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road D1954 (design) in Boskuil. Do the rehabilitation and reseal of Road P13/4 at Wolmaransstad and re-graveling and culverts installation of Road D155 from Kameelboom to Kareepan.

“The portion of Road P13/4 is a key route that connects the North West Province and Free State Province, living up to our commitment of connecting communities and enabling economic activity,” he said.

Molapisis further said his department has appointed Tau Pele Construction (PTY) LTD, for the rehabilitation and reseal of P13/4, Thobile M. Building Construction for re-graveling and culverts installation of Road D155 from Kameelboom to Kareepan. He added that, NEP Consulting Engineers (PTY) LTD has been appointed for upgrading to the surface standard of D1955 in Boskuil.  

“These road projects will be constructed at an approximate amount of R745 million. Through these projects, we intend to empower our people by creating more than 200 job opportunities and 30% sub-contracting. 

“We urge our people to take full advantage of these opportunities because as a government we want our people to benefit and for their businesses to grow as well” he said.

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