Tag Archives: Culture

Plans in place to preserve indigenous languages  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 January 2025- Section 6 (2) of the constitution mandates the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation to put mechanisms in place to develop previously marginalized languages (Act 108 of 1996). The use of the official language Act, Act No. 12 of 2012 gives effect to the implementation of language policies, structures, and plans.

The Pan South African Language Board Act (Act 59 of 1995) provides for the promotion of multilingualism. North West Provincial Languages Act 1 of 2015, determines the provincial official languages of Bokone Bophirima regulates and provides for the languages by all organs of the state.

The department said it promotes multilingualism, redresses past linguistic imbalances, and develops the previously marginalized languages by facilitating equitable access to government services, knowledge, and information. It says it will continue to elevate the status and advance the use of South African Sign Language in the province.

“Encouraging the learning and use of other official Indigenous languages to promote national unity and linguistic and cultural diversity. Facilitate the formulation and implementation of provincial language policy and internal language policy of the Arts, Culture, Sport, and Recreation department. “Liaise with and advise various government departments, municipal authorities, and public entities on the equitable use of official languages in the province. Conduct advocacy campaigns on the promotion of multilingualism.”

The department said it also facilitates the establishment of the North West Provincial Language Council. It said this includes facilitating measures for the development of indigenous languages.

“Facilitate the establishment of language units in all government departments. Ensure that people receive information in the language of their choice by translating and editing documents from the source language to the targeted languages used in the province.

“Identify and coin terminology for various fields where there is a lack of terminology. Development and promotion of indigenous literature. Develop awareness programmes on South African Sign Language,” it said.

The department said it will continue to facilitate the development of systems to ensure access to information by deaf people. It said it liaises with stakeholders in terms of promotion and development of South African Sign Language.

“Facilitate the expansion of pool SASL literate employees in all government departments and municipalities. To provide SASL interpreting services, develop emerging interpreters and raise awareness about South African Sign Language interpreters.

“To advise the MEC on any language related matter in the province. Monitor the implementation of the use of official language act 12 of 2012 (UOLA) and the North West Provincial Languages Act of 2015 (NWPLA).”

Meanwhile, the department said the North West Publishing House preserves and promotes indigenous literary heritage. This includes encouraging a culture of reading and writing in all communities.

“To encourage publications of books from a broad variety of subjects in Indigenous languages. To promote the rights of and prevent the exploitation of emerging writers.

“To assist writers to become self-sustainable in marketing and selling their books and to implement skills development programs for the writers.”

The department is working with strategic partners such as Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and its structure. This includes North West Institute of Higher Learning, Provincial Legislature (Hansard Section), municipalities, all government departments, library and archive services, language activists across the province, community based organisations, deaf communities, deaf organisations, dead federation of south Africa (DeafSA) North West, South African National Deaf Association (SANDA) North West, Heritage and Museum Services, North West Communities and publishers.

South African Sign Language (SASL)

South African Sign Language is a language in its own right. It has its own grammatical structures, SASL can be used in every setting and represents cultural identity by deaf people.

Finger spelling

Alphabet chart aims to use a one-handed alphabet method of spelling words using hand movements. Deaf awareness and equitable treatment of South African Sign Language) SASL.

Aims to create awareness among deaf culture. Deafness, status of SASL, SASL, interpreting service. Deaf education and deaf rights. It also fosters parents of deaf children to learn SASL in order to be able to communicate with their deaf children. Language service: (018) 388-2822/25/28/3067

Fraud or corruption hotline number is 0800 701701

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Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival to be bigger and better in 2025

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Picture: The revellers at Mahika Mahikeng event/Supplied   

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 December 2024- The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation said it appreciates everyone for their support during the 8th edition of Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. The department said it would like to express its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the patrons of Mahika Mahikeng, who have shown their loyalty to the brand.

The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said the support from stakeholders and partners during the 2024 edition of Mahika Mahikeng, is highly appreciated. Tlhapi said the four-day event went according to their plans at various venues and was well supported.

“The support we received was undoubtedly indicative of the love for this art and culture music festival. Also, the North West Department of Economic, Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), commissioned the broader socio-economic impact of the festival, including the national department of Sports, Arts and Culture.

“Comparatively from the previous years, we are confident that the event has benefited Mahikeng business, including the SMME. Our local artists who participated in the festival continued an upward trajectory and were happy to share the stage and rub shoulders with legends in the music industry,” she said.

Tlhapi further said this year’s edition did not feature international artists, but attracted revellers from neighbouring countries. She added that they always believe that there’s ‘room for improvement’ and appreciation, comments, advice and constructive criticisms.

“The event is for the people and without them, it cannot be done better. The department committed that the 9th edition of Mahika Mahikeng will be bigger and better with surprises here and there.

“Notably, our law enforcement from SAPS and traffic officers, did a sterling work during the event in ensuring that every person is free and safe.

“We value the support and wish to thank everyone who participated and contributed towards the success of the event. Till we meet again at the 9th edition of Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music festival in December 2025” said Tlhapi.

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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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