Tag Archives: however

Implementation of MTbBE in North West hit a snag 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

5 February 2025- The implementation of Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education (MTbBE) pilot programme for Grade 4 across North West was supposed to be smooth sailing, however, it seems there are still more challenges to be addressed. According to some of the principals across various schools in the province, the programme has been marred with challenges. 

One of the principals said: “We understand that the North West Department of Education wants to bring changes into the sector, however, I believe this was premature. The educators who were supposed to teach learners in various official languages, especially Setswana, are yet to be given necessary training. 

“We have not yet received text books in indigenous languages for various subjects such as Mathematics, Life Skills, Natural Science and Technology. It was suicidal for the department to roll-out the programme without concept development, advocacy and proper translation.” 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said, the department, through its Transformation Programme Branch, has put together a MTbBE programme to transform the landscape of education from the General Education and Training (GET) to the Further Education and Training (FET) bands. Molokwane said the department is implementing MTbBE in 650 schools out of 1131. 

“Advocacies were done in 2024, in all districts and participants were subject advisors, principals and teachers who are expected to teach NSTECH and Mathematics Grade 4 in 2025. 

“All relevant documents provided to districts for dispatch to schools such as electronic copies of both NSTECH and Mathematics ATP, Worksheets and workbooks,” he said. 

Molokwane further said there is a plan to train the concerned teachers on teaching the said subjects in African languages and the course is ETDP SETA compliant. He added that the teachers are excited to implement as they indicate that it is going to improve learner performance.

“Learners perform better when taught in their mother tongue even systemic evaluation and research proves that. Learners also receive it in good spirit as it will be a continuation of what they did in the foundation phase. 

“It is just a continuation of the language already used. Various schools that are part of the pilot project have enough support. They were all taken through during the advocacies conducted and Professional Support Forums conducted. Teachers are provided with relevant documentation and there was a meet and greet interaction session conducted on 28 January 2025,” said Molokwane.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

South African Weather Service’ ICT systems ‘hacked’

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

27 January 2025- The South African Weather Service (SAWS) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems allegedly went down on the evening of Sunday, 26 January 2025, following a security breach by criminal elements. According to SAWS, aspects of critical services including aviation and marine have been interrupted.

SAWS spokesperson, Oupa Segalwe said in addition, the SAWS’ email system and website, which is the hub of critical weather information, have been affected. Segalwe said, however, alternative ways of disseminating important information such as the weather forecasts have been put in place.

“The SAWS’ ICT service providers have been on site since the attack not only to investigate the breach, but also to explore both interim and long-term ways of restoring the collapsed systems and eventually services.

“In the interim, the public is advised to rely on the SAWS’ social media platforms for weather information. The SAWS is in the process of reporting the criminal act to relevant authorities,” he said.

Segalwe further said the attack was the second in the space of two days after the initial attempt on the evening of Saturday, 25 January 2025 failed.

taungdilynews@gmail.com

Motsumi: “It is not over until we win”

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 January 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said unlike the preceding years, her department was confronted with many internal and external challenges, which had the potential to sway it off the rails. Motsumi said, however, against all odds, driven by their unshaken beliefs in serving the best interest of the child and in advancing the boundless potential of the learners, they weathered every storm and soldiered on.

She further said finally, they have successfully reached their destination and that moment of eagerly awaiting the release of the 2024 NSC results is over. Motsumi added that the Class of 2024 holds a special historic significance as a transitional Grade 12 cohort that she led from the then 6th administration to the current 7th administration.

“For 2024, a total of 40 575 candidates sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. For the record, an overwhelming majority of the candidates that made up the Class of 2024 enrolled for Grade 1 in 2013.

“Technically, their results, for which we are gathered here to celebrate, are the first for the 7th administration, which took over the government in June 2024. I am thrilled to announce that the Class of 2024 obtained a spectacular pass rate of 87,52% and position 4 nationally,” she said.

Motsumi said this ground-breaking achievement represents an increase of 5,89% from 81,63% by 2023. She said the NSC pass rate by that margin and retaining position 4 is no mean feat, taking into account the tightness of the competition among the nine provinces for at least a top 3 spot, which they missed by a percentage point.

“It is not mere rhetoric when we say that for us, the game is never over until we win. We are determined to do everything in our power to reach the top three of the national NSC Examination results league table.

“Nonetheless, this accomplishment of 87,52% matric pass rate is not only a source of pride for the province. It also indicates that the department has out-done itself as it is above the 2024/25 APP target of 87% matric pass rate,” said Motsumi.

She said besides being unprecedented in the history of the province, at least in the last five years, it is a quantum leap that needs to be sustained. Motsumi said it is important to remember that the 2024 provincial matric pass rate is not the only significant figure in their records, but it is a robust sign of progress registered by the maturing provincial education system.

“Needless to say, this achievement was not a coincidence and it did not happen overnight. It is a product of years of hard work, the power of collective effort, shared vision, numerous interventions and dedication, with a firm desire for quality over quantity.

“To confirm this, the quality of our passes has also improved dramatically. To start with, the Class of 2024 obtained a total of 7 901 distinctions in various subjects, excluding Life Orientation, compared to 7067 in the previous year. The number of candidates who passed with admission to Bachelor Studies has increased to 18 279 (45,05%) from 15 059 (36,36%) of the Class of 2023,” she said.

Motsumi said the admission to Diploma Studies has also improved to 11 455 (28,23%) compared to 11 646 (28,12%) of 2023, and to further demonstrate their sharp appetite for quality over quantity. She said the number of those who passed with Higher Certificate has dropped to 5 777 (14,2%) against 7 089 (17,11%) of 2023.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Makhadzi pulled a ‘no show’ in Makwassie due non-payment

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: South African singer, Makhadzi/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

27 December 2024- South African singer, Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, who is affectionately known as Makhadzi, came out guns blazing and squashed the allegations that, she failed to pitch up for a scheduled event at Kwas London Annual Fun Game and Music Festival in Makwassie, near Wolmaranstad in North West on 26 December 2024.

According to allegations, Makhadzi was booked to perform at the event held at Makwassie Stadium, however, she pulled a ‘no show’. This led to aggrieved patrons setting the stage and sound equipment worth R3 million ablaze in confrontation.    

The police in Makwassie have since launched a manhunt following the malicious damage to property incidents that occurred at approximately 05:15am on 27 December 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the investigations into the incident are underway and no arrest has been effected.

“The police request anyone who may have information that can assist in the investigation to contact the Station Commander of Makwassie, Capt Bereng Hlasa, on 082 575 8377 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.

Meanwhile, Makhadzi said in a statement: “We are pleased to announce that Makhadzi was scheduled to perform at the Kwas London Annual Fun Game and Music Festival in Makwassie. The promoter, Ishmael, reached out to us for this engagement, and we agreed on a fee of R180 000.

“On 19 November 2024, a contract was provided to the promoter, which specified that a 50% deposit must be received prior to any promotional activities on social media. Additionally, the full payment was required 14 days before the event.”

She further said following this agreement, a deposit was received along with R3000 for promotional video. Makhadzi added that, unfortunately, the promoter did not reach the agreement as per contract by failing to pay the balance within 14 days’ period.

“Please note that Makhadzi and her travelling team are informed of events only after all payments have been confirmed in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in the contract.

“So, we did not receive the balance within 14 days’ period. We sincerely apologise to our dedicated fans in Makwassie. We are looking forward to seeing you soon,” said Makhadzi.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘As a nation, we can pursue a common purpose’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: DA leader, John Steenhuisen

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 December 2024- The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said as the country spend the 16th of December celebrating the National Day of Reconciliation, they are reminded of the injustices that have scarred South Africa’s history and the profound impact these injustices have had on the nation.

Steenhuisen said, however, reconciliation is not about forgetting the past or pretending it did not happen but about acknowledging it, while celebrating the progress made as a country. He further said Reconciliation Day is about how South Africans are no longer strangers to each other, but patriots who are committed to building a brighter tomorrow on lessons learned.

“This year, the formation of a Government of National Unity has brought fresh optimism. This national government, encompassing diverse ideologies, beliefs, visions, and values, reflects a significant step towards shaping a new national story of shared aspirations.

“On this day, let us embrace this renewed sense of hope and dedicate ourselves to building cohesion and unity for inclusive economic growth and jobs, the keys to unlocking the opportunities that can lift up our entire country,” said Steenhuisen.

He said to those who say they no longer have the courage, hope, or largeness of spirit to rekindle the reconciliation that inspired this country 30 years ago, he said they will prove them wrong.

Steenhuisen said his call to all South Africans is simple: “Greet your neighbours. Wish them a blessed day and ask them about their hopes for South Africa. Seek moments of human connection, moments of proudly South African reconciliation.

“So, on behalf of the Democratic Alliance, I wish all South Africans a truly blessed Reconciliation Day.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A caretaker at Christiana School for the Blind who is facing a rape case back in court for bail application

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Christiana School for the Blind

By OBAKENG MAJE

27 November 2024- A rape case against a caretaker at Christiana School for the Blind, Mothelesi Tau (38), will resume today at Christiana Magistrate’s Court for legal representation. Tau is accused of raping a Grade 8 learner (18) at the school premises.

According to the highly-placed source at the school, this is not the first incident allegedly being reported against Tau. It is alleged that, however, the school management of the school swept other incidents under the carpet to protect him.

“Truly speaking, a lot is happening at the school. I think this is the third rape incident that took place at the school. Other incidents were swept under the carpet because they were protecting each other. I do not think Tau was the only one doing this.

“What is surprising is that, when Tau was on duty, used condoms were found. There are allegations that he also engaged in sexual activities with boys too. At some point he allegedly attempted to rape a member of School Governing Body (SGB), but nothing was done about it,” our source said. 

It is alleged that the affected learner is now under reprisal from the school principal for reporting the incident.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “A rape case was opened against Tau on 18 November 2024. According to our records, this is the first incident reported at the school.”

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said they acknowledge the serious allegations pertaining to the reported rape case at Christiana School for the Blind. Molokwane said they unequivocally condemn this incident and wish to reassure the community that justice will be vigorously pursued.

“The case was reported by a Grade 8 learner, who informed both a teacher and the principal of the incident. Following this report, a formal case was initiated and registered with the Christiana SAPS.

“In response to the allegations, the individual identified as a general worker was arrested on the same day. To uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the department has recommended the precautionary suspension of the individual, pending the outcomes of the disciplinary processes,” he said.

Molokwane further said their primary concern is the safety and well-being of all learners. He added that they are committed to providing support to the affected learner, while ensuring a comprehensive investigation.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Christiana School for the Blind caretaker who is accused of raping a learner remanded in custody   

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The rape accused, Mothelesi Tau/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

26 November 2024- A rape case against a caretaker at Christiana School for the Blind, has been postponed until 27 November 2024, for legal representation. Mothelesi Tau (38), is accused of raping a Grade 8 learner (18) at the school premises.

According to the highly-placed source at the school, this is not the first incident allegedly being reported against Tau. It is alleged that, however, the school management of the school swept other incidents under the carpet to protect him.

“Truly speaking, a lot is happening at the school. I think this is the third rape incident that took place at the school. Other incidents were swept under the carpet because they were protecting each other. I do not think Tau was the only one doing this.

“What is surprising is that, when Tau was on duty, used condoms were found. There are allegations that he also engaged in sexual activities with boys too. At some point he allegedly attempted to rape a member of School Governing Body (SGB), but nothing was done about it,” our source said.  

It is alleged that the affected learner is now under reprisal from the school principal for reporting the incident.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “A rape case was opened against Tau on 18 November 2024. According to our records, this is the first incident reported at the school.”

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said they acknowledge the serious allegations pertaining to the reported rape case at Christiana School for the Blind. Molokwane said they unequivocally condemn this incident and wish to reassure the community that justice will be vigorously pursued.

“The case was reported by a Grade 8 learner, who informed both a teacher and the principal of the incident. Following this report, a formal case was initiated and registered with the Christiana SAPS.

“In response to the allegations, the individual identified as a general worker was arrested on the same day. To uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the department has recommended the precautionary suspension of the individual, pending the outcomes of the disciplinary processes,” he said.

Molokwane further said their primary concern is the safety and well-being of all learners. He added that they are committed to providing support to the affected learner, while ensuring a comprehensive investigation.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Christiana School for the Blind caretaker in court for allegedly raping a learner

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The rape accused, Mothelesi Tau/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 November 2024- A man (38) who allegedly raped a Grade 8 learner at Christiana School for the Blind, is set to appear in court today. It is alleged that, Mothelesi Tau, who is working as caretaker at the school, raped a female learner in the office at the administration block.

According to our highly-placed source at the school, this is not the first incident allegedly being reported against Tau. Our source alleged that, however, the school management of the school swept other incidents under the carpet to protect him.

“Truly speaking, a lot is happening at the school. I think this is the third rape incident that took place at the school. Other incidents were swept under the carpet because they were protecting each other. I do not think Tau was the only one doing this.

“What is surprising is that, when Tau was on duty, used condoms were found. There are allegations that he also engaged in sexual activities with boys too. At some point he allegedly attempted to rape a member of School Governing Body (SGB), but nothing was done about it,” our source said.   

It is alleged that the affected learner is now under reprisal from the school principal for reporting the incident.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “A rape case was opened against Tau on 18 November 2024. According to our records, this is the first incident reported at the school.”

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said they acknowledge the serious allegations pertaining to the reported rape case at Christiana School for the Blind. Molokwane said they unequivocally condemn this incident and wish to reassure the community that justice will be vigorously pursued.

“The case was reported by a Grade 8 learner, who informed both a teacher and the principal of the incident. Following this report, a formal case was initiated and registered with the Christiana SAPS.

“In response to the allegations, the individual identified as a general worker was arrested on the same day. To uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the department has recommended the precautionary suspension of the individual, pending the outcomes of the disciplinary processes,” he said.

Molokwane further said their primary concern is the safety and well-being of all learners. He added that they are committed to providing support to the affected learner, while ensuring a comprehensive investigation.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Portfolio Committee unable to act on Thabo Bester’s escape report

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 October 2024– The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services received a legal opinion on the Public Protector’s (PP) report on the escape of Thabo Bester from Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC). The committee is unable to act on the report due to pending legal action.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said, however, it has indicated its consideration of continuing with the hearing of the escape of Bester matter that was started by the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services of the 6th Parliament.

Ramolobeng said the committee requested Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Services Office to advise it on how to process the report of the PP on the “Investigation into allegations of improper conduct by the functionaries of the Department of Correctional Services relating to the escape of Bester from MCC and allegations of undue delay and/or omission by the Former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services to Intervene regarding the incident.

“The committee heard that this request for the legal opinion is made in light of a pending litigation between the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and G4S, a security company subcontracted by Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (Pty) LTD to run the Mangaung Correctional Centre.

“The PP’s remedial action includes that the Minister of Correctional Services must take note of the findings of improper conduct against the DCS functionaries as highlighted in the Report, in connection with the allegation that there was undue delay by implicated officials of the DCS,” she said.

Ramolobeng further said the National Commissioner of Correctional Services must within 90 calendar days from the date of receipt of the report, develop an appropriate DCS’ Escape Prevention Strategy and Guidelines for the Mangaung Correctional Centre facility indicating monitoring mechanisms, proper systems to be put in place directing how the functionaries of the DCS and Contractors must effectively prevent and manage escapes of inmates within MCC including all other correctional facilities.

She added that the Commissioner must within 120 days from the date of receipt of the report ensure that the DCS has a documented guideline, which communicates how Anonymous Anti-Corruption Reports from the centralised Office of the Public Service Commission’s Hotline and other sources will be attended to by DCS in line with the purpose and the objects of the Protected Disclosures Act, 2000 and other relevant prescripts.

Ramolobeng said in relation to the Speaker, the PP directed that the Speaker must within 30) days of receipt of the report bring to the attention of the Chairperson of the Committee to take cognisance thereof.

“The committee largely agrees with the legal opinion that its overarching constitutional mandate is to ensure accountability and exercise of oversight functions over the DCS, and the court case does not prohibit the committee from fulfilling that constitutional mandate.

“The committee further resolved to write to the Speaker to request permission to gather all the information and documents gathered by the research team during the two-day hearing held last year by the 6th Parliament on the matter,” said Ramolobeng.

She said they will then get an idea of whether the information requested then was supplied. Ramolobeng said they did receive all the documentation.

“That two-day inquiry was raised in the meeting, and some feel we must continue with it from where the 6th Parliament ended off. We need to then decide what aspects we look at in order not to repeat the work done.

“The committee also took a decision to call the DSC to account and she indicated progress on the remedial action. We must ensure that the department complies with the remedial actions,” said Ramolobeng.

She said they want timelines of what was submitted already to the PP and what is still outstanding. Ramolobeng said most importantly, they want to know why they delayed in reporting the escape as highlighted by the PP.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

 

‘Portfolio Committee has not received any report on Thabo Bester’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester

By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 October 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services said it has noted media reports about the Public Protector’s report on Thabo Bester, however, it has not been briefed about the report or such a report being referred to by the National Assembly (NA).

According to the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Kgomotso Ramolobeng said the committee is aware about the matter of Bester that was reported to the committee of the 6th parliament. Ramolobeng said the 7th parliamentary committee has not been briefed about the Bester matter and nor was anything referred to the committee on the matter.

“We are just noting media reports about the Public Protector’s report at the moment and requests from media houses for interviews on the committee’s views on the report.

“Unfortunately, as the committee has not been briefed about the report, we have no opinion or views on it. We emphasise the commitment of the committee on its oversight role on the portfolio it oversees, that includes the Department of Correctional Services and its entities,” she said.

Ramolobeng said that is what they can say at the moment.

taungdailynews@gmail.com